This topic has been a concern of mine even pre-stroke. Today I think far too many anti-depressants are used. Not blowing ahorn, but I am degreed in Behavioural Psych (circa 1969) and have never condoned pharmacological treatment of certain physical conditions. I don't practice by choice. I was just curious about the mind and wanted to learn. Today it seems that just not dealing with the patients real issues is easier via meds for the caregivers. Cindy I am in no way saying you. I am saying physicians.
In sessions with my therapist this has come up a few times. My arguement against has that in a cse of head trauma, like stroke, the emotional imbalance is not inherent, but resultant. Medicating a brain attemting to resolve physical (note I said physical) trauma is not a situation in which induced feelings of wellness via mediaction is good. The person knows damned well the blew a gasket and things aren't physically right at the moment. Sedating that healing brain is the worst in my opinion to do to it. My therapist agrees in context with me.
Okay now real life background here. For over 13 years I have been a caregiver to a very dear person who suffers from acute depression. Her's was resultant to years of harsh behavior interfence, psychological abuse with physical reenforcement. Her anti depressant meds are a means of helping her to controll unreal threats she feels direct to her. She is aware of this and actually says they help. Look at Brooke Shields with Post Partum. Pysch Meds do help in some cases.
Head trauma, stroke, is a completely different animal. The survivor knows they have suffered a physical event. They are generally aware something REAL physically beyond their apparent control bit them. The anger, grief, nonacceptance of the event is irrelevant to them, it is happening. Yes they are ticked off. I know I was and still am over mine. I know prior to it I was able to capably function in society and without a drug to make it work. MY God I wnat a clear mind to beat this thing as best as it can be, not a drugged tool to try to fix itself.
Sorry I am adamant on anti-depressant use and abuse. Supplying a medication to create a false sense of wellness when you aren't and know it is a cop out. The goal is to give the patient every tool available to recover, not inhibit or distort the process. Now think of this. Today they have found many anti-depressants actually create suicidal manifestation contrary to the indicated positive effects. I am not suididal in the least. But give me a drug known to create that idea as a solution and I may as think it is an option to healing.
Stroke recovery, actually any brain\physical injury, is a hard road for anyone to walk. We walk it alone. I have seen first hand as a caregiver for a depression patient sometime simply a smile or a pat on the back recognizing the struggle they are fighting is far better than sedating the situation until tomorrow. It is today, not tomorrow. Things will not be better in the morning by simply hampering the person recovering from clearly trying to do the task.
Those of you caregivers actually forcing your loved one to strive to better themselves on their own are the best meds. I am thankfully not restricted physially from communicating, but I will say that Debbie forcing me to say applesauce and not pudding to use with my meds is great (I mentioned elsewhere here I confuse names). I tend to mix the words up. I sense those of us that cannot verbalize and try prefer the assurance and faith a loved one has they can do it is far better than providing a medium granting a false feeling of accomplishment. I thank Deb for making me change the word use. It might be a small thing, but I really feel good I did it. See little things on our own really mean a lot.
Survival is a very strong drive. Don't for once imagine we stroke survivors don't know that. Consider this. Many of us have been the rock of a relationship in the past or an equal part in its success. Losing that seat is hell. Our, or at least mine, is to recover my abilities to be there again. The last thing I need is a drug fooling me I am getting there. Caregivers, god bless. Cindy I am gald you are concerned on this topic. I mean sometimes "Tuff Love" is a better prescription. I prefer it!
Sorry folks I am at times very outspoken.
AJ
