It’s been nearly 20 years since Tom Cruise’s infamous interview on The Today Show, where he fiercely criticized the use of antidepressants and called psychiatry a “pseudoscience.”
At the time, many dismissed Cruise as an eccentric Hollywood figure, ridiculing his controversial stance.
However, in 2025, with mental health issues on the rise, his comments are beginning to be viewed in a new light.
Rising Depression Rates and Growing Antidepressant Use in the U.S.
New data from the CDC paints a concerning picture of mental health in the U.S.
In 2023, nearly 18 percent of Americans were diagnosed with depression, a sharp increase from just 5.4 percent in 2005, the year Cruise made his public outburst.
Meanwhile, antidepressant prescriptions have become more common, with 11 percent of Americans taking them.
Although the overall rate of antidepressant use has slightly decreased in recent years, the number of young adults taking these medications has surged by 35 percent from 2018 to 2023.
This stark rise in depression rates and medication use appears to support some of Cruise’s long-standing concerns about the over-prescription of psychiatric drugs, especially among young people.
The actor warned in 2005 about what he saw as the influence of pharmaceutical companies and the quick-fix mentality being sold to vulnerable youth.
Cruise’s Criticism of Antidepressants and Psychiatry
Cruise’s 2005 Today Show interview has resurfaced online, sparking renewed attention.
In the interview, Cruise claimed that antidepressants simply “mask the problem” and do not address the root causes of mental health issues.
He also challenged the popular belief in the “chemical imbalance” theory, which suggests that mental illnesses like depression are caused by a lack of certain chemicals in the brain.
While the idea of a chemical imbalance was widely accepted in the 1950s and 60s, it’s been under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
Experts now agree that mental health conditions are far more complex, influenced by a mix of factors including genetics, life experiences, stress, and brain structure.
Dr. Sarah Boss, a New York City psychiatrist, echoed Cruise’s concerns, stating, “We need to focus on sustainable, long-term solutions to address the root causes of mental health struggles rather than relying on medication as a temporary fix.”
The Chemical Imbalance Theory: A Long-Standing Debate
The “chemical imbalance” theory began in the 1950s when early psychiatric drugs seemed to improve people’s mood.
A drug called iproniazid, used to treat tuberculosis, led to happier moods in patients, sparking interest in the relationship between brain chemicals and mood disorders.
Similarly, another drug, reserpine, used to treat high blood pressure, made people feel depressed, further linking brain chemicals to mental health.
In the 1980s, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac were introduced and quickly became popular.
These drugs targeted serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood regulation, making the “chemical imbalance” theory even more widely accepted.
However, as time went on, SSRIs came under fire for their side effects, including sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and emotional numbness.
SSRIs: Effective but Not Without Concerns
Despite concerns about side effects, SSRIs have been shown to be effective in treating depression.
Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that antidepressants outperform placebos.
A major meta-analysis in 2018 found that antidepressants worked better than a placebo for treating major depression in adults.
While they’re commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe depression, they are often used in conjunction with therapy for optimal results.
However, medications alone are not a panacea. Many experts believe that a comprehensive approach, which includes therapy and lifestyle changes, is necessary for long-term mental health improvement.
Dr. Boss noted that medications can be helpful for short-term relief, but they should not be the sole focus of treatment.
The Continued Use of Antidepressants in the U.S. and Abroad
In the U.S., antidepressant use has become increasingly common, especially among women and younger adults.
In 2023, 15 percent of women were prescribed antidepressants, compared to 7 percent of men.
Adults aged 18-44 were less likely to use antidepressants, but usage rates were still notable.
Interestingly, antidepressant use in Canada is much lower, with only 5 to 9 percent of Canadians taking these medications.
While antidepressant use in the U.S. rose sharply in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, recent data suggests this trend may have plateaued.
A study published in Pediatrics in 2022 showed a significant increase in antidepressant prescriptions, particularly after 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues across the country.
Concerns About Over-Prescribing in Children and Adolescents
The over-prescription of antidepressants is particularly concerning for children and adolescents.
Cruise has long criticized the rising use of psychiatric medications in young people, particularly in the treatment of ADHD.
According to recent estimates, approximately 1 in 10 school-age children in the U.S. are prescribed medications like Ritalin and Adderall to manage ADHD.
While some experts argue that medications are necessary for certain cases, others believe that the increasing reliance on drugs for conditions like ADHD and depression is part of a troubling trend toward over-medication, especially in vulnerable populations like children and teenagers.
The Future of Mental Health Treatment
As the mental health crisis in the U.S. continues to evolve, the debate about medication versus therapy is likely to remain a central issue.
While antidepressants have been shown to provide relief for many, experts emphasize the need for a holistic, long-term approach to mental health care.
Cruise’s 2005 interview, once dismissed as an eccentric rant, now resonates with growing concerns about the over-prescription of psychiatric drugs, particularly to younger generations.
In the years ahead, it’s clear that the conversation about mental health will need to balance the benefits of medication with the importance of addressing the underlying causes of depression and other mental disorders.
Whether or not Cruise’s skepticism toward the medical community proves to be valid, his early warnings about the over-reliance on psychiatric medications are more relevant than ever.v