Psychiatric medication is recommended to many individuals who are seeking help for mental/emotional concerns. However, it is becoming apparent that psychiatric medication is not as safe nor effective as it was once thought to be.

New information has come to light over the past several decades, through the investigative efforts of concerned psychiatrists, psychologists, and researchers:

The theoretical basis for the use of psychiatric medication is that emotional/mental concerns are the result of chemical imbalances in the brain, however, they are not. Research has been published regarding the chemical imbalance theory, as well as images which show irregularities in neuro-chemical brain function. However, critical analyses of these studies using fundamental concepts of scientific research have revealed that there is no reliable research which supports the theory that chemical imbalances cause mental emotional concerns. (Please see: Colbert, Ty, Broken Brains or Wounded Hearts, Santa Ana CA: Kevco Publishing, 1996, pp. 31-100; and Colbert, Ty, "Presentation to the 2001 Conference of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology.")

It is said that the adverse effects, or "side" effects of medication are not serious and that the benefits of the drugs outweigh the dangers of adverse effects, however, they do not. Psychiatric medication is toxic and can cause damage to the brain and other parts of the nervous system, especially when used in moderate or large doses, or for long periods of time. (Please see: Breggin, Peter, and Cohen, David, Your Drug May Be Your Problem, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999.)

Though psychiatric medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective, they are not. (Please see: Braggin, Peter, Brain Disabling Treatments In Psychiatry: Drugs, Electroshock, end the Role of the FDA, New York: Springer Publishing Co., 1997.)

It is recommended that physicians and other mental health professionals who routinely prescribe psychiatric medication review current literature which may not be available through customary channels, such as the journal Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, and books in the Reference List which follows this writing. Successful treatment of an illness depends upon accurate conception and definition of that illness.

Medication may temporarily relieve some of the symptoms of mental/emotional problems, but it is not a treatment strategy which will bring about thorough resolution of such problems, nor complete recovery, even when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. It is especially important for children and adolescents, individuals with chemical dependency concerns, and individuals who are recovering from trauma to explore non-medication treatment options.

Many clinicians in the U.S. and abroad now offer counseling and psychotherapy which does not include medication. (This includes treatment for pronounced mental/emotional concerns such as schizophrenia.) In some cases, this type of therapy does not offer immediate relief from symptoms, but it is far safer and more thorough.

Treating the mental/emotional concerns in our society without the use of medication would initially be a very challenging task, especially for individuals who have pronounced concerns, for their families, and the communities in which they live. However, such a shift in mental healthcare is possible and necessary, due primarily to the toxic nature of these drugs. An increase in number of clinicians who offer treatment without medication, and an increase in the level of awareness of the nature of mental/emotional concerns on the part of family members and society as a whole, will be of great help.

My personal belief is that there are instances in which medication may be indicated for short periods of time (for example, 2-4 weeks), cases in which the individual is in danger of self-harm. Psychotherapy should ensue as soon as possible and continue after medication has been withdrawn.

It is important to note that mental healthcare with and without medication are options and that each client has the ability and the responsibility to choose the type of care which best meets his/her needs. The role of the physician and the clinician should be to provide information on each type of mental healthcare, and refrain from directing the client toward either option.

Because an improperly conducted drug withdrawal process can cause serious health problems, it is very important for each individual who wishes to withdraw from medication to consult with a physician or other experienced clinician regarding his/her withdrawal process.

For more information regarding the issue of psychiatric medication, contact the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology at www.icspp.org and refer to the following reference list (provided by Richard Shulman at Volunteers in Psychotherapy, www.ctvip.org)

References

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• Breggin, P. (1991) Toxic Psychiatry. New York: St. Martin's Press.
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