Posted by JCB on June 23, 2001, at 23:27:44
In reply to Re: Addictive meds in general:Gdog, Gilbert JCB » JCB, posted by Sulpicia on June 23, 2001, at 23:06:20
s.,
Yes, detox from benzos are done in the hospital because of the high risk of seizures. Its usually a long detox compared to alcohol as well, typically 2-4 weeks.
I certainly never meant to imply that talk therapies take the place of medication in treating disorders such as major depression, bi-polor, or ADHD. On the contrary, medication is the PRIMARY treatment for these above mentioned disorders. I do recall a study, however, that compared the efficacy of 3 types of treatment for major depressive disorder. One group received cognative-behavioral therapy alone, one group received anti-depressants only, and the other group received a combination of both. As I recall, all improved compared to the control group that received nothing. Big surprise :-) Interestingly enough, however, cognative-behavioral therapy in conjunction with anti-depressant therapy was shown to be superior to either cognative-behavioral or anti-depressant therapy alone. I think this shows that maximum benefit can be gained from a combination of both. I also suffer from dysthymic disorder (mild chronic depression) and was in therapy for months before I was put on anti-depressant medication. From my own experience, the counseling helped, but the medication changed my entire life (for the better of course)! I do, however, find the need for occasional "boosters" where I will see a counselor from time to time. So as you see, on many of these issues, my opinions come from my experiences as being both a mental health professional and a patient.
poster:JCB
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010618/msgs/67630.html