>>12878419I think you're confusing run-of-the-mill SSRI and antipsychotic prescriptions with narcotics (opiates)/benzodiazepines. In the case of the former, Tx efficacy is determined by long-term compliance. The latter are supposed to be titrated, then discontinued to prevent dependence as neurotransmitter production is reduced. If you're on Prozac, Lexapro or Zoloft - take them as prescribed. If you're on Haldol, Zyprexa or Risperdal - stay compliant, have dosages adjusted, etc. But Xanax, Klonopin or Vicodin require close monitoring and timeframes.
I work in acute medical care (mental health, specifically). For the most part, the pt's I deal with represent a clear and present danger to themselves and others (I've seen some pretty horrible things, things they do to themselves and things that were done to them). Meds are typically the last resort. Obviously, my experience on a ward doesn't generalize, but parents (who typically share their child's profile) want the meds in the case of children, not the LIP, to curb their aggression and inhibit their libido (Paxil, estrogen supplementation) due to sexually maladaptive behaviors (there's a lot of child-to-child rape following the cycle of abuse). My point being, the industry certainly fucks people, but I like to think we do a fair bit of good as well (maybe just a cope, but still).
