The Ethics and Science of Neurological Medicine

In just the last century, the United States has seen a rapid onset of new research in psychological studies as well as various methods of treating mental disorders. From the lobotomy to SSRI antidepressants, saying that our nation has undergone a tremendous growth in this field would be an immense understatement. Unfortunately however, with this progression comes much controversy. Although many, if not most, would argue that neurological medication is a valid resource for those suffering from some sort of mental disorder, some assert that our understanding of the chemistry in the brain is not sufficient enough to warrant such a thing. Unlike most health problems such as a broken bone or respiratory illness which can be confirmed by an X-ray or other kind of physical test, a mental diagnosis is far less tangible. We cannot scan someone’s brain and confirm that they have Bipolar Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder. Instead, we base our diagnoses off of what is expressed vocally by a patient in a therapeutic session or a questionnaire. Because we are limited in our understanding of the mind, it is not surprising that many of the neurological medications distributed in the pharmaceutical industry have stirred debate.
The common antidepressant medication SSRIs Zoloft and Paxil are among the most common remedies utilized for people suffering from depression by psychiatric professionals. These drugs are intended to allow the mind to fix the serotonin imbalance believed to have caused the depression. Strangely though, one of the most common side effects of these medications is increased sadness and suicide ideation. So, why would a medicine intended to help a person have such an adverse reaction? Because modern science has yet to fully understand the exact workings of neurological medicine, let alone the brain itself. We understand all the genetic and societal factors that affect an individual’s mind, but we are still in discord over how exactly the physical and chemical facets of the brain constitute a mental disorder. So, instead we choose to base our diagnoses off of what is expressed verbally between patient and psychiatrist, and hand out medicine this way. Unsurprisingly, these drugs have had very odd and serious reactions in people. Some of these reactions include increased heart rate, irritability, moodiness, suicide ideation and in some cases, fatality.
Another significant reason for being against antidepressant medication would be that it offers an individual hope through means of a medicinal dependency rather than through self-help and independent healing. This point, having to do with the ethics of neurological medication, entails a negative regard of one relying on some sort of mysterious brain stimulant for help as opposed to doing this through something like yoga or meditation. Many people would suggest natural remedies as the most effective and at the same time innocuous way to battle depression. Some even propose herbs and vitamins to combat depression, such as St. John’s Wort or Omega-3 fatty acids. Some statistics have actually shown that these natural remedies like such have been more useful for individuals than SSRI medication.
Although there are many reasons for why one should avoid taking medicine for a neurological disorder, there are also those who defend its usage. Judith Warner of the New York Times argues in her article The Wrong Story about Depression that medicinal help is far more effective than psychotherapy. She asserts that too many people go untreated or undertreated in terms or psychiatric support, and this is attributable to the over-usage of psychotherapy as a solution. Unsurprisingly though, her reasoning for this is no more conclusive or tangible than the scientific understanding of how these pills work.
Although antidepressants have been proven to work for many individuals, how they work is a much more important issue. It seems that as advanced as modern science has become, it is yet to fully grasp something as mysterious and complex as the mind. So, to utilize medication that alters the chemistry in the brain and attempts to cure a supposed disorder is by all means risky and unethical. Therefore, natural remedies such as herbs or physical exercises which induce a relaxed state of mind may in fact be the most productive and safe solution for those who suffer from depression.