Quote:
Originally Posted by DocJohn
Both psychiatry and psychology are accepted sciences by most. There are literally tens of thousands of researchers working on better understanding human behavior and the brain around the world. It would be an odd thing to consider these researchers aren't doing scientific research -- and the hundreds of scientific journals in psychology and psychiatry aren't publishing science?
Every psychiatric medication approved for use goes through a rigorous set of scientific studies.
Starting with the DSM-III in the 1980s, the diagnostic system for mental disorders is scientifically-based. Each time they do a revision, hundreds of researchers and clinicians review thousands of scientific studies to help inform new or changed diagnostic criteria. Having said that, ALL diagnosis -- in medicine and mental health -- is part science, part art. ALL doctors, regardless of their specialty, don't just apply one set of criteria to reach a diagnosis. It is a mashup of lots of different things.
I think someone who suggests these fields aren't "real" sciences simply hasn't spent much time reading the research. If it's not science, I'm not sure what is.
DocJohn
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@DocJohn. In my experience as a patient I see two problems. I have had four psychiatrist in my life three I totally loved and one not so much. My current one is actually a psyche PA. I call him a psychiatrist because he is very very good. I have only seen a real psychiatrist once at this clinic and my PA is much better. So I am happy. But problem one is access. Because of the current health care system, the high costs of psychiatrists, and the shortage of them, they are regulated to 15 minute med checks. I am lucky in that I usually get 30 minutes with my PA. With my past insurance the dx was never done by the psychiatrist and I got to see him at the end of the process for 15 minutes for a prescription and then 30 day or 90 day med checks. So many people see psychiatrist as pill dispensers and not much else. I personally don't feel that way but I consider myself pretty lucky in the overall service I have gotten over the years.
Problem two it seems to me is that psychiatrists don't seem to have a lot of tools in the mishmash of a tool box. The DSM and a handful of meds. I have been tested for thyroid each time I did an intake over the years but that is it. I have never been tested for vitamin D deficiency. I have never been tested for a L Methylfolate genetic polymorphism. I have never had the antidepressant metabolism genetic test done. Not really anything medical other than med management.
I have been happy with overall service because it included therapists, nurses, medical doctor, and a psychiatrist. I have done lots of therapy and groups and so on, so I see the psychiatrist as one part of the treatment.
I try to read as much of the current research as I can and it is very promising. I just think currently psychiatrist have a very limited amount of tools. I hope this changes soon but costs will always be a factor.
I guess my point is that for the average patient who doesn't read research and who may not be super active in their own treatment may not see much science behind it. Although I certainly do.