Controversy: The Role of Big Pharma

Before working on this discussion, please read the article by Shulz (2004), watch the Generation RX: Resisting the Culture of Overmedication video, and review the information in the textbook regarding psychotropic medication as well as any relevant Instructor Guidance.

For this discussion, you will enter into another conversation on an ongoing controversy and contemporary issue regarding abnormal psychology. Specifically, what is the role of "big pharma" (i.e., major pharmaceutical companies that determine the ways in which health care issues are researched and publicized) in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology?

It is absolutely essential to read the article by Shulz (2004) and watch the Generation RX video because they provide insights into how issues regarding psychotropic medication are depicted in popular media. Be sure to read your instructor's initial post before responding.
As you enter into this conversation, carefully consider the historical information you reviewed regarding big pharma's impact and influence within abnormal psychology. Take a moment to relate this historical background to the current ethical, clinical, and social implications when considering the use of psychotropic medication for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Interpret specific symptoms and syndromes from big pharma's advertising campaigns and critically evaluate and comment upon the necessity of these medications for the indicated psychiatric disorders.

Again, the goal of this discussion forum is to have a single dynamic and respectful conversation about big pharma's role in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology, not a series of 20 to 30 separate conversations. This means every post should be in response to another post. Your instructor will be posting the initial thread to which you will respond. Only start a new discussion thread if you want to address an entirely different theme or question(s) within the discussion subject area. Additionally, only post after first carefully reading what all the others within the thread have written.

A simple agree or disagree statement is insufficient to be counted as a response. When presenting your opinion, cite relevant sources (beyond your text) to support your statements. Do not repeat what your classmates have already written, and do not ignore them if they ask you questions. Any questions asked of you must be answered, including questions from your instructor/profesoor. Try to keep the conversation moving forward by presenting options, insights, alternative ideas on and/or interpretations of the topics and research.

You must post a response within the discussion on at least three separate days by Day 7, and your posts must total at least 800 words. There is no required word count for individual posts as long as your posts together total at least 800 words. There is no maximum number of posts for any discussion.