Why the sudden concern with what happens to a “fetus”–when you’ve insisted they are not babies–that they are expendibe before birth–even after viability in the womb?
Inconsistent… Don’t you think?
Duanr
Ironically, England had a leader who protected the British people from NAZI Germany–One who experienced times of deep depression–followed by periods of enormous energy…
Had he lived in today’s period of disgnosis–Prime Minister Winston Churchill would have likely been put on drugs, and would not have been able to fiercely defend his country.
Duane
Michael,
What an article–one of the best ever published on MIA! Thank you!
Duane
Dr. Elkins,
This was a very insightful post. Thank you.
Duane
Love is the greatest healer. More practice (but no more research) is needed.
Duane
Michael,
It’s said that “truth is stranger than fiction.” It gets hard to tell the difference in these times of ours.
To clarify: It would be much nicer to see a sane, insightful approach work in putting a end to this injustice, but we unfortunately live in a society …
Although, I should say, the Heritage Foundation is on the wrong side of this… Your point about a talk show host–namely, the sensationalism, raw emotion, populist-type approach is *unfortunately* a tactic that might work.
oldhead,
You may be right.
Duane
Steve,
I’ve met some good liberals along the way. On many occasions, I’ve found myself debating,,,only to come to the conclusion that we seemingly want the same things–but have different views on how to get there…
I do think that a society that does not reach out to those who are truly disabled, deeply suffering is not worth living in–but again, there are different political views on what best supports; best encourages; offers the most hope; helps people the most–long term…
IMO. the “endangered species” are people like Michael Cornwall. If more people cared for one-another to his level, we would find ourselves in a much kinder and more loving place to live.
Duane
oldhead,
I think people of all political stripes can find common ground here–because this gets to the heart of basic human rights, specific civil rights–including the right to say: “no”.
Michael,
I momentarily forgot what year we’re in–2015 or 1984?
Thank you for the post. We must all remain forever vigilant!
Your brother,
Duane
Follow the crony calitalism trail. The problem is not the free market, but a market of corporate greed joined with an insatiable need for power and illegitimate (unconstitutional) authority (i.e., Murphy, et al).
True conservatives are equally outraged. The problem is there aren’t many of us left.
Duane
Dr. Bahr,
A great first post. Welcome to MIA!
A natropathic doctor, with lived experience… How cool is that!
Thank you for reaching out to help others; and thank you for your military service!
I apologize for leaving so many back-to-back comments, but need to clarify. I’m not saying that I believe “mental illness” may be caused by *irreversable( chemical imbalances.
It seems to me that *if* such a thing exists, it could also likely be reversed, because healing takes place, at many levels, in many ways… and it would seem only logical that if stress or trauma can induce dis-ease, the reverse could also take place, on an emotional; spiritual level.
There is research that seems to indicate that some ulcers may not have stress as their root cause; other research that seems to indicate that some types of ulcers may be caused by stress, or worsened by stress… and around and around we go…
IMHO, human clinical trials are complex; those that involve studying emotions, (maybe) impossible. What is “stress,” after all? Where does the mind end, and the body begin? The brain and other body parts? There’s complex connection; along with all the variables that involve being human…
Let me get this straight… Prolonged stress can cause an ulcer, but leaves the brain in tact… Really?! Seems like a stretch… Just sayin’.
Duane
Neurotransmission in the brain can simply not be adequately measured. Therefore the “chemical imbalance” theory cannot be proven. But it cannot be dis-proven either. Period.
If I had a dime for every time an MIA author, commenter dismissed the “chemical imbalance” as bogus, while insisting there “is no chemical imbalance” I would be a rich man!
I think that there likely may be some kind of “imbalance” – because of the fact that stress, trauma, poor diet, and many other things seem to cause “imbalance” in other body parts; why not the brain? I don’t claim to know, but it’s hard to trust those who claim to know: “There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance in the brain…” Really? Says who?
Duane
Your biography says you’re a high school basketball coach. I did some coaching myself along the way. Coaching is good stuff – keeps a person centered, grounded.
Great post.
Duane
Julie,
Thanks for the comment. It would be interesting to see more studies, using *small amounts of orotate form*. It seems to show benefit with Alzheimers Disease, along with other conditions.
Small amounts seems to be the key, but it’s hard to know who would want to fund a lot of studies… Not a lot of money in it.
With that said, I’m remain unconvinced that study of human behavior is “science” to begin with… IMHO, there are far too many variables; we humans, with our complex and “unpredictable” thoughts, feelings… Right when you least expect it, someone commits a random act of kindness. Go figure.
Duane
For anyone interested, PubMed / Dietary Supplement Subset.
Use keywords of choice in search – ie, “depression, vitamin D, etc:
Good point. Drug reps are a problem, but at least a good doctor who cares about their patients can put a sign in the door: No drug reps. Actually, many are beginning to say no. Not so much with legislation … There’s a reason they’re called laws. We all have to pay for them. Which means vast amounts are prescribed, especially in Medicaid and in foster care.
I’m all for bipartisan efforts, and I apologize for losing my cool on this site recently. It’s difficult to read the far- right comments, which I have to admit I take personally, as a conservative with a heart; libertarian with a conscience. It looks to me that many on the far- left would prefer to take in this fight alone, without a politically collaborative effort… Which continues to seem odd, coming from a group that calls for a “collective” effort, and “diversity.”
Duane
Alex,
There is a time and place for everything, including a time to fight.
Freedom is not free. It never has been, and never will be.
Witness ISIS… Do you suggest the world sit quietly by?…
Duane
The drug reps, in their suits, or high heels and low-cut tops; the recent college grads with their marketing degrees visiting docs pose no immediate threat… The legislators who pass bills that force all of us to pay for these drugs – especially psychotropics children in Medicaid and foster care programs; they are the real threat.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac, not money. Drug companies may be corrupt, but cannot force people to buy drugs, pay for drugs or take drugs… Only government has this illegitimate authority.
Opposite Days are declared by the far left… Every day one is declared. You may want to check the far left calendar, every day for the latest announcement.
JanCarol,
You made several great comments (above).
Glad you’re here!
Duane
We will never know how many WMD were likely moved across the border into Syria before the invasion…
But we do know some were there… How do we know? Because they were found! –
Contrary to the popular belief of many on the far left, this country is slow to go to war. The U.S. was even hesitant to get involved in both WWI and WWII. The invasion of Iraq was no exeption… Again, there was a healthy and heated debate, which ended in a consensus to invade.
I don’t appreciate revisionist history… I prefer to look at the facts of the past. In the case of Iraq, there were many on both sides of the political aisle who made the decision to invade.
I think it’s fair to say that the testimony from General Colin Powell to the U.N. Security Council was the persuading argument that led many to their decision. Some were convinced of WMD before his U.N. testimony, based on intelligence they had received before:
âWithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. A deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security.â
â Sen. John F. Kerry, Oct. 9, 2002
âWe know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country.â â Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
âThe community of nations may see more and more of the very kind of threat Iraq poses now: a rogue state with weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or provide them to terrorists.â
â President Bill Clinton, 1998
âIn the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program⊠â â Sen. Hillary Clinton, Oct 10, 2002
As far as Iraqi civilian casualties, I think that all life is sacred. Unfortunately, war is horrible but sometimes necessary, and sadly it often results in the death of innocent people. Which is why I think our country is slow to go to war.
