Goldacre and Bad Science Cult Promotes Medicalized Society

The extent to which members of the bad science cult idolize and front for the pharmaceutical industry as the “scientific” answer to all of our problems is right where high priests of medicine, governments and pharmaceutical companies want you to be. This definitely is affecting your freedom to choose health.

Here is an excerpt from an article published by Christopher Kent, D.C., J.D in the United States.

The manual and numbers he refers to are official diagnostic conditions and categories which are used for both government purposes and insurance purposes in the United States and other countries.

“The Definition of a Medicalized Society

Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary 2 defines “medicalize” as follows: “To handle or accept as deserving of or appropriate for medical treatment.”

Sato offers a more specific definition for medicalization: “A process or a tendency whereby the phenomena which had belonged to other fields like education, law, religion, and so on have been redefined as medical phenomena.”

Examples abound in psychiatry’s code book for psychiatric disorders and “conditions or problems … which may be a focus of clinical attention and require appropriate coding …”

This remarkable tome is DSM-IV4. DSM-1 was first published in 1952, titled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

My journey into DSM-IV made me think I had fallen into Alice’s rabbit hole.

Normal Human Experience Now Masqueraded as “Disorders”

Do you have difficulty sleeping after drinking coffee? The problem isn’t a product of your poor judgment in guzzling java immediately before retiring. You are a victim of 292.89 — Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disorder F15.8.

If you reflect on your shyness while tossing and turning, the problem could be the epidemic of 300.23 — Social Phobia F40.1. Don’t worry. Drug treatment is available.

Unfortunately, if you’re thinking about your place in the cosmos or spiritual issues, you’ve got V62.89 — Religious or Spiritual Problem Z71.8, and I couldn’t locate a drug for that.

Bad parenting is about to become a thing of the past. It’s not your fault, or your child’s fault. Besides the ubiquitous pandemic of ADHD, there are other disorders you may not be aware of.
Your ill-behaving child may be suffering from 313.81 — Oppositional Defiant Disorder F91.3.

If your child often argues with adults, loses their temper, deliberately annoys people, etc., you’re dealing with ODD. Of course, this must be differentiated from 312.8 — Conduct Disorder F91.8, and 312.9 — Disruptive Behavior Disorder Not Otherwise Specified F91.9.

Should the problem be getting along with a brother or sister, the condition is V61.8 — Sibling Relational Problem F93.3.

And should you argue with your spouse about whether the child should be grounded or drugged, you might be looking down the barrel of V61.1 — Partner Relational Problem Z63.0.

If math homework is a challenge, be sure to check for 315.1 — Mathematics Disorder F81.2. You must be careful not to confuse this with a V62.3 — Academic Problem Z55.8.

If things are OK in the math department, but you have a teen experiencing uncertainty about life goals, career preferences, values, loyalties, etc., you’re dealing with 313.82 Identity Problem F93.8. This has been downgraded from a “disorder” in DSM-III-R, to a mere “problem” in DSM-IV. I’ll bet that makes you feel better.

A Pill for Every Issue You Don’t Want to Face

A plethora of sexual issues are described as “disorders.” We are all familiar with Bob Dole making erectile dysfunction a household word, with the blue pill offering a solution. But that’s just the tip of the, um, iceberg. If the target of your libidinal interest is ignoring you, the problem may be 302.71 Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder F52.2.

Lest anyone be offended, I will not address the other disorders codified in Chapter 20. Simply be happy that there are solutions that do not require you to address issues in your relationship.

Men can obtain testosterone cream if a doctor determines that it’s “right for you.” The stuff is said to work well. According to an ad in JAMA5, “Sexual enjoyment and satisfaction with erection duration were improved vs. baseline, but these improvements were not significant compared to placebo.” The ad shows a couple dancing, a couple riding a motorcycle, and two pictures of men swinging golf clubs (alone) and smiling.

Perhaps the next version of DSM will have a category for “golf disorders.”

REFERENCES
1. Wood H: Retail therapy. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2003;4:700.
1. Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary. Barnes and Noble. New York. 1996.
1. Sato A: Medicalization and medicalization theories.
1. Reed WH, Wise MG: DSM-IV Training Guide. Brunner/Mazel, Inc. Philadelphia, PA. 1995.
1. JAMA 2003;290(11):1427.”

Message to Bad Science Cult: Please Make Up Your Mind- Do Homeopaths Cause or Prevent AIDS?

Ben Goldacre says with all seriousness that “homeopaths cause AIDS”.

But in a recent rage-filled post Bad Science Cult spokeman, the Gimpy, exploded that the Society of Homeopaths are “scumbags”. Scumbag means condom- they prevent AIDS!

Oh well, another baaaaad science flip flop. Stick to busting frog-whisperers. (But then again the poor, poor frogs!)

Ben Goldacre and His AIDS Theory

I for one, am glad that Ben Goldacre has come out with a new theory about the AIDS epidemic: “Homeopaths Cause AIDS!”.

I’m glad because his shrill rhetoric has gotten to the stage of hysteria such that pragmatic and good people will now see it for what it is: baaaad science cult hysteria.

