Posted by stjames on September 19, 2000, at 11:50:45
In reply to Treating Depression without Medication, posted by josh on September 13, 2000, at 4:56:31
> 1) There is a psychological theory known as "state dependent memory," which essentially asserts that if you learn something in one state of mind, or in this case under the influence of medication, you need to remain or return to that state to remember what you've learned. So, wouldn't any gains made under the influence of anti-depressants be negated when off the medication? Does this mean we have to be on medication for the rest of our lives?James here.....
From my experiance with AD's this is not true. Also AD's correct mood to normal.
> 2)Despite all the scientific and medical rhetoric about the brain, there is a body of evidence which suggests these "professionals" know very little about the brain, and how long-term use of anti-depressants, specifically SSRI's, affect it. When reading literature about Wellbutrin, for instance, they're not even sure how it works! Could it be these drugs permanently affect the brain making one MORE depressed after persistent use?
My 15 yrs of experience on AD's indicates they don't make depression worse.
> 3) Kierkegaard (I am paraphrasing) said that anxiety is one of the greatest educational tools a person can have. Why chemically lobotomize oneself and potentially truncate the process of becoming self-aware and fully actualized as a human being?
Kierkegaard was talking about "normal" anxiety, the kind that happens in normal situations and is
useful in moving us forward. Panic attacks and excessive anxiety are not educational tools !
>
> Also, I have a physician who is treating me for PHYSICAL pain who insists I go on anti-depressant medication or find another doctor. Aside from him hardly knowing me (he's met me twice), and it being ethically objectionable, IS THIS LEGAL?
>
It is well reported that constant physical pain will cause depression. Can't comment on legality, but what is the harm in trying something that might work and you can stop at any time ?
james
poster:stjames
thread:522
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/581.html