Duane
Also, I would remind you that these drugs have the blessing on the FDA; psychotropics, the blessing of the NIMH… And the strategy would be to give the federal government more power? Really?
Duane
Senator Grassley’s exposure of taxpayer-funded corruption at universities should be a red flag to all of us. Sure, there is corruption with drug makers, but it’s the cozy relationship between private companies and public officials that is the real problem. It’s called ‘crony capitalism’ Richard.
Duane
To clarify – this is in reference to the notion that a handful of men in Anerica were somehow able to start a war (ignoring the bipartisan Congrssional decision that took place after long, heated debate); your disparaging remark about America exceptionalism (discounting the Constitution and freedoms this country has)… but mostly, my comment is made after reading your bashing if this country for *years* on this site…. There appears to be no end to the level of hate…
Read 40 years of article from the ‘Archived’ section of the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine at no cost:
orthomed.org
Duane
John,
You might be surprised to learn just how much research there is on the benefits of nutrients in both the prevention/treatment of disease. The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine is a good place to start. As far as herbs, the American Botanical Council has a link to the Commission E Monographs (from Germany, which leads in the study of herbs).
Duane
Not to worry, power hungry politicians; do-gooders are anxious to make them for all of us, as we move into the nanny-state of cradle to grave big government. Just take you pills, the maternal nanny state will take care of you… At least until she runs out of other people’s money.
A free society cannot be a drug-addicted society… People lose freedom when they cannot support themselves financially, nor make decisions soberly.
Duane
Norman,
I can see how having more folks on drugs would be a plus for the government; zombies are easy to manipulate. But corporations? Why the pre-hire and mandatory drug tests in so many industries? Employers don’t need more zombies. They have choices in who they hire… Why should they hire someone who is addicted to street drugs?
I fail to see the logic.
Duane
Richard,
If America is as horrible as you continuously describe, why do so many people literally risk their lives to get here illegally? And why do so many go through the lengthy and exhausting process to become citizens?
Interesting that you mention Dr. Peter Breggin – someone who has disdain for conventional psychiatry, yet who loves this country… Two traits I share (although, I’m no Breggin).
I truly don’t understand why anyone who hates this country would choose to live here. Are there not dozens of other countries to choose from?…
Duane
This may be a bit overstated; however, when you consider the fact that drugs are often nothing more than slight alterations of naturally-occurring nutrients, and/or herbs, with a patent (and fallout from the slight alterations)…. It is food for thought:
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can achieve the same effect.” â Carl Pfeiffer, MD
Duane
discoverandrecover.wordpress.com
Re: Cholesterol:
Niacin.
Works like a charm.
Duane
Re: “… We are all traumatized… ”
Sounds a lot like “30% of people have a mental illness.”
Which is why I have so little confidence in either psychiatry or psychology.
How did people historically overcome trauma before the professionals? Maybe we ought to look closely at those tools.
Duane
Typo – … require the stopping of bashing…
In Dallas, the Salesmanship Club offers this. It is entirely funded by proceeds from the Byron Nelson Golf tournament… A bunch of those rich guys… Go figure. And I know that many people would help fund similar programs around the country, if insurance “parity” and tax money didn’t create the false image that this was already being addressed. It would of course the shopping of bashing “the rich.” A favorite passtime on MIA.
Duane
I’m not saying that making a profit is bad; rather that it’s interesting that those who are opposed to profits are silent when it comes to psychotherapy.
Nor am I heartless. What about more private non-profits? Keeping records private, keeping labels off; using sliding scales; pro-bono for those who simply cannot afford counseling/therapy?
I’m not so sure parity is a great idea; nor that taxpayers need to bear more burden.
Duane
Also, I find it interesting that there never seems to be concern about the costs of sessions when it comes to psychotherapy, which can easily range from $100 – $200 or more each session.
MIA is packed with anti-capitalists when it comes to drug companies; the economy in general, but never a peep about this. I can only assume that these (hardly cheap) sessions need to be paid for with tax money, or insurance companies – in other words, someone else, or all of us (both, actually).
I have no problem with free markets, but many others on this site do. Where is the outrage with the “profiteers” in psychotherapy?
No medical equipment, no large medical staff, no large overhead; a person can put up a shingle and bill a couple of hundred bucks an hour, without a peep from the collectivists… Interesting.
Duane
You write: “In one generation the APA, in collusion with the drug companies, have destroyed psychiatry.”
From the history you described of psychiatry before the collusion with drug companies, there was not much there to destroy.
It seems obvious that psychiatry destroyed itself long before this relationship.
The glory days of psychiatry… What glory days?
Duane
John,
You may want to study what led to the Magna Carta; this libertarian thought led to the Declaration and Constitution in America.
Duane
I’m sorry too. As a dad, as someone who struggled for many years, as did our family, I do truly care for children. And as someone who worked with disabled adults for many years, I am not suggesting the safety net be tagged out from them.
My comments were strong, because I have deep concerns also for what I see happening economically, for individuals and families.
We may have to respectfully agree to disagree. With that said, I could have been more respectful.
Duanr
And I’ve read yours as well, with the holier than thou slant, as if you are alone with concern for homeless children.
Your attitude is in keeping with the far left, broken programs that create more long- term suffering… None of that matters when you’ve convinced yourself that you care more than those who disagree with your politics.
No more on this. I don’t need this crap.
I hope this isn’t off-topic, but found a good article on the connection between gut flora and mental health:
I hope we can begin to look at these areas, as alternatives to psychotropics.
Duane
I don’t know a single person who feels “comfortable” with where things are right now. Not one.
My family and close friends, people at work, others who I talk with during the day… we are all concerned – with what’s happening here in the U.S., and around the world. We’re plenty concerned, about a lot of issues.
Could it be possible that the ones you dismiss as ‘right wingers’ (such as myself) want to see the same improvements in the lives of those we love – close to home and around the world, but just have different views on how we get there?
Just askin’.
Duane
The quotation marks were not used in a disparaging way – quite the opposite… Income level has nothing to do with dignity; I have been through financial times that were horrible – with mouths to feed, and no how groceries, rent, utilities were going to get paid – more than once, more than a short period of time.
I’ve said more than once on this site that I support a safety net for people who are disabled.
The point I’m trying to make is that a large, centralized, bureaucratic system is not the way to go for long-term… It creates dependency; it creates poverty – by dis-empowering.
Communism resulted in 100 million deaths, and we keep deluding ourselves that some kind of hybrid form can get the job done. It can’t.
And I think it’s hilarious that people who want to spend, spend, spend and spend some more (as in government spending) consider themselves to have the moral high ground.
Really?
How generous is it to demand the government seize more money…. with unsustainable spending? Especially, other people’s money?
