I agree that oftentimes, people may be too quick to prescribe drugs. However, there are some times when drugs are necessary for psychiatric problems.
I do agree that there are sometimes when, for a short time, drugs are helpful. Also, for some defined conditions ( manic/depressive, schizophrenia, etc.), long term drug therapy may be needed.
But, the over-prescription of drugs for ordinary sadness and stress is something that I think is particularly bad with women. Frequently, the prescription doesn't even come from a psychiatrist-- the treating shrink may be only a psychologist, while the prescribing doctor is her gynecologist. It's really a messed up system for messing women up, and it goes on for years-- often what should otherwise have been some of the best years of her life. It's irresponsible, and yet the women themselves don't see it that way-- they think the doctor is always right and that they really need the drugs. Like I said, it makes me angry.
Do you think there is such a thing as a hyperactive 6 year old?
What drugs are best for them?
What percentage of our children are candidates for these drugs?
10%, 30%, 80%?