Posted by Mr. Scott on August 12, 2001, at 23:16:53
When you're new to this whole Psychiatry game, and totally freaking out with Major depression and Panic or whatever, meds can be wonderful. But After 11 years on virtually every psychiatric medication available outside of the antipsychotics my conclusion is that in general they suck, and cause at least as many problems as they address.Dysthymia and chronic anxiety (my ills) are virtually untreatable conditions over the long haul, despite what physicians and pharmaceutical companies may say.
I have had better luck with alcohol and speed for the short-term relief of my chronic anxiety and chronic mild depression than anything currently marketed in the US as well as several molecules only available outside the US.
Anyone considering treatment for these above mentioned conditions should really think twice before wasting a lot of money and time on drug therapy, and instead look elsewhere for relief. Probably to psychotherapy, or making changes in ones life to accomodate these conditions.
And mind you it is just as bad to have these conditions as any of the more serious ills. These conditions are more insidious, chronic, and also invisible to a world who looks on wondering what is wrong with you.
The drug companies who are valuable albeit driven exclusively by profit need to focus on these "lesser" disorders not only for my sake and maybe yours, but also because it will be good business.
Until that time comes, I will no longer be looking for solutions in prescription molecules, and have discontinued all antidepressants leaving in place only an as needed tranquilizer.
Yes, for all it's boasting about how far psychiatry has come in terms of treating the mild chronic conditions I and so many others face. A tranquilizer and a stimulant (aka a goofball) are all that modern medicine has to offer this anxious dysthymic.
poster:Mr. Scott
thread:74847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74847.html