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Thought I'd start with this, as it sort of lays the foundation.
Yes, psychology is, as they say, a "softer" science. As a social science it is required to rely heavily on statistical factors. In any particular psych study, you will see language like statistically significant. For example, if you wanted to test perceived attractiveness as it related to serum testosterone levels (this was an actually study conducted), you would test with a control group who had average levels throughout the general population, and then you would test some with elevated levels. If those with elevated levels came out as being perceived significantly more attractive (using a statistical method), then it would mean that there was some mechanism in the study that caused higher T men to be percieved as more attractive. Note this does not mean that EVERYONE viewed them as more attractive, or that some people did not find lower T men as more attractive. All it states is that in a random sampling of people, people tended to prefer high T to low T.
This is the nature of social science--some degree of reliance on statistical tools. However, this does not change the fact that we should rely on them. If you had a choice between a 20% and 25% chance to live, which would you take? It seems obvious, but now change that to a real case, in which Psychological Method A has a 20% chance of fixing the problem and Psychological Method B has a 25% chance. However, you talk to Jane, who is the friend of your sister, and she tried Method A and found it to be wildly successful, and you know that Jeff down the street has taken Method B and is bat-shit crazy. Suddenly, due to anecdotal evidence, your faith in Method A goes up dramatically. This is simply a cognitive bias, and the reason why there is a lot of trouble in science in general, and social science in particular.
Basicly what I was trying to say there so I agree, by all means I think it should be explored but not blindly followed. When the specialists themselves say we can not be sure or there is still so much we don't understand other people cant then just blindly follow something. Anthony Robbins has some very good thoughts on some of the less serious mental health issues and a fairly decent sample size too!
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I'm not sure what you mean by theory-based. If you are suggesting that psychopharmacological solutions do not have empirical research behind them, you are simply mistaken. There have been a number of massive reviews on this issue, particularly on SSRIs.
Still doesn't change the fact it is not black/white. There is no postive statements really in this area its mostly normalitve that is all I am saying. Saying it was theory based probably wasn't the best term to use though I agree.
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No disagreement here. But until then, wouldn't it be prudent to do the best we can with the tools and knowledge we have right now, rather than wait it out and stand on ignorance?
Glad you agree but I didnt quite say that
What I was saying was you cant just be 100% behind something as it is never prudent to be a sheep. OFC you can only work with the tools and knowledge we have right now but don't follow it blindly tis all.
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So your alternative is...what? Relying on your own judgment and extensive schooling in this matter?
Well what I was refering to was your comments about how the mental profession cant be wrong! I was just stating that it is hard to find someone whos gone through the system that thinks it is even 50% efficent and worthwhile! Still they are what is out there now and many are good and mean well but as an example they wanted me to get help for depression, start out on all these pills etc. I told them to stuff it and relied on my own judgment. I was going through a bad phase but now I am happier than ever. Kudos to Anthony Robbins for that BTW lol. If I had taken the other path I sincerley doubt I would be the person I am today. Still professionals are there for a reason but they are not the be all end all thats all im saying.
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Sorry about your mum...but it sounds to me like you didn't take the time to do the sort of thing I mentioned to skinny that you should do with any professional. Believe it or not there are bad allergists, bad gynecologists, bad exercise physiologists, and bad computer technicians. You should always review the person you are getting your work done. I've always found it amazing that people tend to do intense research to find a trusted and skilled auto-mechanic, but never bother with it with things like doctors.
Well I live in the UK so you have to deal with NHS (unless you have the money for private, we didnt). I must point out some people have been helpful her support workers for instance are tremendous but then again they dont do any pre-scribing or diagnosis they just help out in a very real way.
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Widely recognized by whom? I'm not exactly sure where you are getting your data. However, the problem with antidepressants is not that they are being prescribed, but that they are being prescribed by people that are typically unqualified--GPs and gynecologists--and that they are not being prescribed in conjunction with some form of therapy. In our "quick-fix" society, doctors prescribe pills because it's simpler, and patients take pills because it's easier. No one wants to actually spend hours with someone talking about your problems and trying to fix them when a pill can do it all for you.
It isn't anti-depressants that are the problem, it is the fact that that is all that is used.
Well to the start of your post many specialists share this viewpoint as well as numerous documentries on the subject. However, later in this segment you go on to state exactly what I meant by it so I assume you understand. Its not the anti-depressants its the use of them and reliance similar to how a GP will tell you its a Virus when they dont have a clue sometimes. So I guess we agree here.
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I've never quite understood why people are so averse to argument these days. People ought to be more willing to put their ideas to the test more often.
I'm more than happy to debate something although really given the subject matter, the PUA forums are probably not the place for it lol
CHAT