I had one of those calls that we all dread getting. A casual friend, who I hadn't heard from for six months or so, called me from a locked ward. "They are not listening to me", she cried. To make matters worse, she was on vacation, away from home, when her husband decided that she was in a manic state and took her to the... Read more
As you might know, in England one researcher came to the conclusion that, for people with mild or moderate depression, sugar pills (called a placebo or fake pill) worked as well as traditional antidepressants (SSRIs). For one report on this research, click here. I'm sure John McManamy has covered this issue in his blog much more... Read more
In my blog last week, I talked about a high-powered "think tank" meeting I attended that discussed the future of health care. Whenever I talk to anyone about my experience and what I learned there, I always get the same response: "Man, is that depressing; don't you have any good news?" Well, ironically, I was just... Read more
I go to most of the millions of meetings I attend so that I can advocate on behalf of consumers or educate providers and systems on behalf of consumers. Sounds fun, but it takes a lot of ... well, cojones ... to face down or gently persuade or whatever the situation calls for. And, of course, like anyone would, I get tired of it. So, meetings like... Read more