Advantage and disadvantages

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you?

Always ask yourself whether the possible advantages of an intervention outweigh the disadvantages.

When you are deciding whether to use an intervention, you should think about whether it is more helpful than harmful, or if the benefits outweigh the costs, not just whether it is helpful. This depends on the size of the good and bad effects.

The size of the effects may depend on how severe the problem or issue is you are wanting treatment for. You may be more willing to risk more costs if the condition is very serious than if it is minor and may improve on its own.

It also depends on how important the outcomes are to you. For example, taking a medicine may reduce depressive symptoms (a good effect), but may also have bad effects. Some people might think that the positive effects outweigh the side effets or costs and therefore may be more likely to decide to use the medicine. Others may think that the side effects would not be tolerable or worth the risk, so they may be more likely to decide not to use the medicine.

REMEMBER: Ask yourself if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages (potential harms and costs).