Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring on SSRI Violence + NewsNation's Leland Vittert Tackles Autism – Ask Dr. Drew

Is the mental health crisis fueled by drugs meant to fix it? Despite a 450% surge in antidepressant use, mental health outcomes are worsening especially among young adults. Dr. Josef WittDoerring, a psychiatrist and expert on drugtapering, warns SSRIs may be linked to rising violence. ••「 LINKS & SOURCES」•• Dr. WittDoerring points to FDA corruption and psychiatry’s focus on quickfix prescriptions over rootcause care, like nutrition and trauma support. He critiques lifelong drug reliance and severe withdrawal effects, pushing for reforms including better informed consent and integrating life skills into treatment to address the spiraling crisis.

Leland Vittert is host of On Balance with Leland Vittert and NewsNation’s chief Washington anchor. When Leland was diagnosed with autism, his father quit his job to coach him fulltime in social skills and humor. Later, Leland became a foreign correspondent and anchor at Fox News before getting his own show on NewsNation. He tells his story in the book "Born LuckyA Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism" (2024). Learn more at and

Dr. Josef WittDoerring is a boardcertified psychiatrist and former FDA medical officer. As Medical Director of TaperClinic, he specializes in safe deprescription of psychiatric medications and recovery from psychiatric drug injury. He previously worked for Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson) and the FDA. Follow at

NOTE: Suddenly stopping mental health medications may cause dangerous side effects or withdrawals. Only start or stop these medications under the direction of your physician.

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「 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