Psychopharmacology:

Scientists are still working to understand the human body's incredible complexity. The
human brain, along with its diseases, is one of the most complex systems. Many talk-
based or contemplative therapies aim to treat mental health problems. Along with other
therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic
therapy, person-centered therapy, mindfulness-based treatments, acceptance and
commitment therapy, etc., psychopharmacology has long been used to treat patients.
Prescription medications are used to treat mental illnesses in psychopharmacology.
Even though researchers hold divergent opinions on which therapy is more beneficial,
there is still no conclusive evidence to prove that one treatment is better than another.

According to Boettcher et al. (2021), cognitive behavioral therapy has the most vital
scientific support among all the therapies above, while various other treatments also
appear to be effective. Thanks to recent advances in science and technology, a rising
number of patients can now be treated by clinical specialists using
psychopharmacology.

Why do primary health care providers or family doctors favor psychopharmacologic

treatments so much? Studies of primary care practices reveal that many patients
complain to their doctors about mental and emotional issues. More people seek
treatment for these disorders from their primary care doctors than from specialized
mental health clinics. The use of psychopharmacology is more seamlessly incorporated
into a medical practice than other mental treatments like formal psychotherapy (Sack &
Shore, 1981).

Is psychopharmacology excessive or appropriate?

Most commonly, the psychiatric diagnostic by specialists in most cases is based on the
American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), the
product of committee-based recommendations. In biological domains like
pharmacology, growing evidence and experience demonstrate that DSM diagnoses
typically lack scientific validity and have not advanced fruitful scientific study. It is
necessary to use flexible clinical criteria that may deviate from DSM norms.
Psychotropic drugs may be effective for clinical syndromes that the DSM does not cover
but ineffective for DSM constructs (Oxford Medicine Online, n.d.).

Another fundamental contrast between medications in general is that they can either
treat symptoms of an illness or change a condition. The majority of psychotropic
medications are symptomatic. Similar to how aspirin relieves headaches, it can help
with symptoms of sadness and anxiety. However, they frequently have little effect on
the illnesses like schizophrenia or manic-depressive sickness, which are the root
causes of those symptoms (Oxford Medicine Online, n.d.).
Moreover, some medications might have harmful side effects that last a lifetime. I know
this firsthand because a close cousin of mine has admitted to abusing Prozac
(Fluoxetine). My relative suffers from everyday responsibilities like a job and a
relationship and claims that he is addicted to this substance. He abruptly stopped taking
the drug, claiming that it negatively impacted his sleep, concentration, and sex drive.
The family members were able to persuade him to resume taking it after his condition
worsened. However, he still refuses to visit a psychiatrist, which he hasn't seen in years,
though, because also insurance doesn't cover it. His family speculates that things would
have turned out differently if they had taken him to a psychologist instead of a
psychiatrist since the psychiatrist's first step was to start him on medication.

Cultural context, mental health, and psychopharmacology?

In my society, it is unfortunately common to refer to those with mental health difficulties

as "crazy," "incompetent," or even "God-gifted" (in a nonproductive or sarcastic way).
Because of the stigma, most people put off seeking help, consulting a psychiatrist, or
talking to a psychologist. It took me a very long time to comprehend the difference
between a psychologist and a psychiatrist myself. For people to know where and how to
get assistance, they must have this knowledge. Along with a lack of information, other
issues include financial difficulty, lack of insurance, and high medical exam and
consultation costs that discourage people from getting the assistance they require.

In conclusion, I would say that while psychopharmacology has its pros and cons, its
teaching and practice must look beyond the bare facts about medications and pay close
attention to symptomatic rather than disease-modifying pharmacological usage (Oxford
Medicine Online, n.d.).

Question: Do you know someone perhaps in the family or friends who suffer from a
mental illness or condition? What will you do to help him or her? How will you support
them or encourage them to seek help? But does not seek help or support due to fear of
cultural stigma or setback?

Question: If you were going through depression or any mental health issue, would you
gather the courage to seek a psychologist or psychiatrist? Which type of therapy would
you prefer? E.g., Cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, mindfulness,
acceptance and commitment therapy, or psychopharmacology, or any other? Explain
your reasons.

References:

Boettcher, H., Hofmann, S. G., & Wu, Q. J. (2021). Therapeutic orientations. In R.

Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL:
DEF publishers. https://nobaproject.com/textbooks/elizabeth-alvarez-sawyer-new-
textbook/modules/therapeutic-orientations
Oxford Medicine Online. (n.d.). Why psychopharmacology practice is poor, and how it
can be improved. https://oxfordmedicine.com/page/853
Sack, R. L., & Shore, J. H. (1981). Psychopharmacology in medical practice--the
benefits and the risks. The Western journal of medicine, 134(3), 223–233.