Interestingly, mental illness is not considered curable by those who supposedly treat it. In fact, according to the Psychiatric Bible (The DSM), there are hundreds of mental disorders. And not a single one of them has a promised cure.
In medicine, there are certainly diseases that are not curable, only manageable over the long term (such as AIDS and some cancers). But there are also many, many diseases that are curable through non-lethal pharmaceuticals, diet and other treatment. How can it be that psychiatry and psychology are the only medical professionals who do not have a single cure for any one of their “mental disorders?”
Psych Central’s John M. Grohol, Psy.D. says this about the question of curing mental disorders:
“Once in treatment, your physician or psychologist rarely mentions the word ‘cure.’ Cure is what doctors do for a broken wrist or scurvy. Set the wrist or give the patient a vitamin C shot, and voila! Done. Treating mental illness rarely results in a ‘cure,’ per se. What it does result in is a person feeling better, getting better, and eventually no longer needing treatment (in most cases). But even then, rarely will a professional say, ‘Yes, you’re cured of your depression.’” [1]
If mental illness is admittedly incurable, is it really a disease? Certainly people do suffer from mental problems. They may be depressed, violent or have any number of non-optimum conditions that make their lives (and those of their family and friends) miserable.
But if mental disorders diseases, why can’t the “mental specialists” (psychologists and psychiatrists) cure them?
Psychiatric Drug Side Effects
One might take it a step further. The pharmaceutical treatments for those suffering often result in horrific side effects both physical and mental. So rather than a “cure” the treatment actually exacerbates the suffering of the individual who needs help.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) admits that the following severe side effects are possible when taking antidepressants:
- “Thoughts about suicide or dying
- Attempts to commit suicide
- New or worsening depression
- New or worsening anxiety
- Feeling very agitated or restless
- Panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- New or worsening irritability
- Acting aggressively, being angry, or violent
- Acting on dangerous impulses
- An extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
- Other unusual changes in behavior or mood”
The NIH says these side effects are possible while on anti-anxiety drugs:
- “Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Depression
- Difficulty speaking
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- Difficulty breathing” [2]
From scanning over these possible side effects, it is difficult to see how John M. Grohol in the 4th paragraph above states with such certainty that treating mental illness will “result in is a person feeling better, getting better, and eventually no longer needing treatment (in most cases).” His dubious “in most cases” statement possibly justifies his love affair with current psychiatric and psychological treatment.
In a paper published online from The NCBI (National Centre for Biotechnology Information) the following statement was made,“Much more information is required, however, on the behavioral pharmacology of psychiatric drugs, including all the mental, behavioral, and physical effects they induce in the acute phase and long-term, and during consumption and withdrawal.” [3]
David B. Feldman, Ph.D. Makes this remark about mental illness diagnosis in a Psychology Today article, “Because mental disorders are generally identified on the basis of their symptoms, a mental illness diagnosis doesn’t necessarily explain a person’s symptoms, it only describes them. If you go to the doctor complaining of upper respiratory symptoms and he or she diagnoses you with the flu, this provides an explanation for your symptoms—the flu virus is the cause of your coughing and sneezing. But, if your psychotherapist diagnoses you with Major Depression Disorder, this doesn’t provide an explanation for your mood symptoms. The label ‘Major Depression’ is simply a shorthand summary of the symptoms you probably already know you have…” [4]
Is the Mental Health Profession Wising Up?
After decades of faulty research, dubious results and flat out misconceptions, there are signs that the damage mental health specialists have inflicted on the public is being noticed by at least a few of its former advocates. While dangerous drugs are still being prescribed, the fact that some are questioning this practice is a very good thing.
The public can demand that psychiatrists and psychologists research non-lethal ways to treat those suffering mentally. Admitting that they have no cure for their supposed “mental diseases” is perhaps a first step. It is up to the rest of us to hold their feet to the fire until all dangerous and damaging psychiatric treatments are permanently banned.
[1] https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-do-you-cure-mental-illness/
[2] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4118946/
[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/201705/is-mental-illness-real
I have been taking welbutrin for 18 years and it did not seem to have side effects. Last year, my psychiatrist added effexor because I had very poor sleep. My sleep has improved but I have noticed a marked decrease in my brain function. I was quite good at bridge and now I cannot even figure out a game. Is it possible to regain brain function by discontinuing effexor?