When we go to the doctor because we are emotionally ill, what are the steps to follow? There are two options: the doctor will prescribe the medication or refer us to a psychiatrist, but not to the psychologist, even if you ask. But after all, what could be more effective: psychotropic drugs or psychotherapy?
Some doctors tend to use the simplest method; as if taking a certain medication made our problems go away. Will problems persist when you stop treatment?
- Read on and find out why cognitive behavioral psychological treatment is most beneficial.
- Or why it may be the best complement to an initial drug treatment.
“Psychology, unlike chemistry, algebra or literature, is a manual for your own mind. Is it a guide to life? Daniel Goldstein
The purpose of this article is not to end psychopharmaceuticals forever, the truth is that there are situations in which medication is necessary, the turning point is that, in some countries, there is an underlying tendency to prescribe them. have even asked for fewer medications and more psychotherapy.
The side effects of such medications are known to health professionals, both short, medium and long term, but this is not the only problem, as their effectiveness is questionable in the treatment of certain psychological disorders and are prescribed only because, in the short term, they are the most economical solution for a health system on the verge of collapse due to lack of professionals.
In addition, its long-term economic cost is very high, as it has many symptoms at once, and by not acting on the cause, many disorders become chronic.
As we can see, there are few advantages and countless disadvantages, so why are they used so much?On the one hand, there are the economic interests of the pharmaceutical industry. On the other hand, it is the patients themselves who want their discomfort to pass as quickly as possible, with the use of a pill for example; without requiring much effort on your part.
Why would you want to solve the problem quickly and painlessly?Is it bad? Because the truth is that the problem is not really solved, I will explain it below. Psychotropic medications will help reduce anxiety or improve mood during intake at best.
But then what happens when the person stops taking the medication?Of course, your discomfort will return, why? Because no strategies have been acquired to deal with the problem besides drug use.
The first thing we need to know is that in life we will always encounter situations in which it is normal to feel bad, but if we do not learn to control these negative emotions, they can lose their ephemeral character and permanently settle in our lives.
“The best years of your life will pass when you decide to take responsibility for your problems. Don’t blame your mother, the environment or the president for them. Will you realize you control your own destiny?. ?Albert Ellis?
That’s where the question lies. Medications can mask problems such as depression or anxiety, but it’s through quality psychological therapy that you’ll get tools to control these negative emotions yourself, tools that can continue to be used once treatment is complete.
In addition to providing strategies to better cope with your life, therapy doesn’t have the same risks or undesirable side effects as psychiatric medications, plus, in economic terms, it’s a cheaper alternative, but not only that, it has more benefits.
For example, continued psychological treatment is more important than drug treatment, the rate of healing is higher, and the risk of relapse decreases considerably, which in turn prevents the disorder from becoming chronic.
“Self-care and development are difficult for most people. They usually require a lot of courage and perseverance. “Abraham Maslow?
Now think of one thing: what do we appreciate most?The real answer is the second. When we achieve something through the direct product of our work, we feel better.
Emotions like joy arise and we feel realized, so with psychological therapy we not only get tools to manage our negative emotions, but we also improve the positive effect and our self-esteem.
Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as a treatment of choice for most psychological disorders, with medication required in the most severe cases, but also accompanied by psychological treatment, so it is better to go to an appropriate psychologist, as well as to the professionals present in the call centers in general.
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