Stop the use of anti-psychotic drugs

Nov 19 2009

I AM extremely pleased that the use of anti-psychotic drugs on elderly people is to be limited.

In my opinion these drugs should be banned altogether. They have killed thousands of people and continue to do so every year.

I fee so strongly about the use of these drugs because my elderly mother was put on them for years for depression and has been left with permanent side-effects. She has now improved since coming off them at the age of 80. She says her life has been ruined.

In America these strong mood-altering drugs are now being given to young children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms include fidgeting and not paying attention in class.

Drug companies are making a fortune out of an illness which medicalises typical childhood behaviour. I think this epidemic of medicalising every human emotion known to man is an utter disgrace and the whole NHS system needs to be looked at, especially the mental health system.

Doctors in my opinion need to be looking at the causes of illness instead of just treating the symptoms.

Alternative therapy should definitely become available on the NHS, because drugs are not always the answer.

W Keenan,

Llandudno