Posted by Adam on November 7, 1999, at 13:11:41
In reply to Re: Books, posted by Elizabeth on November 5, 1999, at 23:26:03
I tried reading "Taling Back to Prozac" and got too annoyed. I've also read a number
of interviews and lectures. They sparked my interest but ultimately disturbed me.I'm not qualified to comment on Breggin's lack of expertise in certain areas, but
what seems clear to me is his tendancy to distort. One simply cannot make responsible
claims of the kind he makes based on the evidence he draws from.That there is a real (but at this point unquantifiable) tension created by the drive
to generate capital and the need to accurately report on the adverse effects of
psychotropics should be obvious. Breggin would have us believe that pharmaceutical
companies deliberately poison and dement society's most vulnerable for the almighty
dollar. This is simply going too far. Breggin magnifies the importance of isolated,
aberrant, and causally uncertain phenomena to support his assertions. Breggin
repeatedly ignores the need for critical thinking while simultaneously demonizing others
for the same transgressions, even when such accusations are unfounded.I tend to think that if anyone is trying to cash in on the misfortune of others, it's
Peter Breggin. That's an oppinion, based, perhaps, on scant evidence. I, at least,
am willing to admit that.Again, in my oppinion, if Breggin's work has any value, it is that he does cite the
work of others more scientific and responsible than himself. One can extract some
useful information from his writings, and peruse his references.
poster:Adam
thread:14374
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991028/msgs/14741.html