Are we being over-medicated by physicians in the medical community?

Question

It seems that there is a pill for just about everything these days and many people who frequent doctor's offices are on upwards of 10 or more prescription medications per day. Many complain they are broke and not feeling any better and in fact worse but still feel they must be compliant and not question the authority of their physician.

Answer 1

No prescriptions are not mandatory. People choose to go to a doctor to get the new "it" drug.

Answer 2

Oh my goodness, YES.

What is more profitable for a doctor? A patient who is made well quickly? Or a patient who's illness has to be managed over months, years, etc. The long term management of illness is much more profitable to the medical establishment than a quick cure.

I think I'm a bit synical in this area. Money, not curing illness, is the main goal of large medical establishments and pharmacutical companies. I'm sure there are a few old time doctors that don't work this way, but they're all dying off and being replaced with modern Medical School grads.

Answer 3

Absolutely yes! It seems when people have an illness to be treated, the treatment gives them side effects so they need another pill for the side effect, which in turn gives them different side effects, etc. I nearly lost a friend a couple of years ago due to over-medication. He ended up in ICU for over 2 months! Unfortunately, many doctors don't believe in Herbal treatments for some of the side effects. I am definately not saying that people don't need prescriptions, they do, but there are a lot of alternative treatments that can work hand in hand with the original prescription and thus eliminate several side effects.

Answer 4

I believe the physicians are so scared of being sued that they will prescribe a pill for just about anything, just so that the patient believes that something is being done to treat him/her.