Lion,
I am so glad you posted that distinction. It makes accurate diagnosis even more important.

An inaccurate diagnosis or simply prescribing for convenience can subject the non
mentally ill patient to frightening and unnecessary side effects ultimately making it impossible for them to function without the medication or worsening their condition.

At the same time, an inaccurate diagnosis can also subject a mentally ill person to improper medication or no medication at all. As you stated, psychotics 'need' their medications and they need them every day.

That is why we need more research and more well trained professionals who can recognize the finite differences in mental conditions and accurately diagnose then prescribe the correct drugs in the correct amounts.

Either way, however, we are ultimately responsible for our own health and we must be vigilant in protecting it.
smile