Episode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound?
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen demystifies psychiatry and discusses various treatments available. She addresses the stigma surrounding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and highlights its effectiveness in treating profound depression. Dr. Owen also explores non-drug approaches such as talking therapies, including reflective approaches and structured therapies. She mentions behaviour modification and psychoanalysis as well. In terms of medication, she emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the challenges of adherence. Dr. Owen also discusses the availability and success rates of electrotherapy, the ongoing nature of talking therapy, and the varying outcomes for different individuals.
Keywords
psychiatry, treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, depression, talking therapies, medication, behaviour modification, psychoanalysis, stigma, adherence, electrotherapy
takeaways
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a rare but highly effective treatment for profound depression.
• Non-drug approaches, such as talking therapies, can be useful in a range of disorders and include reflective approaches, structured therapies, and behaviour modification.
• Psychoanalysis is still practiced but is less common, and there are misconceptions about its effectiveness.
• Medication can be beneficial, but informed decision-making and adherence are crucial.
• Psychiatric treatment outcomes vary, with some individuals experiencing complete recovery, others having relapsing courses, and some showing improvement with ongoing symptoms.
Sound Bites
• "Let's talk about some of the treatments that might be available."
• "ECT is the fastest path to recovery. It's way faster than the medication."
Chapters
00:00Exploring Treatments
02:20The Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
05:41Non-Drug Approaches: Talking Therapies and Behavior Modification
08:05Psychoanalysis: Unpacking Thinking Patterns
09:02Medication: Informed Decision-Making and Adherence
15:31Electrotherapy: Availability and Success Rates
17:27Psychiatric Treatment Outcomes: Recovery, Relapse, and Improvement
Questions
If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com
Resources
Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:
Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/
Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/
1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/
National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015
Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem
Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/
