Medication in Psychiatry - do we need it?

Topic: Medication in Psychiatry? Do we need it? Have we ever got past the Bio-medical model?
Challenging conversations webinar series with Geraldine Strathdee and guest panelists:
Ann Feloy
Professor Sir Robin Murray
Joanna Moncrief
Jacob Krzanowski
Date: Thursday 25th February 2021

[@adabloom852]

I agree with Professor Murray. The quickest and easiest way of reducing harm in mental health services would be to ban GP's from prescribing antidepressants. NOT to allow them to prescribe for '2 weeks' as Professor Murray suggests.The first two weeks are often the most volatile and unpredictable period of treatment and GP's do not possess the understanding, skill or time to deal with it. Not to mention the absurdity of expecting an ignorant and time poor GP to diagnose and treat a complex condition such as depression in 8 minutes.
90% of all antidepressant prescriptions are made by GP's. They have absolutely zero understanding of these drugs and yet prescribe them like candy. Such a ban would be the best thing that's happened in NHS mental health services in the last 30 years.

[@nasrijacirclinic1909]

I have treated over a hundred psychotic patients. Only one of them has been a challenge in terms of actual treatment as her psychopathology appears to be very "primitive". I have not seen a single psychosis where there is no trauma. Elements of the trauma is always in the psychotic symptom; like a dream. Its very sad to see thousands of medicated people all over the world. Thank you for this talk.