Anti-Depressants and the "Quick-Fix"

judy ann · Apr 24, 2004

Therapeutic communication is left by the wayside, and our patients are not getting the solutions they need. To me it seems as if when the pill doesn't seem to be working anymore, another suicide attempt/success occurs. Should it be considered mal-practice to promote and instill in these patients that they need a "med-adjustment," when what they are looking for is answers to real life-controlling issues. Does everything have to be a psychiatric "biological" problem? Do you think it is unsafe practice to prescribe/administer anti-depressants, when an equal amount of counseling is not being provided? What are your thoughts on this issue?

I just watched a Montel Williams show that demonstrated just what you say. There were several teenagers who were prescribed antidepressants (most Effexor) and sent on their way. One young man found himself holding his classmates hostage with his rifle. Another assured his mom that he was just fine, and she should go to work. He hung himself while she was gone. Most of these young people demonstrated the cardinal sign of giving away prized possessions just prior to this kind of act, but no one recognized this as a warning that should be followed up. Sad. All these kids were prescribed by a family doc or pediatrician. None were refered for counciling. Too very bad.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 24, 2004

I agree that therapy should be aggressively promoted, and paid for by health insurance. However, all the therapy in the world can't balance a depressive's brain chemistry, and to treat depression with therapy alone is no better than with medication alone. You need both components for a complete and lasting recovery. Trust me on this one........I've been there. :)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 24, 2004

I agree that therapy should be aggressively promoted, and paid for by health insurance. However, all the therapy in the world can't balance a depressive's brain chemistry, and to treat depression with therapy alone is no better than with medication alone. You need both components for a complete and lasting recovery. Trust me on this one........I've been there. :)

hmccartn · Apr 24, 2004

we need a balanced approach... i dont think it should be nurses offering counselling because most havent been trained in counselling techniques... and there are the realities of not enough time to provide it even if we were trained... in canada the system is inundated and only the most ill patients get admitted and for every other mental health service there seems to be a huge waiting list.. greater accessibility to counselling by trained professionals is a must, along with medication when it is deemed necessary..just my opinion

hmccartn · Apr 24, 2004

we need a balanced approach... i dont think it should be nurses offering counselling because most havent been trained in counselling techniques... and there are the realities of not enough time to provide it even if we were trained... in canada the system is inundated and only the most ill patients get admitted and for every other mental health service there seems to be a huge waiting list.. greater accessibility to counselling by trained professionals is a must, along with medication when it is deemed necessary..just my opinion

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 24, 2004

.. greater accessibility to counselling by trained professionals is a must, along with medication when it is deemed necessary..just my opinion

ITA. I've seen too many ppl sent home with a baggie full of drugs and nothing more... thus the revolving door syndrome. I always felt this was criminal.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 24, 2004

.. greater accessibility to counselling by trained professionals is a must, along with medication when it is deemed necessary..just my opinion

ITA. I've seen too many ppl sent home with a baggie full of drugs and nothing more... thus the revolving door syndrome. I always felt this was criminal.

judy ann · Apr 25, 2004

I agree that therapy should be aggressively promoted, and paid for by health insurance. However, all the therapy in the world can't balance a depressive's brain chemistry, and to treat depression with therapy alone is no better than with medication alone. You need both components for a complete and lasting recovery. Trust me on this one........I've been there. :)

I also have been (and am) there. Unfortunately, the word psychotherapy has gotten a bad name, and isn't often suggested by other than mental health professionals.

judy ann · Apr 25, 2004

I agree that therapy should be aggressively promoted, and paid for by health insurance. However, all the therapy in the world can't balance a depressive's brain chemistry, and to treat depression with therapy alone is no better than with medication alone. You need both components for a complete and lasting recovery. Trust me on this one........I've been there. :)

I also have been (and am) there. Unfortunately, the word psychotherapy has gotten a bad name, and isn't often suggested by other than mental health professionals.

leslie :-D · Apr 25, 2004

actually, antidepressants are not exactly a quick fix since they take weeks to take effect and there are a myriad of adverse s.e.'s (usually transient) in the 1st 4-6 wks. and i strongly believe that alot of depression is related to a chemical imbalance therefore meds would battle half of the problem. as nurses we need to be more holistic in our approach in addressing someone's psyche as well as the pathophys.

leslie :-D · Apr 25, 2004

actually, antidepressants are not exactly a quick fix since they take weeks to take effect and there are a myriad of adverse s.e.'s (usually transient) in the 1st 4-6 wks. and i strongly believe that alot of depression is related to a chemical imbalance therefore meds would battle half of the problem. as nurses we need to be more holistic in our approach in addressing someone's psyche as well as the pathophys.