Involuntary Neuroleptic (Antipsychotic) Psychiatric Drugs May Result in Brain Damage

Submitted by: Dr. Gary Kohls, MD

Preventive Psychiatry E-Newsletter # 446

Article by David W. Oaks (2oo7)

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“Today, there are many studies showing that long-term high-dosage neuroleptics can actually result in such severe structural brain changes, that these changes can include shrinkage of the parts of our brain associated with high-level cognition. “_______________________________________________

Any serious debate in 2007 ( and still being argued in 2014) about the topic of involuntary psychiatric procedures ought to include the following fact:

For years, many studies have indicated that long-term high-dosage neuroleptic (also known as antipsychotic) psychiatric drugging may induce structural brain damage. This damage can include actual shrinkage of areas of the brain associated with higher-level functions, what makes us human.

In his commentary, “England’s New Mental Health Act Represents Law Catching Up with Science,” Anthony Maden demands that “ethical advocates of a change to capacity-based legislation are under an obligation to deal with the science.”

However, I note that proponents of involuntary psychiatric procedures seldom explain clearly to colleagues, the public, patients or their families, the full implications of these procedures. It is undeniable that involuntary psychiatric procedures often involve psychiatric drugging, and that neuroleptic psychiatric drugs are often used in such circumstances.