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The Goal
We want 100%
remission of symptoms, with 0% side effects. It does not make sense to target anything less, even though
this goal is not always easy to achieve.
What does “remission
of symptoms” mean?
People who have struggled with anxiety and
depression may be at a loss to describe what “remission” might
feel like. They no longer relate to or remember what it means to
feel “normal.”
A normal emotional
state has its “ups and downs” but the feelings pass—they do not
dog us everyday and most of the day.
Normal is a
reasonable and ongoing state of contentment. A normal mood is a
good mood. A normal
day is a good day.
The goal for our
work together is to regain that forgotten state of “normal.”
Normal is great!
Scruples
Have you ever tried
to give a pill to a cat? It is not a win-win situation (and cats
really carry a grudge.) It is equally unadvisable to push pills on
people.
A promise: I will never prescribe medications for you that I would
not be willing to take myself. My job is to present the available
evidence; the pros and cons of any medication. I will be happy to
advise you, but it is always your decision to accept or decline
any treatment option or medication.
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