Part one:

To Be Continued Next Week

Synopsis: We tend to pop pills, when we are in a state of upheaval that makes us depressed or anxious, or if we don't feel well, or if we aren't functioning the way we wish. Perhaps, it's a down time in our marriage, the aftermath of a divorce, struggles with our teenagers, or even a "blue" period that doesn't seem attached to anything. It seems easy to call the doctor, go to the pharmacy or health food store, reach for a cigarette, or have that one extra drink that will wash our troubles away. We want something to make us feel better fast. And, why not? No one willingly wants emotional pain. Life is guaranteed to hand us hard times and all of us need help getting through the rough patches. When is it best to use a mood-mender and when is it better to "tough it out? " The answers are individualistic and complex. So, if your marriage is deteriorating, or dealing with your blended family is too much to cope with, or your spouse's ex, is trying to tear you apart, seek help. I believe that good psychotherapy or counseling are usually the first avenues to try. But, don't be afraid to use other means that are available. No one way is right for all. As with snowflakes, we are all unique. One person's cure can be another's chaos. Whatever path you choose, the quick fix rarely solves the long-term ache. Take your time. Think about what you need, ask questions and never say "yes' to any treatment you don't understand.

Better Living Through Chemistry: Mind-Mending Medicines

We tend to pop pills, when we are in a state of upheaval that makes us depressed or anxious, if we don't feel well, or if we aren't functioning the way we wish. Perhaps, it's a down time in our marriage, the aftermath of a divorce, struggles with our teenagers, or even a "blue" period that doesn't seem attached to anything. It seems easy to call the doctor, go to the pharmacy or health food store, reach for a cigarette, or have that one extra drink that will wash our troubles away. We want something to make us feel better fast. And, why not? No one willingly wants emotional pain. Life is guaranteed to hand us hard times and all of us need help getting through the rough patches. When is it best to use a mood-mender and when is it better to "tough it out? " The answers are individualistic and complex. Many Americans, even their pets, take Prozac. Over 21 million people worldwide have now used Prozac with almost 10 million prescriptions in the United States. Although in the U.S. it is the most often prescribed mood-mender, it only holds the silver medal in prescriptions written, lagging behind Zantac, an ulcer medication. Prozac, along with Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and a host of other medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs, have gained popularity because they impact on specific brain nerves, supposedly with little or no effect on other neurotransmitter systems or brain functions. Unfortunately, this is not completely true. For some people, drugs work. For others, the side effects are worse than the cure. And, for others, it may take months of trial and error to find just the right medication or combination of medications or appropriate dose before something "kicks in" and helps. Few people like feeling like a walking guinea pig and many, in pain, quit seeking help before they find what they need, or they devise their own "chemical cocktail" without awareness of dangerous drug interactions. Although warnings are printed on most of our prescription drugs, I hope that people will also take more seriously the negative effects of their medications. Read the information brochures now included with every prescription. Pills need to be taken when necessary, but the ever-changing definition of "necessary" concerns me. When mind medication works, it can seem as if you have been given a new lease on life. William, a patient of mine, is a case in point. A brilliant scientist, he struggled many years with attention deficit disorder (ADD) plus a family history of depression leading to suicide. Suddenly, when he was fifty, his wife of 25 years asked for a divorce. Devastated, unable to sleep and totally disorganized, William came to see me. Regaining his focus seemed primary and sleeping medication seemed a good starting point. He was given a non-addictive sleeping pill and a prescription for Ritalin to help his ADD. Both the psychopharmocologist and I felt that pain around his divorce was situationally appropriate and to tranquilize or sedate him out of it for the short- term might hurt him in the long-run. Once William regained a stable sleeping pattern and an ability to focus, he was able to use therapy to learn more about how he had contributed to the demise of his marriage and how he could use this new self-knowledge to better his life in the future. His wife Florence, also in distress and unable to sleep or eat, took a different tack. Florence's distress manifested itself physically and she suffered headaches, backaches, stomach aches, and a menstrual period that lasted six weeks. Although her gynecologist could find nothing physically wrong with her, he suggested surgery. Since she was in no immediate danger, Florence opted to put off surgery to see what would happen once her stress subsided. I supported her choice. Fearful of chemical compounds, she started on a regime of St. John's Wort, nutritional supplements, and psychotherapy, which started to help her. After several months, she began to feel better and her bleeding and other symptoms abated. Ultimately, she joined a psychotherapy group for support and self-knowledge. Florence's case demonstrates that a body under stress eventually rebels and that, if there is no emergency, it may be best to allow equilibrium to return naturally as stressors are alleviated. William and Florence are excellent examples of the fact that, while we all share some common issues, each individual is as unique as a thumbprint and must be so treated. So, if your marriage is deteriorating, or dealing with your blended family is too much to cope with, or your spouse's ex, is trying to tear you apart, seek help. I believe that good psychotherapy or counseling are usually the first avenues to try. But, don't be afraid to use other means that are available. No one way is right for all. As with snowflakes, we are all unique. One person's cure can be another's chaos. Whatever path you choose, the quick fix, rarely solves the long-term ache. Take your time. Think about what you need, ask questions and never say "yes' to any treatment you don't understand. This column's for you, Dr. D. Dorree Lynn, PH.D.

On The Couch with Dr. Dorree Lynn FAMILY LAW Advisor® HOME PAGE These articles are provided for informational purposes only. No materials posted here are intended to constitute medical advice, which by necessity, must relate to each person's individual situation. This site does not constitute a patient-professional relationship. You are urged to seek help from a local mental health professional concerning your specific circumstances. No information or materials posted here are intended to constitute legal advice, nor can we guarantee the accuracy of posted information, especially as to each individual situation. LawTek does not independently check the information contained herein and does not refer or endorse any product, service, or firm. This site does not constitute an attorney-client relationship; local counsel should always be consulted. © 2000 LawTek Media Group, LLC all rights reserved

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