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/