Understanding Iatrogenic Mental Disorders Better
No one talks about iatrogenic disorders nearly enough. Iatrogenic disorders (literally, disorders caused by the physician or treatment) including mental disorders have not been understood very well. However, in medical literature, it is very well known that drugs can cause mental distress, injury, and illnesses.1 Nonetheless, we hear more often about a drug that “triggered some underlying mental illness.” Or, a patient begins a prescription of Klonopin and contracts panic disorder literally overnight. The prescribing physician does not recognize the person’s condition as an iatrogenic or drug-induced disorder. The doctor may declare that the patient has developed panic disorder. And, prescribe more drugs.
Another example, a patient may opt to take a sleeping pill seeking relief from insomnia. The drug may produce side effects like emotional blunting, depression, and perhaps even suicidality. Promoters of prescription drugs often put a fuzzy filter on the subject of medicine and side effects. Consequently, the practitioner designates that a new mental illness has emerged. Through this skewed lens, the doctor decides that the drug merely “revealed” the underlying condition.2
Pharmaceutical-based information places a skewed filter over the judgment of many physicians who otherwise would know better.
Avoiding Over-Medication
Described in this way, the drug (and possibly the drug manufacturer) then shifts to the role of “innocent bystander,” rather than the causative agent. Doctors and practitioners often chalk up additional diagnoses of “mental illnesses” instead of identifying cumulative adverse drug reactions, (ADRs). Consequently, these ADR’s are typically accompanied by further medications. The doctor now treats the patient as if suffering from multiple disorders, rather than recognizing they are suffering from over-medication. This follows, unfortunately, a prevailing medical model for treatment. Such practices can take a great toll on a person’s overall health and ability to recover, not to mention how it can disrupt the person’s family and career.3
Knowledge About Drug Side Effects is Necessary
In contrast, compare the above description to the case of a drug that causes cardiovascular disease. One did not have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) but the drug caused the condition to develop. For instance, a tricyclic antidepressant can cause this condition.3 Such a drug-induced illness would be correctly described as iatrogenic. Studies that link certain drugs to specific known adverse reactions demonstrate this cause and effect with certainty. Doctors don’t always warn their patients about the possibility (but should.) However, busy or uninformed physicians don’t always do so, caught in the pressure of trying to help a patient by prescribing drugs for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, etc.
Overall, Alternative to Meds Center’s tapering programs have consistently transitioned our clients to drug-free or greatly reduced drug reliance, and brought much relief. Iatrogenic mental disorders played a not insignificant part in conditions that debilitated many of our clients for years before finding us and enrolling.
(1) Krishnan N, Kasthuri R, Iatrogenic Disorders. NIMH, Med J Armed Forces India [INTERNET] 2011 [cited March 10, 2020]
(2) Fava G, Rafanelli C Iatrogenic Factors in Psychopathology.Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics [INTERNET[ 2011 [cited March 10, 2020
(3)Whitlock F Adverse psychiatric reactions to modern medication. Aust NZ J Psychiatry, US National Library of Medicine [INTERNET] 1981 [cited March 10, 2020
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
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