Posted by jlo820 on August 13, 2003, at 15:46:10
In reply to Re: Afraid of the cure » Ima, posted by Susan J on August 13, 2003, at 13:50:55
>> The whole chemical imbalance thing is a promo gimmick.
Well, not really. I understand your fear, but try to be rational and be careful about making statements like this - you can confuse many people that are looking for help.
It is know that antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antianxiety agents work, what is not known is exactly how they work.
Nobody really knows for sure what causes depression or psychosis, etc....it is all based on theories. So the medicine is created based upon those theories. But it is NOT a gimmick. These medicines work for millions and millions of people.
Unfortunatley they do not work for some and unfortunatley they do have side-effects for some(like all medications). For others, it takes time and patience to find the right medicine.
You said you had seen stories of people's lives ruined by anti-depressants. You also said that you self-medicate with pain killers (opiates to be precise). I think FAR more people have had their lives ruined by pain killers than by anti-depressants. But what is important to remember is that both medications have helped millions upon millions of people make their lives better.
It is OK to be afraid of something, and you should talk to your doctor about it. If you are not satisfied with your doctor, get another one.
poster:jlo820
thread:250558
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/250588.html