[lbo-talk] Using Drugs to Control Depression, Erratic Behavior

[R]

At 11:42 AM 7/30/2004, you wrote:
>I also agree that traetment with ADs ought be carefully monitored. It's 
>hard to find the right dosages of the right mix of meds. And there are 
>various side effects that may be problematic. This stuff isn't candy. But 
>psychotherapy isn't always a substitute for chemical intervention either. 
>Sometimes you just need drugs, sometimes just talk, sometimes both.
>
>Btw I can't agree with the person who evinced special alarm about having 
>someone being treated for mood disorders with his finger on the button. 
>That is not a problem by itself. In fact, it's good if the person with his 
>finger on the button is seeking treatment if he feels he needs it. The job 
>is impossibly stressful. It would drive anyone sentient crazy. (Which is 
>why it didn'tseem to bother Reagan.) There are lots of Presidents we have 
>had who were worrisome, self-medicated with alchohol, like Nixon, maybe a 
>little nuts -- during Watergate the White House had to direct the SAC 
>commanders to ignore any alarming orders coming from the President's Office.

personally, jks, i'd like to see that person's finger off the button, then 
treat him.  the act of seeking treatment doesn't guarantee a stable mentality.

i think what you illustrate here is the problem of giving too much power to 
one individual. as Lincoln said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but 
if you want to test a man's character, give him power."  too bad we can't 
-- or won't -- test for character before conferring power.

apparently JFK and LBJ worked out their testosterone poisoning -- if there 
is such a thing -- the old fashioned way rather than pushing the red 
button.  at least LBJ had sense enough to know when to quit.

R


>
>Or Johnson and Kennedy, who suffered from testocerene poisoning, which is 
>probbaly a lot worse than depression and side effects from ADs. ANd there 
>is no treatment for it, other than having your ass kicked by feminists. 
>Maybe a few good sessions with a  proper Dominatrix might help, I 
>dunno.  In fact, the fact that Bush is seeking treatment si the single 
>most encouraging thing I have heard abouyt him. Won't change my vote, though.
>
>jks
>
>
>
>On Thu, 29 Jul 2004, John Thornton wrote:
>
> > People taking AD's need to have someone monitor their
> > behavior carefully. We still do not know enough about these drugs to treat
> > them as cavalierly as we so often seem to do.
>
>
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Mail is new and improved - 
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