Re: PSYCHIATRY: Can it cure? Science or scam? (1)

Gp's are probably the worst people for prescribing anti-depressants, they themselves are usually overworked and very stressed, particularly in a small town like the one I live in. They don't have the time to listen to people and they are not trained in psychology or psychiatry, so most of the time they prescribe drugs because its all they can do. Many people themselves want a quick fix to often complex problems and the GP will often be the first port of call.

I think many things contribute to the perceived rise in mental illness,

1. Normal emotions or emotional states are pathologised and medicated.
2. Drugs are seen as the first treatment instead of the last resort after all other avenues are pursued.
3. People do not have the support of family or friends when they are going through hard times because our society has become fragmented with many people being very much alone. In Australia 25% of the population are adults living alone, often far from family.
4. People often have an expectation that they will be constantly happy, and think that being upset or sad is an illness.
5. Peoples general health is often poor and this contributes to mental illness, which can often have a physiological cause which is ignored.

There are probably many more reasons that could fill a book.


spud