How ‘compassionate’ is it to saddle future generations with debt that is becoming insurmountable?… Putting them into a position of being indentured servants, slaves of sorts.
And how brilliant is it to keep coming up with the same simple plan – more taxing, more spending for the ‘poor’? What about something new, for once?! Not the same old drug!
We spend a trillion dollars per year in the U.S. on these programs, and the poverty rate is the same as it was 50 years ago…. Up the dose? Really?
The debt clock… Our grandkids, and their grandkids will have to pay this debt off:
The reason Greece is bankrupt is that it tried to spent itself into bankruptcy.
Where do European (democratic socialist countries) get the idea that they can spend themselves into prosperity?
This is very much like psychiatry… If things aren’t working; if there’s fallout, if the drugs cause more harm than good, up the dose.
In democratic socialists countries – it’s up the spending…
Spend like theirs no tomorrow, in spite of the fact that future generations will be forced to pay off the debt… It’s insane.
Safety net?
Fine.
Nanny state, where adults are all treated like children, and taken care of from cradle to grave?
No thanks!
Duane
Maybe using them frequently gives the therapist and client more to talk about… Feeling emotionally numb, yet agitated; becoming fat and asexual, just for starters. It’s a good way to turn short-term counseling into long- term therapy, especially when a person tries to get off the drugs, leading to a flood of potentially life-threatening emotions.
Again, I friggin give up!
Duane
I’m with you , Saul.
In fact, I’ll take it a step further…
My comment is simple: I give up.
Duane
Typo – let he without sin (imperfection) cast the first stone.
Thank you for this creative piece of writing.
It’ hard not to consider the spiritual dilemma of those doing the judging… Acting as little ‘gods’… I’m reminded of ancient scriptures that address this head-on:
“Judge ye not… Let he who throws the first stone… ”
These say more about the one who judges others, than those being judged. Unfortunately however, we all do it to some extent, even if we judge those who judge others.
Duane
Re: “On demand, without apology”… Some science for you:
Interesting that you insist the doctor use the term ‘fetus’ – from Latin – offspring.
I’ve made my religious beliefs known on this site; and although I don’t expect that everyone on this site shares those beliefs, I do think people who are pro-life, such as myself, not be dismissed as not appreciative of science.
Egg and sperm, two gametes form a zygote – with a combination of DNA from each… A unique DNA. So it seems to be hard to argue that this is part of a woman’s body.
With that said, the zygote, later embryo, then fetus is not viable until the third trimester (shortly before)… Then things change scientifically – the baby’s chances of living outside the mother’s womb begin to go up… quickly, with each passing week.
Row v Wade does not say a woman has the right to an abortion during this period – for a reason:
You make some good points. I don’t have all the answers, and I certainly didn’t mean to imply for a moment that the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan don’t need supports to help them overcome what they went through. I think we owe it to them to provide whatever they need!
Again, I was thinking outloud about the subject of overcoming traua, and curiously wondering about WWII veterans. I’m all for whatever works for someone, including not talking if a person so chooses. I know that these young people who served in the Middle East have served far too many tours. They deserve to be welcomed home and shown some love and support!
Duane
I agree.
There are often real diseases, or other health conditions present:
Want to replace psychiatry with psychology (therapy/counseling)…
With full trust in psychology? Be careful what you ask for!
Duane
I guess you’re right, if you consider a closed head injury, contracting lyme disease, or developing a thyroid disorder an “adverse life event.” Because these conditions often cause “emotional” suffering. Please read my comment (below) about psychology.
Duane
Please excuse the redundancy, but for all those folks out there who want to replace psychiatry with psychology… Rep. Murphy is a psychologist.
From the link above:
“Murphy is a psychologist who has often criticized SAMHSA as ineffective, saying it is only focusing on âsoftâ outcomes and general wellness for the masses rather than practical help for those with serious mental illness. âItâs as if SAMHSA doesnât believe serious mental illness exists,â Murphy said at a hearing in 2013.”
Duane
Dr. Berezin,
This was another nicely written, thought-provoking article. I agree with much of what you had to say, but not everything. I often wonder how people overcame traumas before the days of therapists… individuals have forever had to survive trauma; and have historically learned to overcome it; from even the deepest emotional wounds.
What about the “Greatest Generation?”… The vast majority of them went off to war as very young men, and returned to re-integrate; build lives, families.. without therapists. I wonder if wounds are meant to be re-opened, examined, analyzed. Maybe healing takes place by not re-opening wounds; by developing a place back into a community, culture by finding natural ways to do so.
Duane
Well put.
Correction – MT (not MH)
Fred,
I’m also concerned about what’s being allowed to take place with the chemicals in food. This is an area where some government oversight is needed, but none can be found, because the politicians have been corrupted. IMO, it’s a ‘crony’ capitalist system at play, because the ‘partnership’ between private corporations and businesses is corrupt.
I’m also concerned about the debt crisis in Europe and here in the U.S. It seems as though the size of the federal government programs have gotten so big, they are unsustainable. Here in the US, we are 18 trillion in debt. That’s real money. And it will need to be paid by future generations, placing them in a form of economic slavery… owing their souls to the government store, so-to-speak.
It looks like government debt in Europe is in enormous crisis also. So what happens next? I don’t know, but I do have some faith in what young people are beginning to envision.
Here in the US, there seems to be a new hippy emerging… They are not their father’s hippy… They’re free thinkers of a new variety. Libertarian thought is getting big in their circles. They don’t want the federal government to fix everything… They want it out of their lives, and they really mean it when they say it. They’re big into organic food, living a healthy lifestyle… I see a trend here, and I’m hopeful.
Duane
Richard,
You apparently find great joy repeating what you read/hear from the far left media.
\
The exhausting 1% speech… You put it out there as if it should be “news.” Do you really think that I’ve never listened to mainstream media and commentary – CNN, Rachel Maddow?
Like so many others on the far left, you blame everything on the one percent… Everything. The far left claims to want to create a society of ‘social justice’, ‘income equality’… Mmmm, where have we heard this before in history? How was it tried, and what were the results?
It’s like being back in grade school. The comments from the far left about economics, politics, history… With absolutely no knowledge about wealth creation, how economies grow; no knowledge of political systems and how they work; no knowledge of major historical events, western civilization, the people and ideas that formed this country.
I used to find myself outraged; now I expect it, especially from people who are obviously ideologues, pretending to be idealists.
You wrote, “It’s not the size of government that matters…”
Making my point, much better than I could have, once again.
Duane
Fred,
I hope you know by now that I love much of what you write on MIA… I grew up on Austin, Texas and met many a great hippy… That was then, this is now. The world has changed, so has America. For the better in some ways, for the worse in others.
We all watched the Soviet experiment. It was an absolute failure. IMO, the answer is not a larger, more powerful, centralized federal government, but a smaller one. I’m all for organic herb gardens, and people living however they choose, but I’m against being told what to eat and how to live by s bunch of little bureacrats!
Duane
Breggin is a conservative. Szasz was a libertarian. These two have done more for this cause than the entire far left wing combined!
