Why is Prozac so controversial?

Prozac has proved to be a very effective treatment for severe depression. This success has given it celebrity status, making it in high demand for people with milder forms of depression or those who simply want to be in a permanent good mood. The drug has raised controversy because the idea of manipulating moods with pills is a troublesome proposition. It is not at all clear that continually avoiding negative feelings is a healthy coping strategy. This allows people to avoid dealing with their problems, and to avoid making use of more appropriate treatments.

Should therapists be of the same race and gender as the patient in order for treatment to be effective?

It is not often possible or necessary for therapists to match their clients on all relevant demographic variables. However, it is necessary for therapists to be sensitive to and knowledgeable about all kinds of differences, whether they be ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or sexual in nature.