The Limits of Pharmacological Intervention
Abstract
This paper examines what current empirical evidence does—and does not—support regarding claims that psychiatric medication produces durable recovery or cures underlying disorders. Drawing on longitudinal outcomes, discontinuation studies, and relapse analyses across medication classes, it shows that symptom improvement is typically contingent on continued pharmacological exposure. The findings do not dispute short-term clinical utility, but delimit the inferences that can be drawn about long-term change, disease modification, and recovery following treatment cessation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Schizophrenia research and treatment
Treatment of Major Depression
Mental Health Treatment and Access
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint