Psychiatry - Common Myths Around It!

The mental health of a person can be regulated with the help of self awareness and a conscious attitude in many cases. Yet, in most cases, one will have to resort to the use of psychiatric help which may include the use of therapy and medication.

There are many conditions that may go out of hand and affect our day to day functioning. These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many more. Yet, there is a certain amount of stigma and many myths attached to the field of psychiatry and its medication. Here are a few myths that we have tried decoding.

Psychiatric medicines can be addictive: This is a major myth that many people have. It is not true that once you start taking psychiatric medication, you will have to take them for life. In fact, for medicines like anti depressants, most clinicians make it a rule to administer the drugs for only one and a half times for which the same may be required, so that the person does not get dependent on the medication in order to run his or her life in a normal manner. Further, the prescription of such medication is more often than not, backed with proper therapy which happens before and after the medication is taken. This helps in ensuring that the patient is weaned off accordingly with the help of positive discussions and evaluations.

Antidepressants can make us happy: This is another major myth that many people have. The fact is that the antidepressants do not have any euphoria creating properties which recreations drugs may have. These are medicines that have an affect on the production of the specific hormones that may be creating problems in the life of the patient. Therefore, one should not expect to feel happy as soon as the antidepressant is taken with some water. A happier self can only come from within and with outside help like therapy in case the patient is in a constant state of despair. The medication will simply help in suppressing and increasing the production of the necessary hormones in the brain, which will restore the correct chemical balance. A person who takes these kinds of medicines without actually suffering from depression may face side effects like feeling off balance and sick.

Psychiatric medicines have too many side effects: This is another myth that makes people fearful when it comes to taking such medicines. There are side effects in most kinds of medicines, and these are no different. The extent of the side effects for medicines like beta blockers and antidepressants may include an upset stomach and a slight headache, which may make the patient drowsy. Fatigue and a decrease in one’s sexual appetite may also follow as a side effect. Yet, most patients get over these side effects once their body adapts to the medication. These side effects do not hamper one’s life majorly. In fact, there is a constant influx of new medication that makes the side effects, even more mild. Consult an Expert & get answers to your questions!