Psychiatric Drugs Causing Compulsive Violence

[reeay]

Medications were designed to alleviate symptoms, not cure mental illness.

I think it's misleading to make blanket statements such as "psychiatric drugs causing compulsive violence." There are many factors that play out that was not discussed in the videos and articles. Using an antidepressant MAY lead to certain behaviors that MAY be violent. There are certain warning signs if a person is suicidal or homicidal, and the propensity for violence might have existed prior to taking medication.

Here are some ideas on how people may increase risks for adverse effects of psychotropic medications:

1) Misdiagnosis and prescription of the wrong drugs. E.g., Person with bipolar disorder takes certain types of antidepressant (that are meant for the treatment of depression and not meant for treatment of bipolar disorder) may increase the risk for adverse effects.

2) Mismanagement of medication. These powerful drugs were designed to be taken in a certain way. This means that people taking these drugs must go to see their psychiatrist regularly and report any side effects to docs.

Need to...
*Following directions: Medications must be taken as prescribed - if it says take once daily you take them once daily.

*Monitor & report changes: Any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors etc., MUST be reported to attending physician or mental health professionals. They rely on their clients to tell them about any changes to mood/behavior/thoughts so that they may adjust dosages and/or change medications as necessary.

*Discontinuing meds: If someone plans to stop taking their meds they MUST consult with a doctor or other healing practitioner. My friend started yoga when she went off her antidepressants and that worked for her (her condition had complex set of conditions and moderately severe mental health condition, but she is a tough lady. She had her alternative healing & support group in place when she stopped her meds).

3) Going to therapy: Studies have shown pretty consistently that people do better when they take medication while going to therapy (doesn't need to be psychotherapy necessarily).

4) Having adequate social support and social network system that will look out for person taking meds.

5) Making informed decisions about taking medication. Need to do research and get all the information. This also means knowing the risks and knowing what to do when person feels something is changing or condition is getting worse.