Dianetics vs. Psychiatric Medication: An Evidence-Based Comparison
Comparing the most common mental health treatment in South Africa with an alternative approach—one manages symptoms with drugs, the other claims to remove the source.
What are Psychiatric Medications?
Psychiatric medications are drugs prescribed to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The most commonly prescribed medications in South Africa are antidepressants (SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, Cipralex) and anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium).
These medications work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain. For example, SSRIs increase serotonin levels, which is thought to improve mood. However, the exact mechanism of how these drugs work is still not fully understood by scientists.
What This Means for You
Psychiatric medications are symptom management tools. They can help you feel better while you're taking them, but they don't cure the underlying cause of your mental distress. Most people need to take them indefinitely, and stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
Common Types of Psychiatric Medications
1. Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Common brands in South Africa include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Nuzak): R250-R350 per month
- Sertraline (Zoloft): R300-R470 per month
- Escitalopram (Cipralex): R400-R600 per month
- Venlafaxine (Effexor): R500-R800 per month
These medications typically take 4-6 weeks to start working and are prescribed for long-term use (months to years).
2. Benzodiazepines (Anti-Anxiety Medications)
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications. Common brands include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax): R200-R400 per month
- Diazepam (Valium): R150-R300 per month
- Lorazepam (Ativan): R200-R350 per month
These medications work quickly (within 30 minutes) but have high addiction potential and are heavily regulated in South Africa. They're typically prescribed for short-term use only.
3. Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are used for severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They're also sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety and depression. Costs range from R500-R1,500+ per month depending on the medication.
What is Dianetics?
Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 and detailed in his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health". According to Dianetics, your mind has two parts: the analytical mind (rational, conscious) and the reactive mind (stores painful memories and trauma). These painful memories, called "engrams," are said to cause mental distress, anxiety, depression, and other problems.
Dianetics uses a process called "auditing" to locate and remove these engrams. During auditing, you work with a trained auditor who asks you questions while you hold two metal cylinders connected to an E-meter (a device that measures electrical resistance in your body). The goal is to find and process traumatic memories until they no longer affect you.
Unlike medication, which manages symptoms, Dianetics claims to permanently remove the source of your mental distress. The cost is significantly higher—typically varies based on individual needs for a complete course of auditing—but proponents say it's a one-time investment with permanent results and no side effects.
Comparing Medication and Dianetics
Psychiatric Medication
- Approach: Change brain chemistry to manage symptoms
- Cost: R250-R1,500/month ongoing
- Duration: Indefinite (months to years)
- Evidence: Peer-reviewed scientific research
- Goal: Symptom management
Dianetics
- Approach: Locate and remove traumatic memories
- Cost: varies based on individual needs
- Duration: Varies, but has a clear endpoint
- Evidence: Anecdotal success stories
- Goal: Root cause removal
Effectiveness of Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric medications have been extensively studied in peer-reviewed scientific research. Here's what the evidence shows:
For Depression
A landmark 2006 study called STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) followed 4,000 patients with depression. The results showed that only 35% of patients achieved remission[7] (symptom-free status) even after trying multiple antidepressants. The study also found that each additional medication tried had lower success rates and higher dropout rates due to side effects.
For Anxiety
Antidepressants are more effective for anxiety than depression. A 2018 meta-analysis found that antidepressants had a 41% higher response rate[8] than placebo for generalized anxiety disorder. However, "response" doesn't mean cure—it means at least a 50% reduction in symptoms while taking the medication.
Long-Term Outcomes
Most patients who stop taking antidepressants experience relapse within 6-12 months. This has led many psychiatrists to recommend indefinite medication use for chronic depression and anxiety. However, this raises questions about whether the medication is treating the underlying cause or just suppressing symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Effectiveness
Psychiatric medications are more effective than placebo, but the effect sizes are modest. Only 35% of patients achieve remission for depression, and most need to stay on medication indefinitely. Dianetics claims permanent results but lacks peer-reviewed scientific validation.
Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
All psychiatric medications come with side effects. Some are mild and temporary, while others are serious and long-lasting.
Common Side Effects of SSRIs
- Sexual dysfunction: Affects 40-73% of patients[9] (decreased libido, delayed orgasm, erectile dysfunction)
- Weight gain: Average 5-10kg over 6-12 months
- Emotional blunting: Feeling numb or disconnected
- Insomnia or drowsiness: Depending on the medication
- Nausea and digestive issues: Especially in the first few weeks
Withdrawal Symptoms (Discontinuation Syndrome)
About 20% of patients[10] develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome when stopping medication. Symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, muscle aches)
- Insomnia and vivid dreams
- Nausea and dizziness
- "Brain zaps" (electric shock sensations in the head)
- Irritability and mood swings
These symptoms can last for weeks or months, and in some cases, patients find it impossible to stop taking the medication without severe withdrawal.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines have high addiction potential. Long-term use (more than 2-4 weeks) can lead to physical dependence, tolerance (needing higher doses), and severe withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision.
Cost Comparison
Cost is an important factor when choosing a mental health treatment. Here's how medication and Dianetics compare:
Medication Costs in South Africa
- GP consultation: R250-R700 per visit
- Psychiatrist consultation: R1,200-R2,500 per visit
- Antidepressants: R250-R470/month (SSRIs) or up to R1,500/month (newer medications)
- Annual cost: R3,000-R18,000+ (medication only, excluding consultations)
- Medical aid: Only covers if loaded as chronic medication by psychiatrist (not GP)
Dianetics Costs in South Africa
- Initial book: R300-R500 (Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health)
- Auditing sessions: varies based on individual needs (contact for pricing or see the Professional Dianetics Auditor directory)
- Duration: Varies by individual (weeks to months)
- Maintenance: None claimed—results said to be permanent
- Medical aid: Not covered by medical schemes
Over 5 years, medication costs R15,000-R90,000+ (excluding consultations), while Dianetics is a one-time investment of varies based on individual needs with claimed permanent results.
Which Approach is Right for You?
The choice between medication and Dianetics depends on your goals, budget, and preference for evidence-based vs. anecdotal approaches.
Choose Medication If:
- You want a treatment with peer-reviewed scientific evidence
- You need immediate symptom relief (especially for severe depression or anxiety)
- You're comfortable with ongoing treatment and potential side effects
- Your medical aid covers psychiatric medication
- You prefer a treatment accepted by mainstream medical professionals
Choose Dianetics If:
- You want to address the root cause of your mental distress, not just symptoms
- You're willing to invest varies based on individual needs upfront for claimed permanent results
- You're uncomfortable with medication side effects and withdrawal
- You want a finite process with a clear endpoint, not lifelong medication
- You're looking for an alternative to the medical model of mental health
Our Recommendation
Medication is the evidence-based choice with proven effectiveness, though results are modest (35% remission rate) and side effects are common. Dianetics offers a different philosophy—addressing the source rather than symptoms—but at a higher cost and without scientific validation. Consider your priorities, budget, and comfort level with each approach before deciding.
Next Steps
If you're interested in medication, consult a GP or psychiatrist to discuss your options. If you're curious about Dianetics, start by reading the book and visiting a local Dianetics center to learn more.
If you're looking for a medication-free approach to mental health, order Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and discover how to address anxiety, depression, and trauma at their source. Available in English and Afrikaans with delivery across South Africa for R400.
For faster results, consider professional Dianetics auditing with a trained practitioner in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tony Peacock
Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate
Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025
Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.