Posted by banga on February 22, 2005, at 20:23:22
In reply to OK, I guess this is my point..., posted by med_empowered on February 22, 2005, at 19:46:41
I don't know...I at least have understood for a long time that in many ailments including schizophrenia, both biological and psychosocial elements play a role. In recent twins studies it has been noted that in twins discordant for schizophrenia (one twin has it, the other doesn't), the one who doesnt is found to nevertheless have some underlying deficits--hinting that perhaps (of course this is theory)she/he has the biological vulnerability but wasn't triggered by environmental factors.
It is certainly not that you don't have some good points, but I am not sure who your audience is.....in psychology I think it is quite accepted that mental health issues often involve BOTH bio and environmental factors....and just because someone believes biology plays a role and meds can be helpful doesņ't mean they think other nonmed treatments aren't helpful and legitimate, and say "the more power to you!" if you do find a nonmed treatment that works well.
Though I am sure that some pdocs think tons of meds alone is the full answer, I think very many pay attention to data that show a combo of psychosocial intervention along with meds for any illness is the best recipe. I see plenty of studies looking at how people with schizophrenia can be helped with other, nonmed interventions, with great results.
I am not sure why you frame it as if it has to be one or the other.....A good parallel (perhaps overused) could be very high blood pressure--you have a predispotition, which has a greater chance of emerging if you expose yourself to external conditions (stress, diet, exersise or lack thereof)... some people may find ways to control it without meds, but many find that in addition to better lifestyle they do need a little medication to keep it under control.
I suffered ten years before I agreed to take antidepressants. Yes they are far, far from perfect; I agree that people should be more careful with wording--that the neurotransmitter deficiency theories for now are theories, not facts. They should label much better RE risks and withdrawal effects. But these meds are what we have got. It would be unethical for doctors to deny suffering patients these medications because we haven't proven *why* they work. And unethical to give them to a patient who lacks the judgement to see she/he is doing worse without them and is a danger to themselves.
Having said all that, I am of course VERY concerned about the instances where patient/subject rights are not protected, where people are overmedicated, etc. I am sure especially years past patients were mistreated and used like guinea pigs. Less so these days.
I believe that meds can be very helpful AND I believe we actually know little about them. I do also believe they are powerful and misuse of them can be harmful.Anyways I am gabbing on a bit here...
poster:banga
thread:461854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050222/msgs/461996.html