Posted by fca on January 6, 2007, at 15:14:03
In reply to Re: Patient paid to accept neuroleptic depot injec » fca, posted by linkadge on January 6, 2007, at 13:38:33
Sure money can change things and so can no money change things--even if you believe these meds are a crap shoot regarding outcomes then they are also a crap shoot if you choose to not do it. It is essentially the same argument regarding the legalization of prostitution. Whose body is it? To assume that someone will make a bad decision because of economic vulnerability also assumes they can not or will not factor that vulnerability into their decision making. BTW, That is true of many life choices. I really do not think you can have it both ways.
Also, regarding the efficacy of antipsychotics. I have been in MH since the mid sixties and at that time worked in an institution with 4,000 plus patients. I saw the population go down to 150 in the same institution and have spent the last 30 years running Community Mental health Centers. If anyone seriously thinks that antipsychotics (new and old) have not improved the quality of life for persons with mental illness they just do not have an historical perspective. There are abuses and excesses from all perspectives and it is certain the APs are very very far from perfect. But I can assure you that stepping back 40 years there is simply no comparison regarding the quality of life for persons whether in or out of institutions. This is not a subject that one in anyway wants to romanticize the past or the present.
poster:fca
thread:719688
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070101/msgs/719887.html