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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 16, 2004, at 18:36:49
In reply to Can anyone recommend a good book?, posted by SDA on February 14, 2004, at 11:50:18
> I'm looking for a book on psychiatric drugs that will give me the facts on how they were discovered, how they work, and their risks and dangers. I'm particularly interested in antidepressants (including Zoloft, Prozac, and Wellbutrin).
>
> Thanks
Posted by SDA on February 16, 2004, at 19:21:50
In reply to Can anyone recommend a good book? « SDA, posted by Dr. Bob on February 16, 2004, at 18:36:49
Oops, I didn't even notice there was a forum dedicated to books here. How observant of me...
In the original thread in psychobabble, I mentioned www.breggin.com. What do you think of Peter Breggin's books?
Posted by BJlass on February 16, 2004, at 19:40:52
In reply to Re: Can anyone recommend a good book?, posted by SDA on February 16, 2004, at 19:21:50
I've read Breggin's book, Talking Back to Prozac, and Joseph Glenmullen's book, Prozac Backlash too. Both excellent books, but if the info is correct, that SSRI's can cause neurotransmittor damage, that's just great! What do we do then -- sue? Anyway, both books are very informative.
Funny, when I told one doc I went to in the past, he said, "it sounds like the author has an ax to grind." I replied, "Really? I don't agree. I like to keep my mind open. Just because it's a negative view of popular pharmaceuticals, doesn't mean its wrong." He didn't say anything.
My point is this: Trust YOURSELF first. Get advice, but trust yourself, your own feelings, your own intuition.
Posted by Penny on February 17, 2004, at 8:49:37
In reply to Re: Can anyone recommend a good book?, posted by SDA on February 16, 2004, at 19:21:50
> In the original thread in psychobabble, I mentioned www.breggin.com. What do you think of Peter Breggin's books?
Personally, I think Breggin's books read like a poorly constructed philosophical argument. In his books he refers a lot to "them" and "they", yet he fails to say who "them" and "they" are. For example, he will state a lot of questionable 'facts' and quote research by unknown researchers - he doesn't have the evidence to back up what he says is evidence that psych meds don't work. He expects readers to take his words on blind faith that he is correct and the majority of the psychiatric world is wrong.
And, maybe it's just me, but I don't see psych meds as being all good or all bad, and I know FOR A FACT from my own experience that FOR ME they have been helpful, though it took finding a competent and knowledgable pdoc to get the right combo.
Anyway - personally, I think Breggin uses scare tactics and not a lot of real factual evidence, and misinterprets what facts he does have, to frighten people away from psych meds, and I, personally, think that it's fine to read what he has to say, as long as his side isn't the only side you're getting info from. I have quoted him in college papers - as one side of the story - and have found a great deal more evidence to contradict his theories. So, either he truly is an anomaly and one of the few who knows 'the truth', or he is one of the few who thinks he knows the truth and is in actuality wrong. IMO - he's wrong. Doesn't know what he's talking about. Has never experienced mental illness from the inside. And is entitled to write and say what he wants about it all. But I recommend you take what he says with a grain of salt.
Posted by SDA on February 18, 2004, at 14:53:49
In reply to Re: Can anyone recommend a good book? » SDA, posted by Penny on February 17, 2004, at 8:49:37
In this case it would probably be best to go with a text book of some kind. That would be the best way to ensure that everything has been backed up with some scientific research. I don't think its right to say that these drugs are flat out harmful. Some people need them to suppress hallucinations and suicidal tendencies.
While we're on the subject of one-sided arguments, here's the most one-sided website I've ever seen: www.sntp.net
What the hell is the "Foundation for Truth in Reality"? The fact that excepts from Dr. Breggin's books can be found on that site should say something.
Posted by noa on February 18, 2004, at 18:14:13
In reply to Can anyone recommend a good book? « SDA, posted by Dr. Bob on February 16, 2004, at 18:36:49
Here are a few titles.....I don't know if they are what you're looking for.....
"Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs"
by Kalyna Z. Bezchlibnyk-Butler (Editor), J. Joel Jeffries (Editor)"Psychotropic Drug Information Handbook (Mental Health Series)"
by Matthew A. Fuller, Martha, Md. Sajatovic"A Primer of Drug Action: A Concise, Nontechnical Guide to the Actions, Uses, and Side Effects of Psychoactive Drugs"
by Robert M., MD Julien
Posted by SDA on February 18, 2004, at 22:04:26
In reply to Re: Can anyone recommend a good book?, posted by noa on February 18, 2004, at 18:14:13
Thanks! That last one looks intersting.
Posted by terrics on March 26, 2004, at 15:09:08
In reply to Re: Can anyone recommend a good book? » SDA, posted by Penny on February 17, 2004, at 8:49:37
Hi Penny, You said what I just posted in a new thread started 3/26. Competent pdocs are worth it. Unless we really know the chemistry of drugs and the chemistry of drugs when they are combined we should let a competent pdoc lead the way. I do not mean we should remain ignorant, but professional help can be like reading a good med. book. terrics
This is the end of the thread.
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