Quote:
Originally Posted by Michanne
Dsm's purpose is to label for the intent of making it easier to diagnose but the more I learn the more I think we are more complicated than a label. The bipolar diagnosis is particularly troubling to me.
Since the 1980s prescriptions in the us have been increasing at an astounding rate. Part of it is advertising. Some people say a shift happened after 9/11. Instead of going to the dr for advise they started going to the dr knowing what prescription they wanted. Advertising completely caters to this. The target of those ads is the consumer not the dr. Insurance has made it nearly impossible to see a patient for the amount of time necessary for a proper diagnosis. Often it is less than 30 min. They ask 20 questions and send them out the door with meds.
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"Labeling" is for insurance purpose only. Every diagnosis has a code so docs can bill insurance companies. It just makes it easier for docs and insurance companies.
We ARE more than just a label. I hate support groups that have you say your name followed by "and I'm ____" (whatever). I'm more than whatever.
You are right on about advertising. So many people are on the wrong meds because they insist on having one they've seen on TV or read about in an advertisement. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor to go over my meds and make sure none were having an affect on another one and to ensure I was taking the correct ones. My insurance didn't charge anything or this appointment.