Posted by Larry Hoover on July 31, 2007, at 8:01:39
In reply to Re: lithium » Larry Hoover, posted by Squiggles on July 30, 2007, at 22:24:10
> > > OK - show me the evidence---
> >
> > Already did. Read the thread.
>
> That's grossly insufficient. OK - it looks
> like i'll have to do some heavy homework and
> post it. I need some more time. There are
> many articles on this issue, and the evolution of lithium research is tilting towards its favour,
> not against.
>
> Later
>
> SquigglesIt is not relevant that you might find a stack of opinions on the subject. The issue is incorporating the body of evidence into a cogent understanding of the phenomenon itself.
Issues before you are:
1. You can't prove a negative. Which case, unfortunately, you seem set on demonstrating.
2. Every one (I think it was every one) of the references you have provided so far has actually stated that irreversible kidney damage follows long term lithium therapy. Not always does lithium do this, of course, but sometimes. And I found these statements within references which you provided as evidence of lithium's safety.
3. I am not addressing popularity or efficacy. The issue I raised is toxicity. Opinions, no matter how numerous, will not erase the clear evidence of lithium's toxic effects.
4. You must avoid confirmation bias. A valid summary of this issue must incorporate the contrary evidence, and afford it some explanation. For example, it must provide some rationale for the nearly 5-fold increase in relative risk of thyroiditis over those with Grave's disease, and the roughly 10-fold increase over the general population. Similar, but lesser, risks for thyrotoxicosis. Empirical evidence of this, I gave to you. Offering up an opinion that it doesn't matter doesn't cut it. Think CSI. Let the evidence speak. Then, and only then, theorize.
5. Explain your own consumption of medical resources with respect to medical tests. If lithium is without risk, then why do you permit your doctor to waste resources monitoring your condition? BTW, that the toxic risk can be managed is not now, nor ever was, the issue. The issue raised was that lithium could not pass present-day drug testing protocols.
6. And, since you brought it up, please demonstrate the overall safety of lithium neurotoxicity.Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:772306
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070730/msgs/773031.html