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 1.      Myth: Psychiatric medication is addictive.

 Fact: Most of the medications prescribed by the psychiatrist for specific illnesses (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers) do not have addictive potential. Reducing the dose or stopping these medications (as and when advised by the psychiatrist & in the manner prescribed) will not lead to withdrawal effects (physical symptoms because of stopping a drug) or craving. While there are a few medications which do have addictive potential (such as those given for sleep), it is important to note that even these medications when taken as prescribed (dose and duration) by the psychiatrist will not lead to addiction. Psychiatric medications are even used to treat addiction disorders!

 

2.      Myth: Psychiatric medications once started, have to be taken for life.

 Fact: The dose, duration and choice of medication in psychiatric medicine, like all other medications for various physical illnesses (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, asthma, hypothyroidism, etc) is based on various factors such as the patients current illness, symptom intensity, duration of illness and his/her response to medication. While there are a  few people who will require long term support with medication (due to inadequate symptom response) there is no mandate that every psychiatric illness needs lifelong treatment with medication. Based on individual variations in illness presentation and response to treatment, the psychiatrist may very well advise to reduce/stop medication & use non pharmacological modes of treatment (therapy) in many instances.

 

3.      Myth: Psychiatric medications have many side effects.

 Fact: A side effect is defined as an unintended/additive, mostly unpleasant, effect from any medication/treatment. It is important to note that even over-the-counter easily available medications like paracetamol can have side effects if not used in the dose and manner prescribed by the physician. Generally medications are prescribed only after enquiring about the individuals allergies, previous response or side effects to similar or other medications, any other comorbid illnesses, other medications that they may be on, and family history of illness/treatment response/side effect profile. Specific medications are chosen for each individual patient based on all the above factors to minimise the chance of side effects. Most psychiatric medications, when taken in the dose and duration prescribed are well tolerated. If certain precribed medication do have minor side effects, it will be explained to the patient upfront, with detailed discussion regarding what to expect and for how long; and most of these side effects are minor, transient and easily managable.

 

4.      Myth: Psychiatric medication is mandatorily prescribed for everyone who visits a psychiatrist.

 Fact: Definitely not. Medications are just one type of powerful armament in the psychiatric treatment arsenal. There are many individuals who may require only non pharmacological management (therapy or other latest treatment modalities) based on their individual illness profile and will not need medication. The treatment modalities in psychiatric medicine has grown leaps and bounds and the choice of treatment precribed by the psychiatrist will depend on the nature and severity of the illness.

 

5.      Myth: Naturopathy is better/safer than allopathy for treating psychiatric illness.

Fact: Several steps are involved in creating/discovering modern allopathic medications and they are all created only after several phases and steps of intensive reasearch and manufactured in controlled environments where quality is monitored regularly; all allopathic medications (psychiatric medicine included) are introduced into the market only after many rounds of clinical trials.While the discovery of some of these medications is based on certain natural/plant derived active ingredients, the actual medication is a result of an elaborate process of acquiring, condensing and purifying the active ingredient derived from natural sources. The prescription of all allopathic psychiatric medication is based on scientific empirical evidence. While the choice to decide what kind of treatment to pursue rests entirely in the hands of the individual, it is important to take an informed decision and convey to the treating psychiatrist if any other modalities of treatment are simultaneously being followed so as to monitor for any medication interactions.

 

6.      Myth: Medication is the one-stop, all-encompassing solution to all psychiatric problems.

 Fact: Psychiatric medications play a very important role in management of psychiatric illnesses. Medications have the propensity to quickly and efficiently bring under control overwhelmingly intense symptoms and situations. However medication is not the only effective treatment modality for all mental health issues; Non pharmacological management (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, relaxation techniques, exposure and response prevention to name a few) using evidence based therapeutic techniques can aid patients from recovering from mental illness in a sustained manner especially in certain disorders in which cognitive distortions and poor coping strategies (faulty thinking and behavior) needs to be challenged; it requires involvement and effort from the patient and maximal benefit is obtained when both modalities are combined. The choice of treatment depends on illness (type and chronicity of illness, symptom intensity) and patient (comorbidities, fitness for treatment, patient preference) related factors and is best decided by a mental health professional.

 

7.      Myth: Taking psychiatric medication will make me a weak person and change who i am.

 Fact: Taking medication for illnesses such as diabetes or hypothyroidism doesnt make anyone weaker than others and only balances the hormonal disequilibrium in the body for effective functioning. Similarly psychiatric medications also help to redress biochemical imbalances in the brain and does not serve to make one weaker than others. It does not change ones personality instead simply helps one to become the best version of themselves by ameliorating their distressing symptoms and helping them function better. Identifying that one is not okay and seeking help for the same is probably the most courageous thing one can do and is an indicator of ones strength rather than weakness.

At Maarga Mindcare, we understand the challenges of mental health issues. If you need support or guidance, please feel free to contact us.