Posted by linkadge on August 13, 2006, at 20:04:09
In reply to Re: Optimistic part » linkadge, posted by Aphrodite on August 13, 2006, at 17:24:32
Lithium is generally not a first line treatment for depression, at least here in America. I understand that things are slightly different in Europe, where the drug is used for depression more often.
Kramer was a doctor not a medical researcher, so I wouldn't say that he was on the forefront of this type of thing.
I think he was really just attemtping to reduce some of the stimga about the disease.
Nobody would dare to blame something like cancer on a "personaltiy flaw" or weakenss. Yet depression is still seen as such by many people.
Ie. I don't know if Kramer was aware of Lithium's capabilities.
If Manjii's work is right, there is reason to believe that either lithium or valproate (even if only used in small doses), may have more ability to reduce the progression of the disease, than antidepressants do.
See:http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-191.htm
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:675829
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060810/msgs/676146.html