Topic: What do Catholics believe about mood disorders?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: January 14, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Father Robert

Question:   I would like information from a catholic perspective on mood disorders....such as bipolar disorder or excessive anxiety. We all have extreme inclinations at times. And I know that mental disorders truly exist. Yet I sometimes wonder if our modern phyciatric explanations/diagnosis are too free to pronounce the patient helpless without a mind altering drug. To say, go to confession is overly simplistic, is it not? I do not mean to pass judgement on anyone. I don't know the answers. I have 4 nieces and nephews who have lately come up with this diagnosis in the past year. All are in their 30's and 1 is 12 yrs. old. Any information or even opinion that you can give me will be helpful.Thank you.

Answer: 

Dorothy,

Mental illnesses are illnesses, and they do need proper treatment. The whole person should be treated. If a doctor determines the need for a drug, that may be part of, but should not be the entire, remedy. Loving relations are extremely important. I did my clinical pastoral education in a mental hospital. Drugs definitely had their place there. But the doctors themselves often said that the human element was often missing.

I don't know all the answers, either, Dorothy. Some important studies are being done on whether we, especially here in the usa, are too quick to prescribe drugs for possible disorders in children. Some even believe that creative children are being drugged so they conform with the rest. On the other hand, in some situations the drugs are a very important part of the overall treatment plan.

The Catholic Church, i believe, supports good research into the questions you raise. Science is a gift from God to be used for good.

Confession should never be used as a replacement for needed medical attention. Having said that, though, when someone examines her conscience, is sorry for her sins, confesses them, and does her penance, it can be a wonderful freeing and healing process.