This cause is about freedom, not creating a nanny state.
Duane
The USSR was obviously a union of republic; China a single republic. Nation is probably an unfit title for either when citizens have no voice, and group-think is all that is allowed. The people (were, in the case of the USSR), and are, in the case of China simply not free.
And you tell the readers to ignore my views? Your comments speak for themselves!
In a word, I find the ‘priceless’.
Duane
China and the USSR isolated? Ever seen the land mass of these nations; their populations?
This failed political experiment did not take place on a couple of remote islands.
Transforming the mental health system as we know it… by upholding the constitution – ending the use of force… allowing people to choose safer, more effective means to address acute emotional crisis, and/or any underlying physical health condition(s).
As far as all this “progressive” thought… I find it to be about as progressive as the Bolshevik Revolution, a century ago!
But. in my opinion, MIA is not the place to talk about all this stuff… unless of course, IMO, people start using the Forums. They don’t and they won’t. So it appears that we’re taking the world’s largest website – the only place where people can get information about the dangers of psychiatry, and turning it into a political forum for the far left. I’m not a genius, but aren’t there a ton of such places on the web? I mean a ton of them! Oh, well.
Tomorrow is June 6th, the 71st anniversary of Operation Overlord: The Normandy Invasions, D-Day.
What a war the US and allied forces had to fight! When we finally defeated Nazi Germany in Europe, an equally evil enemy had to be defeated…. namely, the USSR.
And now we want to create a ‘collective’ system ourselves.
Why? I guess because it worked so well in the USSR; China, Cuba…
As the 1960’s song goes: “When will we ever learn?”
Re: The love affair some seem to have with the 1960s…
This just in: The ‘Summer of Love’ is over. Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin have left the stage. There was some good music; there was some real progress in the area of civil rights; but I lived through that time, and much of what happen was change for the worse.
There’s a lot more to say…
Just not on MIA.
Duane
correction: he/she?
Ted,
Your blog post was on the subject of shock protests in 9 countries!
Even though ‘Dr. Anonymous’ tried to hijack the subject, he was unsuccessful… The larger issue is that progress is being made… In large part due to people like you!
Thank you, sir.
Duane
MH,
And with that, I’m done.
I find your remarks to be condescending toward Ted.
And I’m not going to waste my time explaining why. It’s your job to deal with the way you treat other people, not mine.
Duane
MT,
From Peter Breggin, MD:
:ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) involves the application of two electrodes to the head to pass electricity through the brain with the goal of causing an intense seizure or convulsion. The process always damages the brain, resulting each time in a temporary coma and often a flatlining of the brain waves, which is a sign of impending brain death. After one, two or three ECTs, the trauma causes typical symptoms of severe head trauma or injury including headache, nausea, memory loss, disorientation, confusion, impaired judgment, loss of personality, and emotional instability. These harmful effects worsen and some become permanent as routine treatment progresses.”
“Speaking authoritatively about psychiatry but refusing to have an open dialogue with a psychiatrist seriously undermines your credibility.”
……
This is Ted’s biography (as posted on this site):
When I was six years old, New York City’s child “welfare” system took me from my foster parents and sent me to one of Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric wards. There, as part of an experimental group of (eventually) several hundred children, almost all of them wards of the state, I was given a course of twenty shock treatments by one of the leading child psychiatrists of her day. (The profession hasn’t changed much since then, except it has even more power.) I was then shipped to a state hospital, where I spent the rest of my childhood.
Released at age seventeen, I went on to work my way through college, graduating with honors. Later, I served two stints in psychology graduate programs, but fortunately, it didn’t take. Eventually, I became a patients’ rights attorney, and am still an active member of the California State Bar.
I found out about what we then called the mental patients’ liberation movement in 1971, and have been active ever since in several cities in the U.S. and Canada. I am most proud of the campaign I led in my new home town, Berkeley, that persuaded our voters to ban shock treatment here.
I am 75, not young any more, but my life isn’t over yet, and I have rededicated myself to doing all I can so that what was done to me won’t happen to others.
…..
My comment to you:
If you’re having problems finding a little empathy, at least have a little respect, doc.
And please, leave the lectures on what the law says/doesn’t say about ECT to Ted Chabasinski, JD (along with Tina Minkowitz, JD and Jim Gottsein, JD). They are all psychiatric survivors, and attorneys. You are not.
Duane
MT,
Re: “In many cases ECT is the only treatment that will take effect quickly enough.”
This comment you made… you start off sounding like a lawyer and close by sounding like a doctor. For what it’s worth, I don’t trust many in either profession.
Take a look at the link above, you’ll find out more about ECT than you probably care to know. Legal “experts” and medical “experts”… all these so-called experts; yet look at the mess we’re in!
Duane
Spend some time on the link above, about Planned Parenthood. It ought to be a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about PP.
Unfortunately, more Americans get their scientific information from Wikipedia than from any other source.
Re: Final decision being the woman’s… She obviously have to find another doctor… something most women are quite capable of doing.
Interesting. once again, that the politically correct answers seem to show such little faith in the individual (male or female).
Your telling her you will not prescribe them is not the same as “telling her what to do!”
It’s explaining what it is * you* are not willing to do.
Nothing more, or less.
It would seem to me that a good doctor would take the time to explain why he/she has reached that decision; in this case, educating the patient.
And then the final decision is the woman’s.
The more I read from doctors, the less I understand their logic.
I thought they received medical licenses to assure the safety of their patients.
I don’t get it.
Duane
Dr. Urato,
Re: “But, while I strongly believe that the drugs cause harm, I donât believe that a pregnant woman should be told that she should take a medication or that she should not take a medication. That is an individual choice and one that should be respected.”
Of course it’s a individual choice on the part of the pregnant woman. But, it is also an individual choice on the part of the doctor. In short, you could explain that in your professional opinion, the drugs are too dangerous for her and the baby… and that you will not prescribe them.
What this approach lacks in political correctness, it makes up for in upholding the Hippocratic oath.
You’re a good man, Kermit. Thank you for caring so deeply. God bless you. – Duane
Robert,
Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do–for so many.
A message to all MIA participants–researchers, writers, readers: May you all have a peaceful and joyful New Year. Happy 2016!
Duane
Any discussion of eugenics needs to include the work of Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood… Ernst Rudin would be proud:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/may/5/grossu-margaret-sanger-eugenicist/
Richard,
Why the sudden concern with what happens to a “fetus”–when you’ve insisted they are not babies–that they are expendibe before birth–even after viability in the womb?
Inconsistent… Don’t you think?
Duanr
Ironically, England had a leader who protected the British people from NAZI Germany–One who experienced times of deep depression–followed by periods of enormous energy…
Had he lived in today’s period of disgnosis–Prime Minister Winston Churchill would have likely been put on drugs, and would not have been able to fiercely defend his country.
Duane
Michael,
What an article–one of the best ever published on MIA! Thank you!
Duane
Dr. Elkins,
This was a very insightful post. Thank you.
