14 Years & 19 Meds: Why Laura Delano Stopped Psychiatric Drugs & Went "Unshrunk" – Ask Dr. Drew

“The more I suffered, the more medical treatments I was convinced I needed, but the more treatments I received, the more I suffered," writes Laura Delano, author of the memoir UNSHRUNK. ••「 LINKS & SOURCES」•• At 14, Laura Delano was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Despite academic and athletic success, she struggled with rage and despair. Over 14 years, she received multiple diagnoses and 19 medications. But her condition worsened and was deemed "treatment resistant." Delano chose to stop medications, challenging psychiatric norms and exploring an unmedicated life, and details the results and her critique of the mental health and pharmaceutical industries in her memoir Unshrunk.

Laura Delano is the author of UnshrunkA Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance, a writer, speaker, and consultant. She founded Inner Compass Initiative, a nonprofit helping people navigate psychiatric diagnoses, drugs, and withdrawal. A leading voice in the movement away from medicalized mental health, she supports individuals and families globally with the withdrawal journey and life postpsychiatry. More at and

Autumn Smith is the cofounder of Paleovalley, a company focused on nutrientdense foods. She advocates for rethinking meat consumption and promotes the benefits of bone broth and tallow through Paleovalley’s offerings. More at and

「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at

• ACTIVE SKIN REPAIR Repair skin faster with more of the molecule your body creates naturally! Hypochlorous (HOCl) is produced by white blood cells to support healing and no sting. Get 20% off at

• PALEOVALLEY "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. Get 15% off your first order at

• FATTY15 The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against agerelated breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90day Starter Kit Subscription at

• THE WELLNESS COMPANY Be prepared for the next crisis with a Medical Emergency Kit. Learn more at

「 GEAR PARTNERS 」 • NANLITE Lights • BLUE Microphones • ELGATO Controllers

「 AFFILIATES 」 Some of the links from this show are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission from qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on medical issues. This show is for entertainment or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before making health decisions.

「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation () and Susan Pinsky ().

「 ABOUT DR. DREW 」 Dr. Drew is a boardcertified physician with over 35 years of national radio shows, NYT bestselling books, and countless TV shows bearing his name. He's known for Celebrity Rehab (VH1), Teen Mom OG (MTV), The Masked Singer (FOX), multiple hit podcasts, and the iconic Loveline radio show. Dr. Drew Pinsky received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and his M.D. from the University of Southern California, School of Medicine. Read more at