Posted by Twain on October 30, 2001, at 7:35:40
In reply to How do you decide what to trust?, posted by Dr. Bob on October 30, 2001, at 1:56:11
Psychobabble has been invaluable because many of the patients' real concerns, that are dismissed by doctors and drug companies, are addressed.
I don't completely trust either the PDR or the online support group. I examine everything and try to read between the lines.
For example. Most doctors and drug companies will swear up and down that an anti-depressant does not cause weight gain. Yet online contributors and my own experience tell a different story. What looks like an insignificant and "infrequent" side effect turns out to be all too common.
To the doctor or drug companies a weight gain of 10 or 20 pounds is trivial yet in the real world or nightmare of depression, this adds to the depressed person's problems.
I also look at studies with special interest in the drug's side effects. I may trust the results of a good study (with lots of participants) more than the PDR. But in the end, I weigh (ugh) it all together - the study results, online patients' comments and PDR information.
poster:Twain
thread:82639
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82647.html