I don't normally pay much attention to the rantings of any hollywood star, but the comments Tom Cruise made about there being no such thing as a chemical imbalance that needed treated with any anti-depressant, just sent my hackles up. I was not aware that he had college degrees in medicine and psychology. It is obvious to me, however, that he has never been seriously ill, or lost a loved one so close to his heart, that he felt like he had died too, or watched as his own child lay dying in his arms. He has no idea how a hormone imbalance, resulting from child birth or any other stress, can destroy an intelligent, healhty, normal woman. Apparently he has never been raped at knife point or molested by his father or grandfather. I wish I had known these little golden bits of knowledge he spewed forth on the Today show, when my long time friend of 30 years, was going to a therapist to try to get rid of the fear and terror she constantly suffered in her life as a result of both of those things. I could have just told her not to waste her money, all she needed was some vitamins and a jog in the park. If she were lucky, she wouldn't get raped again. I used to think Mr. Cruise was a good guy who used his status and means to help benefit others. Now it appears he is just another hollywood dolt who has no clue what life is like in the real world. I hope he realizes that he won't be one of the 'beautiful people' forever. I wonder how well his wisdom will serve him then??

There is no objective test that can measure a chemical imbalance in the brain. That is a fact not an opinion. To diagnose and treat people based on a theory that is unproven with toxins that cause suicide is not science. Tom's comments have psychiatrist arguing with each other about this fact. The problem is that the public taking these drugs do not know the facts. Get the facts people, make educated choices and when Johnny feels like killing himself, don't wonder why.

I find it interesting that Mr. Cruise, with the benefit of his high school education, feels qualified to discredit categorically one of the most highly researched fields of science. I too believe that options other than medications should be the primary avenue treatment response for psychiatric disorders. However, the brain has unique chemicals, just like every other organ in the body, and sometimes medication is the only option to treat those chemical imbalances. (Most illesses are the result of one kind of imbalance or another!) For example, an obese individual with diabetic tendencies should be counseled to diet and exercise rather than immediately committing to life-long insulin use. But you wouldn't tell a 10-year old child with new onset diabetes to tough it out...they will die if that option is elected. I would love to review Dr. Cruise's statistically valid research (conducted during the "down time" of one of today's most prolific movie stars).

yeah, cchr.com isn't biased: The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) was established by the Church of Scientology as an independent body to investigate and expose psychiatric violations of human rights.

check this out - www.cchr.com Its is crammed with factual validated information. Its time to take a look at the big picture.

Tom should shut up and sit down. I have not suffered post partum like Brooke or even Marie Osmond, but I understand them when they speak of it. It's a side effect of iving birth and Tom doesn't have a clue. I have a family member who suffers from schizophrenia. It's not fun for the victim or for the family members. Tom, why don't you check in Bellvue for the standard 72 hrs? Or be Baker Acted in Forida? We can talk then.

Perhaps Mr. Cruise would benefit greatly from an extensive psychiatric evaluation and some of the medical resources he so vehemently denounces. It would also be interesting to know exactly what research he has done on the subject, aside from the L. Ron Hubbard publications. If he wants to publicly proclaim himself so knowledgeable in the field, let him back it up instead of just talking it up.

In front of the camera, the guy is awesome. I don't think he is ever going to have a hard time selling tickets to his movies... especially when it's a one-two punch with Spielberg. His personal life, is unfortunately public, and is our critical fodder. He is entitled to his beliefs and is answering questions that are being asked of him... not flying ariplanes into buildings to make the world aware of Scientology.

If this kind of thing keeps up, Cruise will not be able to sell movie tickets the way he has in the past. He's consistently coming across as a moron and a nutcase. Spielberg has got to be cringing.

I saw the interview this morning as well. Matt should have posed this question to him instead: Brooke Shields was on the brink of suicide, and the only thing that kept her from being dead right now was anti-depressants. In her utterly depressed state, where in your eyes, Tom, should Brooke have turned instead of phychiatry? I'm a whole-foods, vitamins and healthy living person myself, so drugs aren't part of my life, not even aspirin. But that's *me* and there's no way anything should be shoved down anyone's throats publicly like that. It only pushes people further away and your whole point is shot anyway. What works for some may not work for others.