I'm inclined to agree that most kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD really just have parents who don't bother to raise them well; however, I don't think this is confirmation. At most, it's suspicious.
First, it doesn't prove that the charities were influenced by the donations. Perhaps the charities began with a policy of helping kids with ritalin, etc, and then the drug companies decided to help them do so.
Second, even if donations changed (or set) the charities' policies, it doesn't prove the charities are biased. The people who run the charities, may, in their individual judgments, agree that these drugs are beneficial.
What if a think tank released a negative report on gun control and then liberals attacked the report by saying the think tank receives money from gun makers? Would you consider that to be evidence?
however, I don't think this is confirmation. At most, it's suspicious.
Even if you don't agree that it's confirmation, I think it's more correct for you to say that it's suspicious at LEAST, instead of at most. You can't get around the fact that this is suspicious, and this story may be just scratching the surface.
Keep in mind that I bring the totality of my knowledge and experience to the reading of every story. As I read this story, I am simultaneously thinking about Jess' experience as a hospital pharmacist and my experiences at a few of her continuing education dinners sponsored by drug companies. Sometimes the medical professionals make deals with the drug companies in which they can still uphold their ethical obligations to patients. But all too often, this is outright bribery - which I mind only because the patients are not being fully informed of the doctors' motivation in prescribing drugs.
I tagged along at an allergist's conference my friend went to. I could not believe the behaviors exhibited by the drug companies in attempting to bribe people attending the meeting. They could not exact contracts or promises to use their product, of course, but they would ask, "what do we have to do to get you to prescribe our product?" while filling their goody bags with chocolates, nifty computer gadgets, toys, and Swiss watches, in addition to the usual assortment of notebooks, stickers, bags, free samples, engraved boxes and pens, coupons for patients, free lattes and gourmet crepes, taking them out to fancy dinners, etc. etc. Sure, there is definitely a role for marketing, but where's the line? My friend, who I think of as a principled person, indicated that her decisions were guided strictly by cost, availability, and effectiveness of the med, but also indicated that she was more likely to prescribe a medication if the sales rep paid more attention to her and her department.
Jess has seen examples in the past where doctors and pharmacists were willing to let patient care suffer as a result of the bribery. Usually, the doctors and pharmacists who are being bribed will put on the formulary the drugs that will still treat the sick.
As far as I am concerned, I could live with the bribery - so long as the doctors let their patients know that this is the reason why drug X is not being offered and they are using drug Y instead. It's the cover-up that I consider to be grossly unethical.
Reminds me of those medical crime novels, of which Coma was probably the most famous. (Can't remember the author's name.) He also did one about drug companies working on doctors so they'd prescribe their meds. Scary stuff.
I'm in total agreement with the notion drugs are being used in place of half decent parenting and the very fact prescriptions have multiplied by a factor of 180 in the last 14 years, in my view at least, dispels any notion of suspicion. If that figure is accurate, and I've no doubt on that score, it's no longer suspicious, it's evidence.
Re: Thanks!gonzolawyerJanuary 11 2006, 01:24:00 UTC
welcome. fat tire rules. I have a KXCI bumper sticker on my truck but I'm disappointed in the direction the station's programming has taken in the last 12 months. I'm a libertarian but I've worked with the greens on areas of common ground. (just referring to a few of your interests in your userinfo.)
Fat tire does rule. You had more interests than I could name that caught my eye and I thought "I'd like to know more people like that". I still have no KXCI bumper sticker.. but I do let them take money out of my checking account every month. They are still a rare gem, but I have stayed out of the politics. I'm still sitting here checking out the communities and trying to figure LJ out. For now I'll just say.. Nice to meet ya! L.
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First, it doesn't prove that the charities were influenced by the donations. Perhaps the charities began with a policy of helping kids with ritalin, etc, and then the drug companies decided to help them do so.
Second, even if donations changed (or set) the charities' policies, it doesn't prove the charities are biased. The people who run the charities, may, in their individual judgments, agree that these drugs are beneficial.
What if a think tank released a negative report on gun control and then liberals attacked the report by saying the think tank receives money from gun makers? Would you consider that to be evidence?
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Even if you don't agree that it's confirmation, I think it's more correct for you to say that it's suspicious at LEAST, instead of at most. You can't get around the fact that this is suspicious, and this story may be just scratching the surface.
Keep in mind that I bring the totality of my knowledge and experience to the reading of every story. As I read this story, I am simultaneously thinking about Jess' experience as a hospital pharmacist and my experiences at a few of her continuing education dinners sponsored by drug companies. Sometimes the medical professionals make deals with the drug companies in which they can still uphold their ethical obligations to patients. But all too often, this is outright bribery - which I mind only because the patients are not being fully informed of the doctors' motivation in prescribing drugs.
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As far as I am concerned, I could live with the bribery - so long as the doctors let their patients know that this is the reason why drug X is not being offered and they are using drug Y instead. It's the cover-up that I consider to be grossly unethical.
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I'm in total agreement with the notion drugs are being used in place of half decent parenting and the very fact prescriptions have multiplied by a factor of 180 in the last 14 years, in my view at least, dispels any notion of suspicion. If that figure is accurate, and I've no doubt on that score, it's no longer suspicious, it's evidence.
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