I've been reflecting a lot in the SSRIs first approach that has become the standard of care. I feel like whenever I refer a client to their physician or psych, they rush to prescribe something without discussing alternative options, checking vitamin levels/thyroid function, etc.
A few things I'm curious about:
There's been meta analyses that show exercise can be just as effective in treating mild to moderate MDD. But it's rarely "prescribed". I do understand there can be limitations to this as well and client compliance may be an issue.
Will insurance companies not cover blood panels (vitamin d, iron, b12, etc?) as a prereq to rule out underlying causes of mood problems? I know they can't patent sunlight, exercise, food, vitamins, so there's no financial engine pushing those a primary standard of care.
Sometimes, not all the time, I notice these drugs cause an emotional bluntness in clients. Even smaller doses. Sometimes I wonder if this impedes deeper emotional work because they are no longer able to access those emotions.
To be clear, I am NOT anti medication. To some they are life changing. And I always operate within my standard of practice and refer to physicians to discuss these matters. I'm just starting to notice more and more than clients are taking drugs, with a possibly of side effects (weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional numbness) without exploring alternatives with their physicians.
Has anyone else questioned this or thought about this? I am so curious to hear your thoughts.