Are Psychiatric Medications Prescribed Too Frequently?
By Jennifer Moyer | June 10, 2012
Source: MedCo Health Solutions
Are Psychiatric Medications Prescribed Too Frequently?
This is a challenging question to answer. There has definitely been an increase in the number of psychiatric medications prescribed but is this a result of better identification of mental illness or is it as a result of the medications being pushed by doctors and pharmaceutical companies?
I guess it is difficult to determine a definitive reason why there is an increase in the use of mental health medications. There seems to be research and opinions that support both the better identification of mental illness and that medications are being pushed by doctors and pharmaceutical companies. I, personally, believe it is a combination of both reasons.
According to a Wall Street Journal article published in November 2011, overall use of psychiatric medications among adults grew 22% from 2001 to 2010. The percentage is based on prescription-drug pharmacy claims of two million insured U.S. adults and children reported by MedCo Health Solutions, Inc., a pharmacy-benefit manger (click on graph above to see more percentages).
The Wall Street Journal article goes on to state that psychiatric medications are among the most widely-prescribed and biggest-selling drugs in the United States. Of course, whether the psychiatric drugs are used appropriately or not has been an ongoing concern and debate among the medical community and policy makers. In my opinion, as an experienced marketing professional, I believe the increase in direct consumer advertising of medications, in particular psychiatric medications, should be a concern. The advertising influences the consumer’s perception and demand of the medications, whether or not they are necessary. Although many find benefits from taking medication, it is important to be aware that the pharmaceutical companies are profit-driven. Yes, there is excellent research conducted by the companies but remember, that they look at whether or not the financial benefits of a medication will be greater than the risks.
So, in my opinion, there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not psychiatric medications are prescribed too frequently. My recommendation is that individuals do their own research and educate themselves about the diagnosis being given to them. Medications may not always be necessary and other treatments can be effective. When medication is recommended, finding the right one can be challenging. Research the medication and understand the benefits and risks. Remember that your doctor works for you and you have the right to be a partner in your care and treatment.
I would love to hear what others think on this topic so I encourage comments.
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Additional Informational Resources:
Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker
Treating Depression: Is there a placebo effect?
MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
Antidepressant drug sales plummet as patents expire and patients flee to safer alternatives
4 Comments
Fake Oakleys on July 12, 2012 at 5:34 pm.
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Darley - Continuing Education on June 29, 2012 at 5:45 am.
I work with people who live at nursing homes and I have seen that they are frequently over medicated. After leaving the nursing home they see another psychiatrist and they are given less meds and they seem to have a more stable and functional life.
The pharmaceutical companies and unethical psychiatrist are the ones to blame for this kind of stuff.
kenyatta2009 on June 13, 2012 at 5:40 pm.
Psychiatric meds are often one part of a wellness plan. Many consumers self-medicate with alcohol and other drugs which make them prone to making bad decisions and counteract the prescription medications. In addition they frequently are in the company of persons willing and able to exploit them, steal their food and other community supports. And a lot of the less resilient consumers don’t have a lot of coping skills so the need to take psychiatric medications is that much greater. The question is, not whether too many meds are being prescribed but how to assist people in developing greater resilience.
Janake on June 11, 2012 at 11:48 pm.
I am sorry to say but yes these days psychiatry drugs are more used rather than sitting and sorting out the problems. Younger generation are unable to understand the difference between counseling and drugs and are more into medicines and by the time they realise it becomes too late to recover and are forced to go to rehab to get cured.