Richard E. Vatz

In the following viewpoint, Richard E. Vatz contends that giving mental illnesses and physical illnesses equal insurance coverage could lead to serious consequences. According to Vatz, insurance parity could lead to a destigmatization and subsequent increase in the use of psychoactive drugs. He also argues that full parity would be unaffordable. Vatz is a professor at Towson University in Towson, Maryland, and an associate psychology editor for USA Today Magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Vatz’s opinion, what label makes drugs appear less dangerous?
2. How does Vatz respond to Tipper Gore’s claim that she suffered “situational depression"”
3. What mental illness should be granted parity, according to the author"

In June 1999] Tipper Gore completed the widely heralded first...