Posted by linkadge on April 22, 2011, at 8:14:19
In reply to Re: the only way out » huxley, posted by SLS on April 22, 2011, at 7:35:51
I don't know how this whole argument attempted to simplify itself into another med/anti-med argument.
The decision to take or not take psychiatric medications is a very personal one. Psychiatric medications (like all medications) have side effects, and anyone should be completely cautioned against possible side effects *and* given an *accurate* incidence of these side effects.
There are many new side effects and complications that emmerge over time with any given medical treatment. It is scientifically and ethically appropriate to consider any side effect possible and record the incidence of such.
Yes, there are real risks associated with psychiatric medications. Unfortunately, we're not at the stage where we can fully tell when a particular medication might harm and when it might help.
In spite of risks, there are people for whom the benefit / risk ratio is high enough for them to continue therapy with certain psychiatric medications.
Those who advocate for a broad scale ban on any/all psychiatric medications have likely not considered fully the extent of beneifit to some patients.
I think when you go on boards like paxilprogress, you see more patients asking "why wasn't I warned" rather than "ban this drug (and all like it) forever". I agree that people should be warned. If 1/10 users develop persistant anhedonic symptoms after discontinuing an SSRI, this should be noted (perhaps against the backdrop incidence of depressed patients (not taking medications) who display similar symptoms after extended periods).
Those who have suffered adversly should be given airplay as should those who have benefitted. Hopefully the proponderance of evidence will help guide those who are considering medication therapy.
My original counter point was that if you have sufferent chronic depression, then statistically speaking it will return (**often in a deteriorating course**). So, a past medication may not be completely to blame for ones current state.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:983009
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110418/msgs/983501.html