THE USE OF ATARACTIC AGENTS—Some Psychiatric Implications

Physicians should understand the psychic as well as the chemical effects of ataractic drugs, especially since they are prescribed chiefly for illnesses of emotional origin. The patient may feel that he is “being put off with a pill;” on the other hand, both patient and physician may be encouraged (and thus able to work better together) because the prescription of a drug represents “doing something” about the disorder. This ability to “do something” may tempt the physician to resort too readily to relieve normal and even healthful tensions of living. If the drug has pronounced physical effects (especially side effects), the patient may resent the prescription as an aggression; this danger is great if his emotional problem stems from oral and nutritional conflicts of childhood.