Reject RFK Jr.’s Misinformation on Antidepressants

I am writing to strongly oppose the dangerous and unfounded claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding antidepressants and school shootings. His statements are not supported by science and spread harmful misinformation that could deter people from seeking life-saving mental health treatment. There is no credible evidence linking antidepressants to mass shootings. Extensive research, including studies published in Molecular Psychiatry and other peer-reviewed journals, has found no causal connection between SSRIs and violent behavior. In fact, antidepressants have been shown to reduce suicide rates and help millions of Americans manage depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health conditions. Kennedy’s rhetoric not only misrepresents the science but also stigmatizes those who rely on these medications. His claims could discourage people from getting the help they need, leading to more untreated mental illness, not less violence. The real issue behind mass shootings is easy access to firearms, not antidepressants. Studies, including analyses from the Columbia Mass Murder Database, confirm that severe mental illness is not a common factor in mass shootings—but access to guns is. Spreading falsehoods about mental health treatments is not just irresponsible; it’s dangerous. I urge you to reject Kennedy’s baseless claims and ensure that policy decisions remain guided by scientific evidence, not misinformation. The focus should be on expanding access to mental health care, not demonizing treatments that help millions of Americans live healthier lives.