Columnist and Pyschologist Patricia Redlich addressed the Annual General Meeting of the AGP and made the point that “patients must place their own health in their own hands, along with the drugs.”
“Patients are demanding drugs because they have been told drugs are the answer,” Ms Redlich pointed out. But, she urged GPs to consider a short time period for review before prescribing.
“I’m not saying we should stop taking medications, but along with that, they should be changing their lifestyles.” Diet, lifestyle and side effects of medicines should “become part of every consultation.” The demand by patients for drug remedies should be part of lifestyle adjustments.
Redlich stressed that seriously ill patients might need medication instantly. But, drugs for problems like stress, cholesterol and high blood pressure would not have the positive effects they should have if patients avoid making lifestyle adjustments in parallel with drugs.
