Guest guest Posted November 5, 2002 Report Share Posted November 5, 2002 The Anti-Depressant Fact Book by Peter R. Breggin, MD Published by Perseus Books Group 11 Cambridge Center Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 USA; 617-252-5298 2001, Softcover, 225pp. $13 US/$19.95 CAN Peter R. Breggin, MD is a practicing psychiatrist who has written a number of books about the toxicology of psychiatric medications, the best-known being Talking Back to Prozac (1994). His well-publicized criticism of drugs like Prozac and Ritalin has earned him a title: the conscience of psychiatry. However, among the many family physicians who are the primary prescribers of these drugs, the word does not seem to have gotten out. If they need to be convinced I can’t think of a better way than a fact book – not opinion but scientific data that can be substantiated. Unfortunately, through either ignorance or bias, most physicians have nothing else to offer in place of the prescription drug. That leaves it up to the patient to ask the questions and do a little research. The Anti-Depressant Fact Book is an excellent place to start with information you won’t find elsewhere. The author has testified in court as an expert witness against some of the pharmaceutical companies and therefore can give the reader an inside look at the way these corporations deceive the public about the safety of their products. And do not let the word fact in the title lead you into thinking this is a dry compilation of lists, charts and complicated data. Dr. Breggin has more than 30 years of experience and accumulated wisdom in treating mental illness, and he has the faculty of being able to explain medical and psychological effects clearly. In “The Meaning and Purpose of Depression,” for instance, he explains why he thinks the labeling of depression as a “disease,” is a mistake, instead of viewing it as a feeling of unhappiness; an emotional response to life, which cannot be targeted by these drugs. “In fact,” he says, “I find considerable evidence that these drugs have little or no therapeutic effect on feelings of depression.” In his practice he often works with very depressed children and adults who have failed to “get better” despite years of treatment. In those cases, he says he usually finds one or more of the following circumstances: • Years of treatment by authoritarian, uncaring doctors or therapists • Years of exposure to multiple psychiatric drugs • Long-term submission to an emotionally abusive parent, spouse, or loved one Also, he finds that many of the individual’s previous doctors may have overlooked or denied the obvious harmful effects of severe emotional, physical or sexual abuse in childhood. In the main part of the book, on the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), the most popular of the new antidepressants, the reader learns how they work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin. The author says “Tampering with the serotonin neurotransmitter system is especially fraught with difficulties because the serotonin nerves spread in a vast network through the brain…essentially, they go everywhere.” The dangers of disrupting this system are fully explained, with studies showing evidence for permanent damage and dysfunction from SSRIs. There are additional risks as well – everything from sexual impotence to mania – and the little-publicized effects of depression and suicide caused by the anti-depressants. Cases of criminal behavior and violence are cited, as well, caused by the mania from the stimulating effects. This information has been withheld by the FDA and the public made to believe the drugs are safe. Dr. Breggin’s conscience is nowhere more apparent than when he writes of the special dangers of treating children with SSRIs. As early as 1990-1991, a group of Yale doctors found that 50% of children ages 8 to l6, developed two or more abnormal behavioral reactions to Prozac. These included aggression, loss of impulse control, agitation, and manic symptoms. In 1997, an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association raised serious concerns about “exposing the growing brains of children to agents that distort the biochemical reactions that control the way the brain will develop.” Dr. Breggin states categorically: “Doctors are prescribing extremely dangerous drugs to children for purposes (diagnoses) that in the past, would not have led a doctor to prescribe anything for them. They are exposing children to gigantic risks with little hope of benefit…meanwhile, there is not a shred of clinical or scientific evidence to justify the use of…psychiatric drugs in treating children. Every one of these children is being subjected to a radical but unsupervised medical experiment.” That these scientific and ethical criticisms have not slowed the use of these drugs for children, shows the enormous influence of the pharmaceutical corporations. School officials and social workers (not MDs) have forced parents to drug their children against their better judgement. Although SSRIs are not approved for treatment of depression in children, there is no law that prohibits a doctor from prescribing them to children. Breggin says “This freedom to treat may be valuable in other areas of medicine, but in the psychiatric treatment of children, off-label prescribing has become irrational and abusive.” This dangerous practice shows no sign of abating, and hundreds of thousands of children currently are being brain altered in ways that have led many to violence (while the authorities keep us focussed on the dangers of illegal