Debate: do antidepressants actually cure the brain if you stay on 6-12 mos or once off or you go back to the way you were (your brain)?

Not exactly: There are studies showing that treatment of depression with ssri's is associated with increasing size of the hippocampus in the brain. This may be a marker for some healing response. Unfortunately tapering the medication too soon may result in relapse of symptoms, so the brain is clearly not "cured" by these medications. I think we have a great deal more to learn about all these factors.

Good data regarding control and remission of symptoms, but not clearly a true "CURE". Working closely with your doctor, a decision can be made whether to continue or taper off, depending upon your needs.