RCSI MiniMed Lecture Series 2014/2015 - 'Mammy's Little Helper - Anxiety medicine' - Dolores Keating
This lecture was given by Ms Dolores Keating, Honorary Senior Lecturer, RCSI School of Pharmacy and Head of Pharmacy Services, St John of God Hospital, Dublin. The RCSI MiniMed talk was recorded in the O'Flanagan Lecture Theatre at RCSI on 25th February 2015.
The Rolling Stones released the song ‘Mother’s Little Helpers’ in 1965, describing a housewife’s despair over the tedium of her life which could only be relieved by taking the tranquiliser diazepam, marketed under the trade name Valium, which is a member of the family of anti-anxiety medications called the benzodiazepines.
In this informative lecture, entitled ‘Mammy’s little helper- the Irish relationship with anxiety medication’ will dispel any myths and give guests a better understanding of anti-anxiety medication. Ms Keating looks at the history of anti-anxiety medication from the 1950’s up to the current day. She assesses the social impact and awareness of these medications in popular culture and look at some of the advertising approaches that have been taken over the years. In addition she speaks about anxiety, as a condition, and the role which these medicines have in assisting with the treatment of this condition, including the risks and benefits.