Also the entire point the post makes is that these studies are flawed. Where is this person getting the idea that antidepressant companies are competing with placebos?
To bring a drug to market it has to be demonstrated as being more effective than a placebo
not necessarily. It can be against another existing drug.
That were already proven to be stronger than placebo?
Usually we test against best current treatment and not just always against placebo. If something clearly improves outcomes for a patient, it's unethical to not give them a treatment so that you can test your new intervention against a placebo.
I meant if A>B and B>placebo, would that not imply A>placebo?
Most doctors don't prescribe placebos, and may not even be allowed to. Even though a placebo might very well work.
Placebos are ideal drugs in some cases. Effective, no side-effects...