Posted by banga on April 26, 2005, at 6:55:32
In reply to Re: to play the devil`s advocate » Paul Smith, posted by Mr.Scott on April 25, 2005, at 22:04:00
>..... I blame society ..... for searching for that quick fix, but I also blame the docs and pharma and insurance companies for not really having our best interest at heart when it comes to the big picture. At $170.00/hour they should know what is best for us and what their own limitations are.
>
From a business perspective, where there is demand, you bring supply...AND I think you are quite right about it being in part a societal problem. The whole situation runs like a well-oiled machine, the drug companies, the insurance companies, the doctor, the society and the patient--all dutifully playing their part. And everyone is responsible for their contribution.Psychotherapy is very much underused, it is cheaper for the insurance company to have people take medications. It has been a hard battle for psychologists to show that psychotherapy is just as effective as medication, and the results can be more long-lasting. (The most powerful is therapy plus medication, even if short-term).
In a previous thread, people pondered who is neglecting their ethical responsibilities in having this machine keep running--it really is everyone's. But human nature is such that a person says--well if YOU change first, then I will. Noone is motivated to go first. The one who goes first loses the most.
I believe--just in part of course-- that doctors are overburdened with the amount of expertise they are supposed to have, and too little time for training etc. Though there are unethical doctors, I believe most have their patients' best interest at heart....and one is providing them with the quickest relief.
This is of course such a complex, loaded issue. Being third generation of women who have multiple suicide attempts and mood disorder psychoses (untreated), I look back on their tortured lives and think how they could have been helped. My cousin's illness is in check and she is now able to have a family. Without meds she would probably be committed and would not have a life to speak of. Before I found medications that work I was engaging in suicidal drinking, killing off my health, my life and those of people around me. I was in psychotherapy for threee years before I decided it was time for medication.
And then on the other hand, there are you many who have long-term agonizing consequences from the medications. One of my pdocs was on the right track--she said that *at best* meds may help approx. 60% of a person's difficulties; the rest needs to be addressed via other means. And she had me sign forms that we discussed side effects.
For now I think it behooves everyone--patients and doctors--be mindful, do your own research, not to jump to answers, explore other options (acupuncture and frequent saunas can be very healing!!). ALWAYS be vigilant and consider the other person's motives (doctor understandably wants to end your suffering quick, the drug company will be motivated to hide drugs' negative consequences)....
In a nutshell, there is lack of communication, cooperation, assumption of responsibility by all involved.ok Ill end befoe everyone falls asleep!!
Take care,
B.
poster:banga
thread:489342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050423/msgs/489679.html