LS 102 - Our Medical Dependency with Dr. Allen Frances

Jason Hartman is joined by Dr Allen Francis to discuss how important changing diagnosis methods in the US has been, and the general trend in drug usage it has produced. The number of people currently dependent on things like anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic drugs, is beyond comprehension. Dr Frances tries to help Jason understand exactly what we're facing. Key Takeaways: [1:50] Current usages of anti-depressants or psychological medicines in America are incredible [3:50] Drug companies are targeting consumers, causing them to ask for (and receive) billions of dollars in unneeded prescriptions. [7:40] Dr Frances hopes that prescription drug usage will follow the trend line smoking has been on for the last 20 years. [9:10] Simply paying primary care doctors more would allow them to give each patient more time, and would probably transform medical standards in the US. [13:20] Our current 'let's hope for the best' mindset has only caused more problems [15:15] After mass shootings we always talk about gun violence, but ignore the issue of what drugs the shooters had been taking [17:00] Comparing medical systems of other countries (such as Egypt) to the USA shows some pretty unflattering results [19:00] DSM-5 turns simple issues into huge diagnosable health concerns. [20:55] Current guidelines have led to specialists seeing their specialty in every patient Websites: www.twitter.com/allenfrancesmd www.psychologytoday.com/experts/allen-j-frances-md