Posted by Larry Hoover on April 25, 2003, at 10:49:10
In reply to Re: Thank you! » Larry Hoover, posted by Dinah on April 24, 2003, at 20:58:29
> I've printed out that article. Thanks so much! It really describes how I had actually experienced SSRI's. I think I'll sit down and try to figure out what psychological states my various meds might have induced.
You're welcome, Diana.
What I found most powerful about this essay was how he brought out the effect of assumptions on treatment protocols. I think it's human nature to extrapolate from assumptions. Then, we use our observations to "prove" our assumptions. So, you end up with a theory chasing itself, a logical fallacy known as petitio principii, or begging the question.
The best example I have ever seen of this is the modelling of stomach ulcers. Back in the '70s, everybody knew that stress caused ulcers. They were associated with Type A personalities. Treatment involved acid reduction and the bland ulcer diet. The problem was, nobody ever got cured.
Then along came a courageous Australian doctor who proposed that ulcers were caused by a bacterial infection. Presenting his ideas at conferences, he was vocally ridiculed. Everybody knew that stomach acid would kill any bacteria! (Aside: food poisoning is proof of the contrary.) But now, we all know that Helicobacter pylori infection causes ulcers. And, the so-called genetic tendency to ulcers, once taken as proof of the Type A influence, can be better explained by transmission of infection between family members.
My own odyssey towards wellness has been motivated by the failure of standard antidepressant therapy. If they had worked, I doubt I'd be on this board right now. I was forced to think outside the standard assumptions. My success has led my care-givers to ask me what I'm doing (outside the box).
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:221657
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/222284.html