There is much “physical” in “mental” disorders and much “mental” in “physical” disorders. The problem raised by the term “mental” disorders has been much clearer than its solution, and, unfortunately we have not found an appropriate substitute (DSM-IV). Defining metal illness seems to be impossible with the endless directions it goes. It’s a controversial topic and everyone has an opinion about it. Medication is used to help treat the patient that has a mental disorder, but there are many sides to drugs.
Medications treat the symptoms of mental disorders. They cannot cure the disorder, but
they make people feel better so they can function. Without them, people with mental disorders might suffer serious and disabling symptoms (NIMH). The intention for psychiatric medications is that, to in fact better those that have a mental illness. Some need to use medication for only a short period of time and others much longer, it all depends on the disorder. It comes down to how the medication works for each individual person.
Everyone reacts to medications differently, which may be in a positive or negative way. A positive would be someone who takes medication because it is necessary for their mental disorder and it works. They don’t have any major side effects and they feel better. Their own individual character is not completely altered and they are still the person they were despite the illness. A negative would be the opposite but in many ways. First the medication may not even be necessary or the amount too much. The medication may not work and the problem continues. The person may have major side effects, plus they may not be the same person they once were. Again, there are so many aspects to having a mental disorder and narrowing down how to treat it.
With the many side effects that could possibly happen, some people need more needs than others. Side effects include feeling worthless, depressed, fatigue, dizziness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, violent behavior, weight loss, acting without thinking, change in behavior, and many, many more (NIMH). The groups of people that need more attention when giving medication would be children and adolescents, older adults, and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. For children and adolescents, medication can affect a child’s growing body and or medications may be prescribed by a doctor for the child, even though the medicine is not approved for the specific mental disorder or age. The side effects can be potentially dangerous. For older adults, they may need more drugs, even though they are more sensitive to medication, which can result in bad drug reactions and or overdosing. For pregnant women, it all depends on the patient’s mental illness and the medication that is needed to help treat it (NIMH). Of course, with all these side effects of medication, not taking the medication or enough may result in the mental disorder getting worse.
So with all the endless information for mental illness, the medications for treatment, and the side effects of taking medication, it comes down to if treatment is necessary. When talking about an intense mental disorder that obviously requires treatment, the side effects of medication would not be as bad as no medication. I am talking about mental illnesses that may have a solution without medication. Of course, it all depends on what the illness may be.
There are so many ways to better you than to take drugs to fix a disorder. Seeing a physiatrist, for example, is many of times necessary depending on the illness, but is also beneficial. Talking about how the mental illness affects the patient, their feelings, and about possible solutions that can help, will many of times give that person a sense of relief. Sometimes, simply being able to talk about it does wonders. Natural remedies, such as acupuncture, essences, and herbs are ways to gather your body and mind. This can help those with mental disorders think as they did before, hopefully more positive to the whole situation. Spirituality is another way to center your body and the mental disorder.
These were just a few of the possible natural ways to overcome a mental illness. Many of times, the patient gets so caught up in the fact that they have a disorder that they can’t see past it. They focus on the illness and their world then becomes revolved around it. Both the patient and the doctor are quick to try and help stabilize the mental disorder, which usually leads to drugs. This is not just a problem with those that have a mental disorder, but also with most illnesses today. A simple headache is solved with two Tylenol instead of drinking water and trying to relax your mind. A doctor may give someone with sinus congestion a liquid medication and Percocet for the pain (my collogue was just given this for her stuffy nose by her doctor).
Like I said, there are other ways to solve mental illnesses than medications, unless of course the medication is necessary. I find that people are getting unnecessary treatment for their “mental illness.” Children are so quickly to be defined as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), yet they are kids and many of times it’s not needed. Adults are being treated with having anxiety even thought their working sixty hour weeks, with three kids, and schoolwork. Not only are these people being defined as having a mental illness, but they’re also on medication to treat the so called problem. This means children are on harsh medication that completely alters them and their personality, along with adults who then become to rely on it. I do believe many of these cases are legitimate and medications are helpful to those who need it, but many are treated based on a minor complaint or worry. The client needs to be fully inspected and all pieces of their life need to be put together to see if it really is based on physical problems with the brain.