Duane
Love is the greatest healer. More practice (but no more research) is needed.
Duane
Michael,
It’s said that “truth is stranger than fiction.” It gets hard to tell the difference in these times of ours.
To clarify: It would be much nicer to see a sane, insightful approach work in putting a end to this injustice, but we unfortunately live in a society …
Although, I should say, the Heritage Foundation is on the wrong side of this… Your point about a talk show host–namely, the sensationalism, raw emotion, populist-type approach is *unfortunately* a tactic that might work.
oldhead,
You may be right.
Duane
Steve,
I’ve met some good liberals along the way. On many occasions, I’ve found myself debating,,,only to come to the conclusion that we seemingly want the same things–but have different views on how to get there…
I do think that a society that does not reach out to those who are truly disabled, deeply suffering is not worth living in–but again, there are different political views on what best supports; best encourages; offers the most hope; helps people the most–long term…
IMO. the “endangered species” are people like Michael Cornwall. If more people cared for one-another to his level, we would find ourselves in a much kinder and more loving place to live.
Duane
oldhead,
I think people of all political stripes can find common ground here–because this gets to the heart of basic human rights, specific civil rights–including the right to say: “no”.
Michael,
I momentarily forgot what year we’re in–2015 or 1984?
Thank you for the post. We must all remain forever vigilant!
Your brother,
Duane
Follow the crony calitalism trail. The problem is not the free market, but a market of corporate greed joined with an insatiable need for power and illegitimate (unconstitutional) authority (i.e., Murphy, et al).
True conservatives are equally outraged. The problem is there aren’t many of us left.
Duane
Dr. Bahr,
A great first post. Welcome to MIA!
A natropathic doctor, with lived experience… How cool is that!
Thank you for reaching out to help others; and thank you for your military service!
Best,
Duane Sherry, M.S, Retired Counselor
Discover and Recover: Resources for Mental & Overall Wellness
http://discoverandrecover.wordpress.com
I apologize for leaving so many back-to-back comments, but need to clarify. I’m not saying that I believe “mental illness” may be caused by *irreversable( chemical imbalances.
It seems to me that *if* such a thing exists, it could also likely be reversed, because healing takes place, at many levels, in many ways… and it would seem only logical that if stress or trauma can induce dis-ease, the reverse could also take place, on an emotional; spiritual level.
There is research that seems to indicate that some ulcers may not have stress as their root cause; other research that seems to indicate that some types of ulcers may be caused by stress, or worsened by stress… and around and around we go…
IMHO, human clinical trials are complex; those that involve studying emotions, (maybe) impossible. What is “stress,” after all? Where does the mind end, and the body begin? The brain and other body parts? There’s complex connection; along with all the variables that involve being human…
Who knows?
Duane
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17473539
Let me get this straight… Prolonged stress can cause an ulcer, but leaves the brain in tact… Really?! Seems like a stretch… Just sayin’.
Duane
Neurotransmission in the brain can simply not be adequately measured. Therefore the “chemical imbalance” theory cannot be proven. But it cannot be dis-proven either. Period.
If I had a dime for every time an MIA author, commenter dismissed the “chemical imbalance” as bogus, while insisting there “is no chemical imbalance” I would be a rich man!
I think that there likely may be some kind of “imbalance” – because of the fact that stress, trauma, poor diet, and many other things seem to cause “imbalance” in other body parts; why not the brain? I don’t claim to know, but it’s hard to trust those who claim to know: “There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance in the brain…” Really? Says who?
Duane
Your biography says you’re a high school basketball coach. I did some coaching myself along the way. Coaching is good stuff – keeps a person centered, grounded.
Great post.
Duane
Julie,
Thanks for the comment. It would be interesting to see more studies, using *small amounts of orotate form*. It seems to show benefit with Alzheimers Disease, along with other conditions.
Small amounts seems to be the key, but it’s hard to know who would want to fund a lot of studies… Not a lot of money in it.
Duane
A different take on Lithium:
http://www.thelithiumdoctor.com/
Duane
And our complex interpersonal relationships… Science? Really? C’mon!
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as “scientific proof” –
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-scientific-fundamentalist/200811/common-misconceptions-about-science-i-scientific-proof
With that said, I’m remain unconvinced that study of human behavior is “science” to begin with… IMHO, there are far too many variables; we humans, with our complex and “unpredictable” thoughts, feelings… Right when you least expect it, someone commits a random act of kindness. Go figure.
Duane
For anyone interested, PubMed / Dietary Supplement Subset.
Use keywords of choice in search – ie, “depression, vitamin D, etc:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/Research/PubMed_Dietary_Supplement_Subset.aspx
Best,
Duane
Alex,
Fair enough.
Duane
AA,
Good point. Drug reps are a problem, but at least a good doctor who cares about their patients can put a sign in the door: No drug reps. Actually, many are beginning to say no. Not so much with legislation … There’s a reason they’re called laws. We all have to pay for them. Which means vast amounts are prescribed, especially in Medicaid and in foster care.
I’m all for bipartisan efforts, and I apologize for losing my cool on this site recently. It’s difficult to read the far- right comments, which I have to admit I take personally, as a conservative with a heart; libertarian with a conscience. It looks to me that many on the far- left would prefer to take in this fight alone, without a politically collaborative effort… Which continues to seem odd, coming from a group that calls for a “collective” effort, and “diversity.”
Duane
Alex,
There is a time and place for everything, including a time to fight.
Freedom is not free. It never has been, and never will be.
Witness ISIS… Do you suggest the world sit quietly by?…
Duane
The drug reps, in their suits, or high heels and low-cut tops; the recent college grads with their marketing degrees visiting docs pose no immediate threat… The legislators who pass bills that force all of us to pay for these drugs – especially psychotropics children in Medicaid and foster care programs; they are the real threat.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac, not money. Drug companies may be corrupt, but cannot force people to buy drugs, pay for drugs or take drugs… Only government has this illegitimate authority.
Opposite Days are declared by the far left… Every day one is declared. You may want to check the far left calendar, every day for the latest announcement.
JanCarol,
You made several great comments (above).
Glad you’re here!
Duane
We will never know how many WMD were likely moved across the border into Syria before the invasion…
But we do know some were there… How do we know? Because they were found! –
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/us-casualties-of-iraq-chemical-weapons.html?_r=1
Duane
Richard,
Contrary to the popular belief of many on the far left, this country is slow to go to war. The U.S. was even hesitant to get involved in both WWI and WWII. The invasion of Iraq was no exeption… Again, there was a healthy and heated debate, which ended in a consensus to invade.
I don’t appreciate revisionist history… I prefer to look at the facts of the past. In the case of Iraq, there were many on both sides of the political aisle who made the decision to invade.
I think it’s fair to say that the testimony from General Colin Powell to the U.N. Security Council was the persuading argument that led many to their decision. Some were convinced of WMD before his U.N. testimony, based on intelligence they had received before:
âWithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. A deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security.â
â Sen. John F. Kerry, Oct. 9, 2002
âWe know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country.â â Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
âThe community of nations may see more and more of the very kind of threat Iraq poses now: a rogue state with weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or provide them to terrorists.â
â President Bill Clinton, 1998
âIn the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program⊠â â Sen. Hillary Clinton, Oct 10, 2002
And what about Colin Powell’s testimony?..
It turns out he was correct. Weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq, as reported by the New York Times last summer:
http://www.thepoliticalinsider.com/bombshell-new-york-times-reports-wmds-found-iraq/
As far as Iraqi civilian casualties, I think that all life is sacred. Unfortunately, war is horrible but sometimes necessary, and sadly it often results in the death of innocent people. Which is why I think our country is slow to go to war.
Duane
Also, I would remind you that these drugs have the blessing on the FDA; psychotropics, the blessing of the NIMH… And the strategy would be to give the federal government more power? Really?
Duane
Senator Grassley’s exposure of taxpayer-funded corruption at universities should be a red flag to all of us. Sure, there is corruption with drug makers, but it’s the cozy relationship between private companies and public officials that is the real problem. It’s called ‘crony capitalism’ Richard.
Duane
To clarify – this is in reference to the notion that a handful of men in Anerica were somehow able to start a war (ignoring the bipartisan Congrssional decision that took place after long, heated debate); your disparaging remark about America exceptionalism (discounting the Constitution and freedoms this country has)… but mostly, my comment is made after reading your bashing if this country for *years* on this site…. There appears to be no end to the level of hate…
Duane
http://www.orthomed.org
Click: JOM
Then: Archive
Duane
Read 40 years of article from the ‘Archived’ section of the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine at no cost:
orthomed.org
Duane
John,
You might be surprised to learn just how much research there is on the benefits of nutrients in both the prevention/treatment of disease. The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine is a good place to start. As far as herbs, the American Botanical Council has a link to the Commission E Monographs (from Germany, which leads in the study of herbs).
Duane
Not to worry, power hungry politicians; do-gooders are anxious to make them for all of us, as we move into the nanny-state of cradle to grave big government. Just take you pills, the maternal nanny state will take care of you… At least until she runs out of other people’s money.
A free society cannot be a drug-addicted society… People lose freedom when they cannot support themselves financially, nor make decisions soberly.
Duane
Norman,
I can see how having more folks on drugs would be a plus for the government; zombies are easy to manipulate. But corporations? Why the pre-hire and mandatory drug tests in so many industries? Employers don’t need more zombies. They have choices in who they hire… Why should they hire someone who is addicted to street drugs?
I fail to see the logic.
Duane
Richard,
If America is as horrible as you continuously describe, why do so many people literally risk their lives to get here illegally? And why do so many go through the lengthy and exhausting process to become citizens?
Interesting that you mention Dr. Peter Breggin – someone who has disdain for conventional psychiatry, yet who loves this country… Two traits I share (although, I’m no Breggin).
I truly don’t understand why anyone who hates this country would choose to live here. Are there not dozens of other countries to choose from?…
Duane
This may be a bit overstated; however, when you consider the fact that drugs are often nothing more than slight alterations of naturally-occurring nutrients, and/or herbs, with a patent (and fallout from the slight alterations)…. It is food for thought:
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can achieve the same effect.” â Carl Pfeiffer, MD
Duane
discoverandrecover.wordpress.com
Re: Cholesterol:
Niacin.
Works like a charm.
Duane
Re: “… We are all traumatized… ”
Sounds a lot like “30% of people have a mental illness.”
Which is why I have so little confidence in either psychiatry or psychology.
How did people historically overcome trauma before the professionals? Maybe we ought to look closely at those tools.
Duane
Typo – … require the stopping of bashing…
In Dallas, the Salesmanship Club offers this. It is entirely funded by proceeds from the Byron Nelson Golf tournament… A bunch of those rich guys… Go figure. And I know that many people would help fund similar programs around the country, if insurance “parity” and tax money didn’t create the false image that this was already being addressed. It would of course the shopping of bashing “the rich.” A favorite passtime on MIA.
Duane
I’m not saying that making a profit is bad; rather that it’s interesting that those who are opposed to profits are silent when it comes to psychotherapy.
Nor am I heartless. What about more private non-profits? Keeping records private, keeping labels off; using sliding scales; pro-bono for those who simply cannot afford counseling/therapy?
I’m not so sure parity is a great idea; nor that taxpayers need to bear more burden.
Duane
Also, I find it interesting that there never seems to be concern about the costs of sessions when it comes to psychotherapy, which can easily range from $100 – $200 or more each session.
MIA is packed with anti-capitalists when it comes to drug companies; the economy in general, but never a peep about this. I can only assume that these (hardly cheap) sessions need to be paid for with tax money, or insurance companies – in other words, someone else, or all of us (both, actually).
I have no problem with free markets, but many others on this site do. Where is the outrage with the “profiteers” in psychotherapy?
No medical equipment, no large medical staff, no large overhead; a person can put up a shingle and bill a couple of hundred bucks an hour, without a peep from the collectivists… Interesting.
Duane
You write: “In one generation the APA, in collusion with the drug companies, have destroyed psychiatry.”
From the history you described of psychiatry before the collusion with drug companies, there was not much there to destroy.
It seems obvious that psychiatry destroyed itself long before this relationship.
The glory days of psychiatry… What glory days?
Duane
John,
You may want to study what led to the Magna Carta; this libertarian thought led to the Declaration and Constitution in America.
Duane
I’m sorry too. As a dad, as someone who struggled for many years, as did our family, I do truly care for children. And as someone who worked with disabled adults for many years, I am not suggesting the safety net be tagged out from them.
My comments were strong, because I have deep concerns also for what I see happening economically, for individuals and families.
We may have to respectfully agree to disagree. With that said, I could have been more respectful.
Duanr
And I’ve read yours as well, with the holier than thou slant, as if you are alone with concern for homeless children.
Your attitude is in keeping with the far left, broken programs that create more long- term suffering… None of that matters when you’ve convinced yourself that you care more than those who disagree with your politics.
No more on this. I don’t need this crap.
I hope this isn’t off-topic, but found a good article on the connection between gut flora and mental health:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/12/gut-bacteria-health_n_6480580.html
I hope we can begin to look at these areas, as alternatives to psychotropics.
Duane
I don’t know a single person who feels “comfortable” with where things are right now. Not one.
My family and close friends, people at work, others who I talk with during the day… we are all concerned – with what’s happening here in the U.S., and around the world. We’re plenty concerned, about a lot of issues.
Could it be possible that the ones you dismiss as ‘right wingers’ (such as myself) want to see the same improvements in the lives of those we love – close to home and around the world, but just have different views on how we get there?
Just askin’.
Duane
The quotation marks were not used in a disparaging way – quite the opposite… Income level has nothing to do with dignity; I have been through financial times that were horrible – with mouths to feed, and no how groceries, rent, utilities were going to get paid – more than once, more than a short period of time.
I’ve said more than once on this site that I support a safety net for people who are disabled.
