Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Medication?!
Question:
I am extremely reluctant to take any form of antipsychotic medication due to a severe reaction I had to Prolixin last year. I want to seek counseling and therapy for my condition, however. But my family keepts harping on me about taking medication, even though Prolixin put me in the hospital ICU for 4 days and cost my insurance company nearly $47,000.
Can cognitive behavioral therapy be effective without medication? I would like to avoid taking medication if at all possible.
Answers:
Cognitive Behavioral therapy is effective in situations where a person's conscious thoughts and actions can be changed to create more positive results. However, psychotic symptoms are a separate issue - this is more biochemically based. Psychotic symptoms are not generally responsive to CBT and need to be treated medically. If Prolixin gave you a bad response, talk to a psychiatrist about other anti-psychotics that may help.
Other Answers:
I feel your pain. Although I couldn't live without my medicine. I only take two and have been for 15 years. But, I have thought often of going off them because I want to be free. I have been in Cognitive Therapy and it works if you have a great therapist. You have to be willing to work hard. Nothing comes easy.
Is there any other drug for you to try? Try therapy with a different drug, then you can wean off that drug with the supervision of a therapist. Good Luck
CBT will not replace antipsychotic medication. Millions of people have taken antipsychotics. Why not try another drug.
Answers: