Better Living Through Chemistry…

Many people wonder if I'm pro or anti-medication given that I'm a psychologist and can't prescribe medications. The answer is... it depends. Well, I guess that I'm not really against them given that I work quite closely with a great group of psychiatrists and I send many of my patients to them for help when they need medication.

The answer depends on what you are using the medication for and how you are  using the medication. Many conditions require medication — like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and often OCD when it is severe or you need help getting on top of it. Medication is a good idea for depression when you can't concentrate, making it hard to do cognitive therapy.

Anxiety rarely requires medication and there's some research to suggest that it does more harm than good because you continue to use avoidance of anxiety as a coping strategy instead of building your tolerance. Basically you need to experience some anxiety when you are in treatment so that you have something to practice your strategies on — otherwise it's like trying to learn how to play the piano by reading a book. That being said, there are times when it is really helpful, because it take the edge off the anxiety and helps the cognitive therapy go more quickly.

I think the most important reason to use medication is when it helps you make the changes you need to build a life that suits you. Change is hard and a little scary and medication can be the boost you need if you are completely paralyzed. Once your life is in order (or as much as it can be) that can be a good time to start weaning yourself off if the medication (with your doctor's help of course). 

It's important to be open to whatever you need when you are stuck and the proper way to make good use of meds is when they help you move forward in creating a life that would truly make you happy.