The Spiralling Use of Psychiatric Drugs

Nov. 2011

Recent reports have revealed shocking statistics regarding the ever-spiralling use of psychiatric drugs. Medco, a huge pharmacy
benefit manager, shows that presently more than ONE IN FIVE OF THE ENTIRE ADULT POPULATION OF THE U.S. is taking a prescription drug for a “mental illness.”

Psychiatric drug use increased by 22% between 2001 and 2010. Evidently the use of antidepressants among adult women in the U.S. is now at 21%.

From the actual report:

“Medco data shows that antidepressants are the most commonly used mental health medications and that women have the highest utilization rates. In 2010, 21 percent of women ages 20 and older were using an antidepressant. From 2001 to 2010 the number of women on an antidepressant grew 29 percent. The most significant increases (40 percent) were among women 65…

Building Your Resilience

Make connections
Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need can also benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems
You can’t change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.

Accept that change is a part of living
Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help…

The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Dr. Jonathan Shedler published a landmark study in the latest edition of the journal “American Psychologist” (February-March 2010), in which he elucidates the empirical evidence that supports the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. This study is so vitally important because historically, the efficacy of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy was often believed to lack the empirical support that scientific evidence demonstrates for other forms of therapy. Dr. Shedler’s study simply renders those beliefs false, with the dramatic evidence he presents. Among the highlights of the study:

—Studies show statistically significant outcomes comparing psychodyamic psychotherapy versus control groups. In addition, psychodynamic therapy sets in motion psychological processes that lead to ongoing change, even AFTER the therapy has ended. NO OTHER TREATMENT FOR PERSONALITY PATHOLOGY HAS SHOWN SUCH ENDURING BENEFITS.

—The goals of psychodynamic therapy go beyond symptom reduction. Psychodynamic therapy hopes to not only alleviate symptoms, but to help…