The point I’m trying to make is that a large, centralized, bureaucratic system is not the way to go for long-term… It creates dependency; it creates poverty – by dis-empowering.
Communism resulted in 100 million deaths, and we keep deluding ourselves that some kind of hybrid form can get the job done. It can’t.
And I think it’s hilarious that people who want to spend, spend, spend and spend some more (as in government spending) consider themselves to have the moral high ground.
Really?
How generous is it to demand the government seize more money…. with unsustainable spending? Especially, other people’s money?
How ‘compassionate’ is it to saddle future generations with debt that is becoming insurmountable?… Putting them into a position of being indentured servants, slaves of sorts.
And how brilliant is it to keep coming up with the same simple plan – more taxing, more spending for the ‘poor’? What about something new, for once?! Not the same old drug!
We spend a trillion dollars per year in the U.S. on these programs, and the poverty rate is the same as it was 50 years ago…. Up the dose? Really?
The debt clock… Our grandkids, and their grandkids will have to pay this debt off:
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
Duane
The reason Greece is bankrupt is that it tried to spent itself into bankruptcy.
Where do European (democratic socialist countries) get the idea that they can spend themselves into prosperity?
This is very much like psychiatry… If things aren’t working; if there’s fallout, if the drugs cause more harm than good, up the dose.
In democratic socialists countries – it’s up the spending…
Spend like theirs no tomorrow, in spite of the fact that future generations will be forced to pay off the debt… It’s insane.
Safety net?
Fine.
Nanny state, where adults are all treated like children, and taken care of from cradle to grave?
No thanks!
Duane
Maybe using them frequently gives the therapist and client more to talk about… Feeling emotionally numb, yet agitated; becoming fat and asexual, just for starters. It’s a good way to turn short-term counseling into long- term therapy, especially when a person tries to get off the drugs, leading to a flood of potentially life-threatening emotions.
Again, I friggin give up!
Duane
I’m with you , Saul.
In fact, I’ll take it a step further…
My comment is simple: I give up.
Duane
Typo – let he without sin (imperfection) cast the first stone.
Thank you for this creative piece of writing.
It’ hard not to consider the spiritual dilemma of those doing the judging… Acting as little ‘gods’… I’m reminded of ancient scriptures that address this head-on:
“Judge ye not… Let he who throws the first stone… ”
These say more about the one who judges others, than those being judged. Unfortunately however, we all do it to some extent, even if we judge those who judge others.
Duane
Re: “On demand, without apology”… Some science for you:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002398.htm
Duane
Richard,
Interesting that you insist the doctor use the term ‘fetus’ – from Latin – offspring.
I’ve made my religious beliefs known on this site; and although I don’t expect that everyone on this site shares those beliefs, I do think people who are pro-life, such as myself, not be dismissed as not appreciative of science.
Egg and sperm, two gametes form a zygote – with a combination of DNA from each… A unique DNA. So it seems to be hard to argue that this is part of a woman’s body.
With that said, the zygote, later embryo, then fetus is not viable until the third trimester (shortly before)… Then things change scientifically – the baby’s chances of living outside the mother’s womb begin to go up… quickly, with each passing week.
Row v Wade does not say a woman has the right to an abortion during this period – for a reason:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/fetal-health/your-babys-development-the-third-trimester.html
Duane
Mad mom,
You make some good points. I don’t have all the answers, and I certainly didn’t mean to imply for a moment that the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan don’t need supports to help them overcome what they went through. I think we owe it to them to provide whatever they need!
Again, I was thinking outloud about the subject of overcoming traua, and curiously wondering about WWII veterans. I’m all for whatever works for someone, including not talking if a person so chooses. I know that these young people who served in the Middle East have served far too many tours. They deserve to be welcomed home and shown some love and support!
Duane
I agree.
There are often real diseases, or other health conditions present:
https://discoverandrecover.wordpress.com/root-causes-of-mental-illness/
Duane
Want to replace psychiatry with psychology (therapy/counseling)…
With full trust in psychology? Be careful what you ask for!
Duane
I guess you’re right, if you consider a closed head injury, contracting lyme disease, or developing a thyroid disorder an “adverse life event.” Because these conditions often cause “emotional” suffering. Please read my comment (below) about psychology.
Duane
Please excuse the redundancy, but for all those folks out there who want to replace psychiatry with psychology… Rep. Murphy is a psychologist.
From the link above:
“Murphy is a psychologist who has often criticized SAMHSA as ineffective, saying it is only focusing on âsoftâ outcomes and general wellness for the masses rather than practical help for those with serious mental illness. âItâs as if SAMHSA doesnât believe serious mental illness exists,â Murphy said at a hearing in 2013.”
Duane
Dr. Berezin,
This was another nicely written, thought-provoking article. I agree with much of what you had to say, but not everything. I often wonder how people overcame traumas before the days of therapists… individuals have forever had to survive trauma; and have historically learned to overcome it; from even the deepest emotional wounds.
What about the “Greatest Generation?”… The vast majority of them went off to war as very young men, and returned to re-integrate; build lives, families.. without therapists. I wonder if wounds are meant to be re-opened, examined, analyzed. Maybe healing takes place by not re-opening wounds; by developing a place back into a community, culture by finding natural ways to do so.
Duane
Well put.
Correction – MT (not MH)
Fred,
I’m also concerned about what’s being allowed to take place with the chemicals in food. This is an area where some government oversight is needed, but none can be found, because the politicians have been corrupted. IMO, it’s a ‘crony’ capitalist system at play, because the ‘partnership’ between private corporations and businesses is corrupt.
I’m also concerned about the debt crisis in Europe and here in the U.S. It seems as though the size of the federal government programs have gotten so big, they are unsustainable. Here in the US, we are 18 trillion in debt. That’s real money. And it will need to be paid by future generations, placing them in a form of economic slavery… owing their souls to the government store, so-to-speak.
It looks like government debt in Europe is in enormous crisis also. So what happens next? I don’t know, but I do have some faith in what young people are beginning to envision.
Here in the US, there seems to be a new hippy emerging… They are not their father’s hippy… They’re free thinkers of a new variety. Libertarian thought is getting big in their circles. They don’t want the federal government to fix everything… They want it out of their lives, and they really mean it when they say it. They’re big into organic food, living a healthy lifestyle… I see a trend here, and I’m hopeful.
Duane
Richard,
You apparently find great joy repeating what you read/hear from the far left media.
\
The exhausting 1% speech… You put it out there as if it should be “news.” Do you really think that I’ve never listened to mainstream media and commentary – CNN, Rachel Maddow?
Like so many others on the far left, you blame everything on the one percent… Everything. The far left claims to want to create a society of ‘social justice’, ‘income equality’… Mmmm, where have we heard this before in history? How was it tried, and what were the results?
It’s like being back in grade school. The comments from the far left about economics, politics, history… With absolutely no knowledge about wealth creation, how economies grow; no knowledge of political systems and how they work; no knowledge of major historical events, western civilization, the people and ideas that formed this country.
I used to find myself outraged; now I expect it, especially from people who are obviously ideologues, pretending to be idealists.
