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Mental illness is frequently treated with prescription medication, and this medication is effective in allowing an individual that is experiencing active hallucinations, or delusions to continue living in the community. However, prescribing drugs to the mentally ill, should be left in the hands of a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, as a psychiatrist has the knowlege of chemistry, lost to the psychologist.

If the question is should psychiatrists prescribe drugs to treat mental illness, the answer is absolutely. If the question is should psychologists prescribe medication to the mentally ill, the answer is absolutely not.

Prescribed medication has demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in treating major psychiatric problems such as bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression in adults and in children. Drugs such as Resperdal, lithium, zoloft work. Each helps individuals live the most productive lives they can, through reducing auditory or visual hallucinations, and helping to stabilize mood.

Prior to the 1950's when the first antipsychotic drug was introduced into the marketplace, individuals suffering from active hallucinations, or delusions were often hospitalized for lengthy periods of time, sometimes abandoned in institutions by friends or family.

These hospitals were frightening places, and screams of pain filled hallways throughout the day. When Thorazine was introduced into the marketplace, in the 1950's, the mentally ill quieted down, and the very nature of a psychiatric hospital changed. Less people were admitted into care, as medication to manage psychotic symptoms, allowed individuals to live in the community, and to live relatively normal lives.

There is no doubt that mental illness can be treated with prescribed medication, as the past 50 years has demonstrated. However, this medication should be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and not a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a trained doctor, skilled in chemistry. A psychiatrist understands mixing chemicals together, and the impact this has on an individual.

A psychologist may be trained in biology, but the training is not in chemistry. A psychologist is not a medical doctor, and should not treat mental illness with prescription medication. A psychologist should not prescribe medication, but a psychiatrist should if it will benefit an individual, and allow that individual to continue living in the community.

Learn more about this author, Tammy Stoner.
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