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Monday, October 8, 2012

A Dangerous Remedy (2 Letters)


Two Letters to the Editor from the New York Times published on October 1, 2012.

One is important to understand how psychotropics are currently being used on a daily basis and the second to underscore how psychological treatments are overlooked.

To the Editor:

Re “A Call for Caution on Antipsychotic Drugs,” (Mind, Sept. 25): “A call for caution” is indeed needed and long overdue to curb the inappropriate overuse of antipsychotics. As the author notes, the use of these highly potent and expensive drugs is drastically out of proportion to the appropriate target population: individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The misuse of antipsychotics in nursing homes in particular is a widespread yet preventable problem. Approximately one in four residents are given antipsychotics. The percentage of residents with dementia on these drugs is even higher. Too often, they are used as a form of chemical restraint, as a substitute for good care and adequate staffing. Contrary to what the article states, they are harmful for elderly people with dementia, greatly increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, falls and even death.

Federal standards have long prohibited the inappropriate use of antipsychotics in nursing homes. With increased public knowledge and vigorous enforcement, hopefully we can make those standards a reality for vulnerable residents.

Richard Mollot

Manhattan

To the Editor:

There was no mention in Dr. Richard A. Friedman’s article about the proven effectiveness of psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, for nonpsychotic disorders. Instead, Dr. Friedman suggests that patients suffering from anxiety or depression take other, less powerful medications. By not recommending psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety and depression, Dr. Friedman is perpetuating the mind-set that all psychiatric disorders should be treated with medicine, which in effect has created a climate that encourages the off-label use of antipsychotics.

Patricia Thornton

Manhattan

These can be found here.