Of course everyone knows what really caused the AIDS epidemic- the pharmaceutical industry!!!!

Check this horrific video of an interview with the former head of Research for Merck:

Click here to go to the goodscience.wordpress.com blog and see the discussion and a link to the video.

Of course, maybe, just maybe, a widdle biddy virus might be causing it. (I put this in the language that I think, but of course I can’t scientifically prove, that Ben Goldacre and his bad science cult members might understand).

The Defenders of a Bad Scientific Outcome

OK, I get it. Finally. I was wondering why the bad science members defend modern conventional medicine with such vigor. And why they minimize serious side effects including death and a very high rate of iatrogenic disease.

I even see that for every barrage of news reporting some deficiency or dangerous discovery about the effect of some conventional medication(s) THEY do the damage control. Why is that?

Here’s one of the reasons: if you actually admitted that the problems with modern medicine are on such massive proportions as they appear to be then you would have to admit that the scientific methodology that underpins it is also seriously FLAWED.

With recalls of medications on such massive scales it appears to the more pragmatic amongst us that the double blind placebo controlled trial is NOT a good predictor of efficacy nor safety.

Vioxx

Sinusitis

Cough

and so much more!

How Do You Get Anything Dark and Heavy?

 

How Do You Get Anything Dark and Heavy?

Get baad science cult members to swarm and comment on it.

“A sense of humor is not scientific”

OK, Swarm that comment….

For those of you new to this scene: Why do I call them a cult of quackbusters, debunkers and bad science?

Because…

they definitely fit the definition of a Cult:

1. followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
2. an interest followed with exaggerated zeal

But also, my apologies to you of lightness and mirth because if you want to see how to make something light heavy read some of the comments here in- but only if are on a strong chair because eventually you will get heavier and heavier and heavier and heavier…

Because….

response Mode of major cult members epitimized by Simpson/Gimpy et all can be summed up in one word-

Pedantic

Definition of pedantic:

1. ostentatious in one’s learning.
2. overly concerned with minute details or formalisms

 

 

Cheap Theatrics + Ben Goldacre= Null Bad Science Hypothesis= Null Balance, Null Fairness

Ben Goldacre has learned well from his teacher, the great Randini. Goldacre has learned how to debunk with flare and loss of scientific balance and fairness, (mind you Randini, a professional entertainer, magician and the grandfather of debunkers didn’t have any science in the first place). And my, my all the fame Goldacre has gotten which has emboldened those with similar aspirations but with the same level of training as Randini, to become instant experts and scientists.

To be fair and balanced, though, I have to mention the theatrics here on this blog which have certainly garnered a dramatic increase in attention and traffic. It may be that Andy Lewis will have to programme his own name into his censor-meter.

But here is the homeopathy Null Balance, Null Fairness tally:

Goldacre does an opinion piece under the guise of scientific inquiry.

Null Balance, Null Fairness.

Goldacre includes all the studies that come to negative conclusions about homeopathy but FAILS to include THE study, (from Lancet itself!) that comes to a positive conclusion about homeopathy.
Null Balance, Null Fairness.
Goldacre bases the majority of his opinion on one study which has been severely criticized for bias, poor methodology, lack of transparency. Lancet editors responded about Egger, the main author, “He admitted bias therefore there is nothing wrong with the study.”

Null Balance, Null Fairness.

In futher articles, Goldacre fails to mention that much of current medicine is the art of the practice of medicine and not the science. Many techniques used in medicine especially surgery has not gone through the double blind evaluation.
Null Balance, Null Fairness.

In a sidebar to Goldacre, Lancet in an attempt to bolster its “science” that homeopathy is dangerous includes the fact that there is 1(!) malpractice suit against a homeopath in India. It fails to mention that there are 250,000 homeopathic doctors there. Lancet also fails to mention the dramatic and abysmal state of conventional medical malpractice issues and successful wrongful death suits in conventional medicine.
Null Balance, Null Fairness.

Goldacre fails to interview or converse with the thousands of level-headed homeopaths who would not dangerously stop conventional medications or prevent patients from getting conventional medical attention especially for emergency situations.
Null Balance, Null Fairness.

In evaluating and debating homeopathy can we have some balance and fairness?

Now They Tell Us: Common Conventional Medications Ineffective for Sinus Infections

Warning: As a result of reading this, you may want to decrease or discontinue your medication. Discontinue medications only under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor.

A new study has shown that common medications used to treat sinus infections have been ineffective. Click here to see the news report on CNN.

Can someone do the math here? How many people have been prescribed amoxicillin for this condition in the UK alone? How many years has this medication been on the market? Can someone do the math to see the extent of this problem? After how many years does this “study” show that something which may cause serious side effects has been used without even affect?

In an attempt to demonize homeopathy bad science has trivialized the deficiencies and even dangers of modern conventional medicine. This is not good for your health.

