PSYCH MEDS
Many psychological issues are not related to childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, or painful life events. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar 1 & 2, Schizophrenia are examples of mental illness that may be solely caused by faulty brain chemistry.
For example, there are 3 types of depression. One is caused by an event. Situational, it may be a result of death of a loved one, divorce, or loss of a job. Another type is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain, sometimes genetic. And the third type is a chemical balance caused by a prolonged depression caused by an event that weakens the brain over time and results in a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Psychotropic medication is best prescribed by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the brain. Like any other complicated physical illness, it may require a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Often Primary Care Physicians prescribe antidepressants or tranquilizers without the in-depth training and knowledge needed for success.
If a man goes to his internist and says, “I am depressed, I have insomnia, I am irritable, I can’t concentrate, and I’m smoking a lot of pot” the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant and sleep aid and be referred to rehab. If a competent psychiatrist heard these same symptoms, he may recognize the Bipolar 2 Spectrum of symptoms and would prescribe a mood stabilizer.
It is important to know that if your symptoms are caused by a chemical imbalance, then the solution may be a chemical, used together with psychotherapy. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be able to teach you how to regulate your symptoms and self-soothe, but coupled with an antidepressant, symptoms may lift and be life-changing.
If you had a shortage of calcium for your bones, you probably would not hesitate to take a supplement. But if you have a shortage of serotonin or another neurotransmitter, you may feel frightened to take a prescribed medication. Do some research to learn how these drugs work, and make a decision based on knowledge, not fear.
Your psychologist or internist should be able to refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation to see if you may benefit from psychotropic medication. A good source is www.psychologytoday.com. Click on FIND A THERAPIST, enter your zip code, and you will find psychologists and psychiatrists in your area.
Life-changing.
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Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. You may call her at 860-236-5555 to make an appointment. She is the author of “The Psychotherapy Workbook.” You may email her at kathleen.cairns@mac.com and she will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
www.kathleencairns.com
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