Although I think there is a lot of reason to doubt the safety of such drugs and to be concerned that they are over prescribed, I also question the validity of many of these anachdotal stories.
In a way its like saying that heart medicine is killing people because so many people on heart medicine get worse and die.
I keep reading stories about anti-depresent medicine causing someone to commit suicide, but the clinicly depressed are more likely to commit suicide in the first place.
Indeed ... and anecdotal evidence in a case where there are already serious problems is hardly the example upon which to build a regulatory regime.
Yes but misdiagnosis is also common. Does that mean avoid doctors? I would say if something doesn’t work, get a second opinion or three or however many to get it right.
My dad teaches and researches neurophysiology at Emory University. If I’ve learned one thing from him, it’s that the human brain is the most complex machine in the world. These drugs are large, clumsy devices, that can change the overall chemical balance in the brain. They are not subtle instruments. They may do wonders for a patient, but they might just as likely cause problems.
I’m not suggesting that all of these drugs are bad, or that people should ignore the advice of physicians. I think the moral of the story is not just to blindly accept the advice of a physician. Get a second, or third, opinion; research it for yourself. The Internet is a great tool that can be used to reach out to others who may have the same problem. Do your homework.
Your point is very valid and I completely agree that must be taken into account. On the other hand, I am a licensed Psychiatric Technician and work as a medication nurse for many years.
I agree, such stories are based on anecdote, and many details are missing.
In this case, what I notice is that the young man got much better once he was in a controlled environment. This is the case with many mentally ill people - they seem quite ok when institutionalised, detoxed, and relieved of ordinary life pressures.
But what happens when he is back in the community? Do the old problems start coming back. Reading that story, I had some concerns about that.
We need to do more for the mentally ill, and we do need places where they can live protected and sheltered lives.