i think people are diagnosed wityh bi polar too aften and other ways of addressing the probem are over looked. Also do you think that the medications alter your brain chemistry permanately? I took Serzone over ten years ago. Serzone has since been pulled off the market but anyway I have memory problems that started while I was on serzone. And that stuff did zone me out I was not me anymore at that time.
2007-11-01 05:43:55 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
ABSOLUTELY! Medications are being over-prescribed and diagnoses are being thrown around like they are candy.
I think it is EXTREMELY important for consumers of mental health treatment to become educated in what these diagnoses mean and what these medication do.
Mental illness is not a disease you can "catch" and then it is cured with a pill. And yet, I think this is the way mental disorders are conceived of these days. Mental disorders are a set of criteria that cannot be seen, concretely tested for and the description is provided to the practitioner by highly subjective means. It is not an exact science as biology is where you can test for a virus or bacteria and prescribe an appropriate medication regimen.
We all need to educate ourselves - practitioners and consumers!
2007-11-01 05:54:17 · answer #1 · answered by Full of Id 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's only "a bunch of crap" if you don't have them!
Depression and bipolar disorder are two different things. Anti-depressants can destabilize someone with bipolar disorder.
When someone goes to the doctor and complains of feeling depressed, etc., the doctor wants to help that person feel better. If he/she determines that the person isn't just going through some temporary "blues", then medication may be indicated. Psychotropic medications can be literally life-savers for some people, and if a medication can bring a person back to functioning at their jobs and in their families, etc. then that's helpful to society in general.
2007-11-01 06:47:51 · answer #2 · answered by MomSezNo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe how many people are diagnosed as bipolar now. I find it hard to believe every one of them actually has the disorder. Almost all my friends are bipolar and I'm diagnosed as schizoaffective. I was thrown on meds immediately. The meds have made a HUGE difference and I'm not depressed or psychotic anymore but I was surprised how fast I was given them. I sometimes worry about the long term effects of my medication.
2007-11-01 06:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by Pico 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope anti-depressants are only perscribed when someone is having a hard time functioning. I hope it's not just over perscribed.
I have a hard time reading the cautions on the instructions. Like they are written by Pharmacists for Pharmacists & doctors, not the people who take the meds.
2007-11-01 05:59:11 · answer #4 · answered by Will 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely.
Nowadays, people are QUICK to go to a doctor to get a prescribed med that will numb whatever it is they may be going through. Pharmaceuticals is huge here. I honestly think doctor's will prescribe whatever they can to keep you buying meds. All these kids taking medications for their ADD? There's no need! They are KIDS! Granted, there are some kids who are really hyper and may need medicine to help them focus in school, but kids are kids.
I have a friend who is insecure and suffers from depression, and I try to get her out, take her to the gym, listen to her problems, and try to give her advice, but it doesn't work, she still goes straight to her doctor for medication when I don't think she needs it. What do people do when they miss a day of their medication? They've solved nothing and may possibly be making their own matters worst by not addressing their issues. Sometimes I think I may even be bi-polar, but I don't want to depend on meds so I haven't seen a doctor.
2007-11-01 05:58:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
No, anti depressants are normally handed out on a trail period of up to 3weeks. If there is no possible sign of improvement they could either up your doss or cancel out the treatment.
Hope this is helpfull.
Regards,
M. Penry.
2007-11-01 06:05:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Bi-Polar disorder is way over diagnosed today. Try living with my uncle, who has extreme manic and depressive episodes, and you'll see what real bi-polar is. Its so much more than rapid mood swings.
2007-11-01 05:47:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
YES, YES, YES. Bi-polar, schizo-affect, ADD, ADHD. ALL A BUNCH OF CRAP!
2007-11-01 06:13:00 · answer #8 · answered by Candy 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