Why the Stigma Attached to Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medication?
As a medical provider, I often see that when the question arises about past medical history, rarely does anyone feel hesitant to say high blood pressure or diabetes. Yet when it comes to depression or anxiety, there is some uncertainty in their response. And it always seems to follow by some long, drawn-out explanation as if to justify the diagnosis. Even better are the patients who deny it altogether, but then list a medication on their medical record that will include an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication. And when I ask them why are they taking it, they respond, ” I don’t know. My doctor just said to use it.” Granted I have to agree that sometimes patients don’t fully understand why they are put on medications, and this is probably their practitioners fault, however there are also patients that choose not to listen to what their practitioner has to say. Whatever the reason, a patient should always be aware as to why they are on any medications especially this class of drug.
some uncertainty in their response. And it always seems to follow by some long, drawn-out explanation as if to justify the diagnosis. Even better are the patients who deny it altogether, but then list a medication on their medical record that will include an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication. And when I ask them why are they taking it, they respond, ” I don’t know. My doctor just said to use it.” Granted I have to agree that sometimes patients don’t fully understand why they are put on medications, and this is probably their practitioners fault, however there are also patients that choose not to listen to what their practitioner has to say. Whatever the reason, a patient should always be aware as to why they are on any medications especially this class of drug. There may be certain side effects that are involved as well. It is important to know that if the choice was made by a clinician and patient to be on this medication that it was a reasonable decision and that they should
