Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 16, 2015, at 13:37:26
In reply to Lou's response-wholdtukuntmp » Dr. Bob, posted by Lou Pilder on February 16, 2015, at 9:00:19
Lou,
You do make some useful points. Drugs do have the potential to cause serious adverse effects. This is a fact. The problem is, as I see it, that your posts on the main board are extremely one-sided. You emphasise the possibility of life ruining side effects, but never discuss the benefits of treatment.
It's important to consider:
a) The risks of *not* getting treatment for a mental health problem. You often discuss people being driven to suicide due to side effects. Bear in mind, people can be driven to suicide by untreated illness too.
and b) The benefit(s) that the medication/treatment may produce. In order to decide whether a treatment is likely to be beneficial or harmful, you have to know a lot about the person who may be taking it. Decisions are not simple.
In my opinion, new members need to be able to obtain as balanced a view of medication as possible, so that they can assess the risks and benefits from themselves. When it comes to medication, wise decisions can only be made on an individual basis. This involves a knowledge of that person so that the benefits vs the risks can be weighed up.
New posters may be very vulnerable and frightened. No one is likely to be able to make the best decisions while afraid. We need to welcome new posters to the board and provide them with balanced information.... as much as is possible. If posters receive replies which cause fear, this may be very bad for their mental health.... and may have serious consequences. I'm sure this is not what you want.
Take care.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1073111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20140902/msgs/1076751.html