Hi friends. Last time around I discussed some of the frequently asked
questions related to treatment of psychiatric disorders. Let me address another
common question, or let us say, a common wish that many of my clients have in
mind - CAN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS BE TREATED WITHOUT MEDICATIONS?
The answer may surprise many, but it is true that a number of psychiatric disorders can be treated without medications at all!
Many ''common mental disorders'' such as depression, anxiety, adjustment, phobia, OCD, sexual problems and sleep problems can be treated without medications at all, except in the very severe cases. The so called severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will usually need treatment with medication, but here too, non-medication options are often useful to reduce medication amount as well as enhance beneficial effects.
Of the numerous non-medication options available, psychotherapy is the most important. Psychotherapy itself is of many different kinds, but the one that has been clearly proven scientifically and is practically doable is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
In fact, most authorities in western countries do not recommend medication as a treatment for milder forms of depression and anxiety, not only because they are not needed, but also because they may be ineffective. Additional concerns are related to side effects of drugs.
Thus, the take home message is that a large proportion of psychiatric problems can be treated with psychotherapy, mainly CBT, without the use of medications. However, the decision must be made in consultation with a professional after due evaluation.
Thanks for reading my blog,
Until next time,
STAY HAPPY!!
Dr. Sathya Prakash, MD, Dip. CBT
Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Behavioural Sciences Expert
If you have any queries, please write in to stayhappy.prakash@gmail.com
You might also want to check out my you tube channel Stay Happy!
lybrate.com/dr.sathyaprakash
The answer may surprise many, but it is true that a number of psychiatric disorders can be treated without medications at all!
Many ''common mental disorders'' such as depression, anxiety, adjustment, phobia, OCD, sexual problems and sleep problems can be treated without medications at all, except in the very severe cases. The so called severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will usually need treatment with medication, but here too, non-medication options are often useful to reduce medication amount as well as enhance beneficial effects.
Of the numerous non-medication options available, psychotherapy is the most important. Psychotherapy itself is of many different kinds, but the one that has been clearly proven scientifically and is practically doable is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
In fact, most authorities in western countries do not recommend medication as a treatment for milder forms of depression and anxiety, not only because they are not needed, but also because they may be ineffective. Additional concerns are related to side effects of drugs.
Thus, the take home message is that a large proportion of psychiatric problems can be treated with psychotherapy, mainly CBT, without the use of medications. However, the decision must be made in consultation with a professional after due evaluation.
Thanks for reading my blog,
Until next time,
STAY HAPPY!!
Dr. Sathya Prakash, MD, Dip. CBT
Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Behavioural Sciences Expert
If you have any queries, please write in to stayhappy.prakash@gmail.com
You might also want to check out my you tube channel Stay Happy!
lybrate.com/dr.sathyaprakash
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