TOW 22 - The Power of Prescription (Chicago Tribune)

The mental health field is dictated by two professions: psychologists and psychiatrists. Many mesh these two careers together as one, failing to acknowledge the unique qualifications and distinctions of each. The easiest way to distinguish between the two lies in the roots of the words: “-logy” means science or theory while “-iatry” means medical treatment. The Chicago Tribune writers argue that this small distinction is a big deal in the matter of prescription drugs. They argue that, in response to the recent bill passed by the Illinois Senate, psychologists should not be allowed to prescribe drugs because it puts patient safety at risk.

            The Tribune’s arrangement of the editorial overall adds efficiency to the argument. The editorial begins with background information, then its own thesis, evidence, and reiteration of the thesis along with others who believe the same. After introducing the reader to the issue at hand, and explaining why it is an issue, the tribune leaves no room for interpretation by directly stating its belief. It goes on to prove why that opinion is correct and then by reiterating that that’s what these professionals, such as various mental agencies, believe and so does the Tribune.

            Arrangement is a precisely used tool even in the sentence structure of the editorial. One sentence that particularly stands out is when the Tribune introduces the issue: “Now, psychologists — who are not doctors — seek that power.” The inclusion of the word creates a sudden tone to the psychologists’ demand; the interruption of the dashes makes the writer’s insertion seem almost sarcastic. The way the writer constructed this sentence, along with many others, serves a direct purpose to support the idea that psychologists should not be allowed to write prescriptions.

            The use of professionals’ opinions through quotations adds credibility to the Tribune’s claim that psychologists should not have the same prescription privileges as psychiatrists. The article quotes, for example, Dr. Joan Anzia, who oversees psychiatric training at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Her cited opinon supports the idea that psychologists should not prescribe because they would be “grossly inadequate education be allowed to prescribe a substance that will alter the function (and sometimes the structure) of their bodies and brains." The fact that a professional supports this makes the reader nod their head in agreement.

            The overall arrange, syntax, and quotations used by the Chicago Tribune all support its claim that psychologists should not be given the power of prescription that belongs to psychiatrists and other doctors.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-prescribe-mental-health-drugs-illiinois-edit-03-20140322,0,4679590.story