You wrote, “It’s not the size of government that matters…”
Making my point, much better than I could have, once again.
Duane
Fred,
I hope you know by now that I love much of what you write on MIA… I grew up on Austin, Texas and met many a great hippy… That was then, this is now. The world has changed, so has America. For the better in some ways, for the worse in others.
We all watched the Soviet experiment. It was an absolute failure. IMO, the answer is not a larger, more powerful, centralized federal government, but a smaller one. I’m all for organic herb gardens, and people living however they choose, but I’m against being told what to eat and how to live by s bunch of little bureacrats!
Duane
Breggin is a conservative. Szasz was a libertarian. These two have done more for this cause than the entire far left wing combined!
This cause is about freedom, not creating a nanny state.
Duane
The USSR was obviously a union of republic; China a single republic. Nation is probably an unfit title for either when citizens have no voice, and group-think is all that is allowed. The people (were, in the case of the USSR), and are, in the case of China simply not free.
And you tell the readers to ignore my views? Your comments speak for themselves!
In a word, I find the ‘priceless’.
Duane
China and the USSR isolated? Ever seen the land mass of these nations; their populations?
This failed political experiment did not take place on a couple of remote islands.
Duane
Typo – Janis
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day
Transforming the mental health system as we know it… by upholding the constitution – ending the use of force… allowing people to choose safer, more effective means to address acute emotional crisis, and/or any underlying physical health condition(s).
As far as all this “progressive” thought… I find it to be about as progressive as the Bolshevik Revolution, a century ago!
But. in my opinion, MIA is not the place to talk about all this stuff… unless of course, IMO, people start using the Forums. They don’t and they won’t. So it appears that we’re taking the world’s largest website – the only place where people can get information about the dangers of psychiatry, and turning it into a political forum for the far left. I’m not a genius, but aren’t there a ton of such places on the web? I mean a ton of them! Oh, well.
Tomorrow is June 6th, the 71st anniversary of Operation Overlord: The Normandy Invasions, D-Day.
What a war the US and allied forces had to fight! When we finally defeated Nazi Germany in Europe, an equally evil enemy had to be defeated…. namely, the USSR.
And now we want to create a ‘collective’ system ourselves.
Why? I guess because it worked so well in the USSR; China, Cuba…
As the 1960’s song goes: “When will we ever learn?”
Re: The love affair some seem to have with the 1960s…
This just in: The ‘Summer of Love’ is over. Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin have left the stage. There was some good music; there was some real progress in the area of civil rights; but I lived through that time, and much of what happen was change for the worse.
There’s a lot more to say…
Just not on MIA.
Duane
correction: he/she?
Ted,
Your blog post was on the subject of shock protests in 9 countries!
Even though ‘Dr. Anonymous’ tried to hijack the subject, he was unsuccessful… The larger issue is that progress is being made… In large part due to people like you!
Thank you, sir.
Duane
MH,
And with that, I’m done.
I find your remarks to be condescending toward Ted.
And I’m not going to waste my time explaining why. It’s your job to deal with the way you treat other people, not mine.
Duane
MT,
From Peter Breggin, MD:
:ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) involves the application of two electrodes to the head to pass electricity through the brain with the goal of causing an intense seizure or convulsion. The process always damages the brain, resulting each time in a temporary coma and often a flatlining of the brain waves, which is a sign of impending brain death. After one, two or three ECTs, the trauma causes typical symptoms of severe head trauma or injury including headache, nausea, memory loss, disorientation, confusion, impaired judgment, loss of personality, and emotional instability. These harmful effects worsen and some become permanent as routine treatment progresses.”
More here:
http://www.ectresources.org
Duane
MT,
You may find more about Ted, Tina, Jim and other blog authors of this site (several of whom are psych survivors) here:
http://www.madinamerica.com/writers/
Duane
MT,
Re your comment:
“Speaking authoritatively about psychiatry but refusing to have an open dialogue with a psychiatrist seriously undermines your credibility.”
……
This is Ted’s biography (as posted on this site):
When I was six years old, New York City’s child “welfare” system took me from my foster parents and sent me to one of Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric wards. There, as part of an experimental group of (eventually) several hundred children, almost all of them wards of the state, I was given a course of twenty shock treatments by one of the leading child psychiatrists of her day. (The profession hasn’t changed much since then, except it has even more power.) I was then shipped to a state hospital, where I spent the rest of my childhood.
Released at age seventeen, I went on to work my way through college, graduating with honors. Later, I served two stints in psychology graduate programs, but fortunately, it didn’t take. Eventually, I became a patients’ rights attorney, and am still an active member of the California State Bar.
I found out about what we then called the mental patients’ liberation movement in 1971, and have been active ever since in several cities in the U.S. and Canada. I am most proud of the campaign I led in my new home town, Berkeley, that persuaded our voters to ban shock treatment here.
I am 75, not young any more, but my life isn’t over yet, and I have rededicated myself to doing all I can so that what was done to me won’t happen to others.
…..
My comment to you:
If you’re having problems finding a little empathy, at least have a little respect, doc.
And please, leave the lectures on what the law says/doesn’t say about ECT to Ted Chabasinski, JD (along with Tina Minkowitz, JD and Jim Gottsein, JD). They are all psychiatric survivors, and attorneys. You are not.
Duane
MT,
Re: “In many cases ECT is the only treatment that will take effect quickly enough.”
You first.
Duane
MT,
http://psychrights.org/research/Digest/Electroshock/electroshock.htm
This comment you made… you start off sounding like a lawyer and close by sounding like a doctor. For what it’s worth, I don’t trust many in either profession.
Take a look at the link above, you’ll find out more about ECT than you probably care to know. Legal “experts” and medical “experts”… all these so-called experts; yet look at the mess we’re in!
Duane
Spend some time on the link above, about Planned Parenthood. It ought to be a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about PP.
Unfortunately, more Americans get their scientific information from Wikipedia than from any other source.
Re: Final decision being the woman’s… She obviously have to find another doctor… something most women are quite capable of doing.
Interesting. once again, that the politically correct answers seem to show such little faith in the individual (male or female).
Your telling her you will not prescribe them is not the same as “telling her what to do!”
It’s explaining what it is * you* are not willing to do.
Nothing more, or less.
It would seem to me that a good doctor would take the time to explain why he/she has reached that decision; in this case, educating the patient.
And then the final decision is the woman’s.
The more I read from doctors, the less I understand their logic.
I thought they received medical licenses to assure the safety of their patients.
I don’t get it.
Duane
Dr. Urato,
Re: “But, while I strongly believe that the drugs cause harm, I donât believe that a pregnant woman should be told that she should take a medication or that she should not take a medication. That is an individual choice and one that should be respected.”
Of course it’s a individual choice on the part of the pregnant woman. But, it is also an individual choice on the part of the doctor. In short, you could explain that in your professional opinion, the drugs are too dangerous for her and the baby… and that you will not prescribe them.
What this approach lacks in political correctness, it makes up for in upholding the Hippocratic oath.
Duane