Question

What are some of the possible benefits and detriments involved in the pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders? Have we (society) become too reliant on medication treatments? What might be some of the long-term ramifications of overprescribing these medications?

Answer 1

The possible benefits involved in the pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders include the immediate symptomatic relief. Effective medication options exist for the treatment of most of the major disorders such as mood disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder; anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder; schizophrenia etc. However, detriments involved in the pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders include the various side effects associated with the long-term use of such drugs. Our society which is away from religion and hence is suffering a lot of mental issues due to a materialistic approach towards life is becoming too dependent on medical treatments. The long-term ramifications of overprescribing these medications include the development of huge dependence on these drugs which have many side effects. For example, if we treat schizophrenia with Risperidone; the long-term side effects could be; development of diabetes and thyroid.