Posted by Cam W. on June 1, 2001, at 10:17:03
In reply to Re: TRUEHOPE profits, posted by Deb_s on June 1, 2001, at 9:46:45
> And by the way, the statements above are incorrect. But I'm not going to waste anymore of my time on this -- you who wish to become informed, do your own research.Deb - Funny, I talked to a prominent psychiatrist who went to school with the head researcher in Calgary. He said that after some initial excitement, the randomized controlled trial is not going quite as they expected. Now, they are telling those who want to try it to stay on their meds. They are using some people with bipolar disorder, who are having breakthrough episodes; but these people are still having breakthrough episodes after a couple of months on the vitamin treatment. Also, I have personally talked to 4 people (one I have been following for more than 5 years) who had been trying the vitamins for periods for 3 to 6 months. All, at separate meetings, have said that the only thing the vitamins did was lighten their pockets. I realize that this is not a scienctific representation, but it does make one wonder...
The problem with doing research on bipolar disorder is that the condition is chronic and relapsing. The natural progression of the disease is punctuated by episodes of mania and/or depression, interspersed with varying periods of "normal" functioning. With each episode, the next episode comes sooner, is greater in severity, and lasts longer, because of a kindling mechanism. Therefore, one needs to monitor relapses prior to therapy and compare them to the relapse incidence on the new therapy. It would be incredibly unethical to take someone off their medication, even if the medication offered partial relief, and place this person on an unproven treatment. Because of the risks involved, due to kindling, this kind of research would never be approved by any ethics committee.
Furthermore, if you have bipolar disorder and stop your medication, you may not relapse in a week or in a month, but the chances of relapsing within the next couple of years (depending on the severity of the disorder) are better than 90%.
There is my research, may I see yours? - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:59082
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/65017.html