Psychiatric Drug Risks: CCHR's 50-Year Fight Reshapes National Health Policy

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) and President Jan Eastgate are witnessing significant vindication for their nearly 50-year fight against psychiatric drug harms. Recent policy shifts, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push for antidepressant deprescribing and the American Psychiatric Association's focus on tapering, now align with CCHR's long-standing warnings. This escalating national debate highlights the urgent need for safer withdrawal protocols and genuine informed consent.

CCHR's persistent advocacy has driven vital reforms. Achievements include securing 2007 FDA amendments for direct Adverse Drug Reaction reporting and campaigning for 2004 FDA black box warnings on suicide risk for children and adolescents. They also helped pass the 2004 Prohibition on Mandatory Medication Amendment, protecting parental rights. Eastgate's commitment stems from her personal harrowing experience with misdiagnosis, severe iatrogenic effects from psychiatric drugs, and painful withdrawal.

Beyond regulatory changes, CCHR documented how psychiatric drugs contribute to violence via emotional numbing and akathisia, influencing media and reports. With mainstream discussions now echoing CCHR's warnings, Eastgate champions widespread access to safe withdrawal programs and non-drug alternatives. Founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Dr. Thomas Szasz, CCHR continues its crucial advocacy for human rights in mental health.