Depression Drug Controversy

Based on dozens of recent news reports it appears as if the medical community can't agree if taking anti-depression medication, the so-called SSIDs, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is any better for patients than giving them a simple sugar pill.   

A group of researchers claimed recently that prescription medications such as Paxil and Lexapro are only effective when conditions of depression are severe in patients.  Those with low to moderate disorders receive no benefit at all from the drugs.

The psychiatric community, who largely prescribe this medication, and, of course, the drug companies, have denounced the researchers' findings and have come out against the study with guns blazing in the media.

My question is, what are the patients supposed to do, or believe?  Millions of people in the US take SSIDs because their doctors prescribe them; and many claim to feel better after they starting taking the pills.

If, in fact, it can be proven that this medication is no better than a placebo for the vast majority of people who take it, will patients have just cause to claim fraud against the drug companies and their doctors?