The Pharmaceutical Theory of Personality

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This paper discusses the pharmaceutical theory of personality and provides answers to the tough twins and big four questions. The paper also looks at limitations and strengths of the theory in addition to parallel research by the pharmaceutical industry on the professionals prescribing pharmaceuticals. The paper examines the effects of the pharmaceutical theory in action and raises concern regarding the known efficacy of medications including the lack of knowledge as to when pharmaceutical treatment should cease.

History’s Influence

The part of the history of personality psychology that is the most influential in the practice of modern psychology across all disciplines would be the study of the pharmaceutical theories on personality. Except for the pharmaceutical industry and its theories, there is no one theory of personality that has had more influence on the study than any other has. Diverse discussions from many different viewpoints have pushed the envelope and consequently science as a whole. Into this diversity of thought and research enters the world of the pharmacy. Taking into account the many possible strengths and effects of pharmaceuticals on human personalities, in spite of the various theories used to study them, could be considered to have the most influence on personalities and their study (Manninen, 2006).

According to Berecz (2009), the pharmaceutical theory of personality is flawed because of its inability to adapt to the possibility of chemicals not being the solution. This will remain a concern as long as a clear map of the physiological causes of depression and so forth does not exist. With the existence of this flaw, medicine is still prescribed every day as a solution for what are considered ...

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...pediatric patients. Pediatrics, 116, 195-204. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-0074

Manninen, B. A. (2006, February). Medicating the mind: A Kantian analysis of overprescribing psychoactive drugs. Journal of Medical Ethics, 32, 100-105. doi: 10.1136/jme.2005.013540

McHenry, L. (2006). Ethical issues in psychopharmacology. Journal of Medical Ethics, 32, 405-410. doi: 10.1136/jme.2005.013185

O’Connell, D. C., & Kowal, S. (2009). The evolution of modern psychology: A critical, forward-looking perspective on some pioneers. Journal of Psychology, 217, 73-78. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com

Reist, D., & VandeCreek, L. (2004). The pharmaceutical industry’s use of gifts and educational events to influence prescription practices: Ethical dilemmas and implications for psychologists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 35, 329-335. doi: 10.1037/0735-7028.35.4.329

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