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Many people with serious mental illness now live outside of institutions. You may know or see some in your neighborhood. Though they are physically present, they are often as far removed psychically as they were when locked up in a state hospital.

Most are taking several medications that hinder their thinking and behavior, cause severe social withdrawal and impose strange tics. Long-term use of anti-psychotic and related drugs also causes obesity, renders many unemployable and cuts 10 to 15 years from their life spans. Indeed, the number of disabled mentally ill people has tripled in the last 20 years - a sure sign of failure.

As human beings, we should be concerned about our fellows. As Catholics, we should urge better treatment that protects their dignity, autonomy and recovery.

For decades, the notion that people with psychiatric and even behavioral disorders suffer from a chemical imbalance in the brain has prevailed in science and society.

The results are made clear in a new book, "Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America," by Robert Whitaker. (Fair notice: Bob is a colleague and friend.)

Whitaker, once a reporter at the Times Union newspaper, has won national awards for his reporting on this topic in periodicals and a previous book, "Mad in America." All have been based on medical research and long-term studies, as well as interviews.

Due to the "brain disease" gospel, a person with a serious mental disorder is invariably prescribed an anti-psychotic or other medication. Soon enough, they may suffer a common side effect of lethargy or depression and are given an anti-depressant - then a third drug, a stimulant, to counteract side effects of the second drug. By this point, they may need something to help them sleep.

The first drug may, however, have eased some of the symptoms caused by psychosis, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder or other disorders. But this happens usually by hindering brain function, and only for the short term.

Problems develop, Whitaker explains, as the person stays on additional drugs for the long term - which, invariably, they do. As some mental health counselors have observed: "Once on drugs, always on drugs."

Research indicates that long-term drug use causes more problems than the person would have had from their disorder without taking medications. Aside from the other problems, there is also a cognitive decline in long-term users.

Is this what we want for our children, relatives, friends and neighbors with serious mental illness?

Eliminating medications is not the answer. Careful, limited use can help some people in early stages; humane care and services matter much more.

The Western Lapland region of Finland once had one of the highest rates of schizophrenia in Europe. Authorities revamped their approach. Now, only a third get anti-psychotics and on a limited basis. All receive therapy and other services. After five years, the vast majority are off drugs and working or in school.

Experts there say the major component of care is listening to patients - a very humane approach.

(06/17/10)[[In-content Ad]]

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