Posted by Ted on September 24, 2002, at 10:30:16
In reply to Re: Bliss---Squiggles » Roo, posted by Squiggles on September 24, 2002, at 9:11:39
Squiggles,
You must understand that psychiatry is more of an art than a science. There are no specific diagnostic tests for any disorders or illnesses (as there are for diabetes, for example). What is accepted by the medical community as an illness may actually be two or three distinct illnesses which have not yet been differentiated. Add to that the fact that the mechanisms how the medications work are also poorly understood in most cases, and where it is "understood" it is often rediscovered to be something different. A good example is the fact that everyone knows depression is the result of a lack of serotonin in the synapses, right? Well there are about a dozen *different* serotonin receptors and each is related to a different condition, eg., OCD, depression, hunger (binge eating), anorgasmia, etc. By targeting the correct receptor, the specific condition may be treated. Older, "dirty" drugs targeted them all so work for many at the same time, both good and bad, hence the numerous side effects.
In my opinion, you and your husband are both right. But you must each respect the fact that the other is responsible for him/herself. If you fear the medications because of past misdiagnoses and addictions, then your husband should support you. Likewise if he wishes to trust the diagnoses and medications for himself, let him; it's his body and as long as he isn't hurting you with it, he can do as he pleases with it.
Ted
> My husband tends to be pro-med, though
> he has seen the effects of Xanax addiction
> on me, and cannot deny the absence of
> panic attacks now that I successfully withdrew.
> He does believe that drugs are necessary
> for mental illness. So do I -- the fights
> are over whether the diagnosis is correct
> mostly, with me pointing to the many mistakes
> and therefore unnecessary medication, not
> to mention confusing withdrawal with a mental
> illness.
>
> Squiggles
>
>
poster:Ted
thread:30484
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020924/msgs/30518.html