“In the British study, people suffering from facial pain and a runny nose with greenish or yellowish mucous generally improved within about two weeks — whether they took the standard antibiotic amoxicillin, steroid nose spray or fake medicine. “

“Steroid sprays sometimes are used, but the study found they also were no better than dummy drugs, although they appeared to provide some relief for patients with only minor symptoms. “

Well, we’ve discussed the side effects of steroids on this blog but lets look at the side effects of amoxicillin:
From http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/amox_ad.htm

“Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serum sickness–like reactions, erythematous maculopapular rashes, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, hypersensitivity vasculitis and urticaria have been reported.
NOTE: These hypersensitivity reactions may be controlled with antihistamines and, if necessary, systemic corticosteroids. Whenever such reactions occur, amoxicillin should be discontinued unless, in the opinion of the physician, the condition being treated is life-threatening and amenable only to amoxicillin therapy.
Liver
A moderate rise in AST (SGOT) and/or ALT(SGPT) has been noted, but the significance of this finding is unknown. Hepatic dysfunction including cholestatic jaundice, hepatic cholestasis and acute cytolytic hepatitis have been reported.
Renal
Crystalluria has also been reported (see OVERDOSAGE).
Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
Anemia, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, leukopenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported during therapy with penicillins. These reactions are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy and are believed to be hypersensitivity phenomena.
Central Nervous System
Reversible hyperactivity, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, convulsions, behavioral changes, and/or dizziness have been reported rarely.
Miscellaneous
Tooth discoloration (brown, yellow, or gray staining) has been rarely reported. Most reports occurred in pediatric patients. Discoloration was reduced or eliminated with brushing or dental cleaning in most cases.

Debating Homeopathy in a Vacuum

I’ve noticed in the ‘debunking of homeopathy debate’ that so many things are missing and ignored as if this discourse should not take place in real time.

The debate process has been one where any general observation or experience except for the double blind argument has the oxygen sucked out of it. It becomes an argument for pure science without bringing into the debate the reality that medicine is not a pure science and that the incidence of acute and chronic disease overall has not really diminished in spite of trillions thrown at it. Its as if this is all about a laboratory test without human contact.

What is ignored:

1. Modern medicine has many techniques that have not passed the double blind standard; least of which is many surgical techniques.

2. The double blind has not brought us a scientific predictability of side effects, (who and when) even though some cause death. There is continual re-qualification of double blind and clinical studies.
3. Iatrogenic disease is responsible for a significant percentage of hospital beds and injuries, deaths.
4. There are over 250,000 homeopaths in India and many homeopathic hospitals.
5. Significant numbers of practitioners of homeopathy have gone through traditional medical school and opted for homeopathy. Homeopathic professionals are located all around the world.
6. Medical doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are one of the most sued individuals and corporations in the world.
7. In contradistinction, the number of deaths and injuries from homeopathic remedies or from attempting homeopathic modality exclusively is minute in comparison, particularly if you factor in 250,000 Indian homeopaths. Lancet was careful to point out that there was one malpractice suit against a homeopath in India but failed to give a figure of the number of malpractice suits against medical doctors there or in England for that matter.
8. Many extremely intelligent professionals have opted for homeopathic care with a high degree of satisfaction.

9. The level of homeopathic patient satisfaction is extremely high and we are talking about MILLIONS of satisfied individuals.
Unfortunately, the bigotry against homeopathy has also evolved in a vacuum, where only skeptics have had sway and where homeopaths have had to defend themselves against a cacophane of shrill voices yelling “danger”.

I do think that modern medicine provides many valuable and important services and that homeopathy can enhance the modern health consumer needs.

The Positive Benefits of Homeopathy

This post is to extoll the wonderful benefits of homeopathy that my family, friends and myself have experienced.

Homeopathy works with the body’s own healing mechanism rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Here is a description of Homeopathy from the Society of Homeopaths Website:

Homeopathy is a gentle, holistic system of healing, suitable for everyone, young and old. Homeopathy focuses on you as an individual, concentrating on treating your specific physical and emotional symptoms, to give long lasting benefits.

• Homeopathic treatment works with your body’s own healing powers to bring health and well being.
• Patients are treated as individuals, not as a collection of disease labels.
• Homeopathy treats all your symptoms – mental, emotional and physical.
• Homeopathic remedies are gentle, subtle and powerful.

Also this is an interesting quote from the National Center for Homeopathy’s web site:

Charles Frederick Menninger, MD (1862-1953)
Charles Frederick Menninger, MD was the original cofounder (with his son, Karl Menninger, MD) of the famed Menninger Clinic, the internationally respected mental health clinic, initially located in Topeka, Kansas. He was a homeopathic physician and the head of his local homeopathic medical society. He also authored numerous articles published in homeopathic medical journals. In one of these articles, he stated with vigor, “Homeopathy is wholly capable of satisfying the therapeutic demands of this age better than any other system or school of medicine.” He goes on to assert, “it is imperative that we exhaust the homeopathic healing art before resorting to any other mode of treatment, if we wish to accomplish the greatest success possible.”

Great New Homeopathy Blog

Here’s a great new homeopathy blog-

Homeopathy 4 Health

Add that to some other wonderful homeopathy blogs on the right under “links” and we see that homeopaths are justifiably taking a lead in describing the wonderful health giving aspects of homeopathic treatment.