Americans: Increasingly Accepting of Psych Drugs

A new study reveals that Americans are increasingly accepting and possess a positive attitude on psychiatric medications.

Roughly, five out of six people surveyed believed that psychiatric medications have the ability to control psychiatric symptoms, as well as assist with day-to-day stress, making people feel confident about themselves and easing tensions with friends and family.

The study reveals that acceptance of psychiatric medications grew between 1998 – 2006.  Concerns among the study’s authors is that people maintained increasingly positive attitudes in situations where there may not be a proven benefit to the drugs.

They hope that people will begin to respect the medications for their primary purpose, which is to treat panic and depression, not stress.

All results will be published in the August issue of Psychiatric Services.