TheLedger.com : Meds and Mental Illness Discussed at Forum in Lakeland

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LAKELAND | As a father and mental-health activist, Lakeland's Carl has

spent years battling for the rights of people with mental illnesses, including

appropriate treatment and fairness in insurance funding.

His son, , profiled in past Ledger articles on severe mental disorders, is

diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

Access to medication is one of the rights both consider important.

But a new book has the senior questioning whether too much medication - and

not enough counseling and other therapies - is responsible for worsening mental

health nationwide.

At an open public forum Saturday, Carl wants two mental-health issues

examined:

Does use of psychiatric drugs fuel an epidemic of disabling mental illnesses?

Are therapy programs more effective than the medical medication model?

The forum is at 10 a.m. at the Larry R. Public Library at 1700 N.

Florida Ave. in Lakeland.

plans a brief review of " Anatomy of an Epidemic, Magic Bullets, Psychiatric

Drugs  and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, " by

Whitaker, who wrote " Mad in America. "

also will highlight " Within Our Reach, Ending the Mental Health Crisis, " by

former First Lady lynn , which promotes hope, strength and respect in

helping people recover.

" Both books stress the importance of therapy and as little medication as

possible, " Carl said.

Whitaker's book challenges established precepts espoused by many psychiatrists,

the National Institute of Mental Health, pharmaceutical companies and the

National Alliance on Mental Illness, of which has been a long-time member

and leader.

Whitaker disputes those groups' explanation of mental conditions, such as

bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as stemming from chemical imbalances in the

brain that medication can improve. Quoting various studies, he contends " the

biological underpinnings of schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder

remain unknown. "

He also says medications used for treating psychiatric disorders can disrupt the

brain's normal functioning. While they may alleviate symptoms in the short term,

Whitaker says, and some people may stabilize long term, the drugs are being

overused and insufficient attention given to alternative therapies.

Jane Oglesby, Peace River's director for rehabilitation, is a strong

believer in supportive programs to help people diagnosed with severe mental

illnesses recover their skills and gain more control of their lives.

But she said her years in mental health have put her in contact with many people

whom medications have helped.

" The best treatment I have seen for people who are very ill is a combination of

medication and therapy, " Oglesby said.

" If someone is treated for depression, there is the hope they can come off their

medications with the help of therapy, " she said. " But for persons with

schizophrenia, the likelihood of their being able to function without medication

is not great. "

[ Robin can be reached at robin.adams@... or

863-802-7558. ]

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