drugs). It is a frightening realization that many American children may be turned into aggressive, even murderous criminals, for which they are then put into prison for many years. Machiavelli himself could not have thought up a more evil proposition. Dr. Breggin has been an advocate for parents, especially, and has rendered real service to us all. His books need to be widely publicized and heeded Gettingwell- / Vitamins, Herbs, Aminos, etc. To , e-mail to: Gettingwell- Or, go to our group site: Gettingwell HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2002 Report Share Posted November 5, 2002 Dear Frank, I just logged on to this website and are mightily impressed. I have a 26 year old daughter who has psychological problems. She has been from one to the other care center in the last three years. She has been diagnosed with Borderline and is very hyperactive. She was also hyperactive as a child, but it fitted in with our lifestyle and she was very good at various sports, so it never was a problem. The problems started when she finished her Sports Diploma and had to start working. Her anxiety levels just went sky-high and she couldn't cope. She would then act out and behave like a naughty teenager. At the moment she is on Risperdal, Topamax and Lamictin and she is still not coping. Mind you, maybe better than without it - then she would be heavily Bulimic and she would also smoke Marijuana if she gets the chance. A real sad case. Are there any natural products that would eleviate her symptoms? I would appreciate any input. Hannelie Kemp South Africa - Frank <califpacific <gettingwell > Tuesday, November 05, 2002 1:46 PM new book by Peter Breggin MD > > The Anti-Depressant Fact Book > by Peter R. Breggin, MD > > Published by Perseus Books Group > 11 Cambridge Center > Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 USA; > 617-252-5298 > > 2001, Softcover, 225pp. > $13 US/$19.95 CAN Peter R. Breggin, MD is a practicing psychiatrist who has written a number of books about the toxicology of psychiatric medications, the best-known being Talking Back to Prozac (1994). His well-publicized criticism of drugs like Prozac and Ritalin has earned him a title: the conscience of psychiatry. However, among the many family physicians who are the primary prescribers of these drugs, the word does not seem to have gotten out. If they need to be convinced I can't think of a better way than a fact book - not opinion but scientific data that can be substantiated. Unfortunately, through either ignorance or bias, most physicians have nothing else to offer in place of the prescription drug. That leaves it up to the patient to ask the questions and do a little research. The Anti-Depressant Fact Book is an excellent place to start with information you won't find elsewhere. > > The author has testified in court as an expert witness against some of the pharmaceutical companies and therefore can give the reader an inside look at the way these corporations deceive the public about the safety of their products. > > And do not let the word fact in the title lead you into thinking this is a dry compilation of lists, charts and complicated data. Dr. Breggin has more than 30 years of experience and accumulated wisdom in treating mental illness, and he has the faculty of being able to explain medical and psychological effects clearly. In " The Meaning and Purpose of Depression, " for instance, he explains why he thinks the labeling of depression as a " disease, " is a mistake, instead of viewing it as a feeling of unhappiness; an emotional response to life, which cannot be targeted by these drugs. " In fact, " he says, " I find considerable evidence that these drugs have little or no therapeutic effect on feelings of depression. " > > In his practice he often works with very depressed children and adults who have failed to " get better " despite years of treatment. In those cases, he says he usually finds one or more of the following circumstances: > > . Years of treatment by authoritarian, uncaring doctors or therapists > > . Years of exposure to multiple psychiatric drugs > > . Long-term submission to an emotionally abusive parent, spouse, or loved one > > Also, he finds that many of the individual's previous doctors may have overlooked or denied the obvious harmful effects of severe emotional, physical or sexual abuse in childhood. > > In the main part of the book, on the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), the most popular of the new antidepressants, the reader learns how they work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin. The author says " Tampering with the serotonin neurotransmitter system is especially fraught with difficulties because the serotonin nerves spread in a vast network through the brain.essentially, they go everywhere. " The dangers of disrupting this system are fully explained, with studies showing evidence for permanent damage and dysfunction from SSRIs. There are additional risks as well - everything from sexual impotence to mania - and the little-publicized effects of depression and suicide caused by the anti-depressants. Cases of criminal behavior and violence are cited, as well, caused by the mania from the stimulating effects. This information has been withheld by the FDA and the public made to believe the drugs are safe. > > Dr. Breggin's conscience is nowhere more apparent than when he writes of the special dangers of treating children with SSRIs. As early as 1990-1991, a group of Yale doctors found that 50% of children ages 8 to l6, developed two or more abnormal behavioral reactions to Prozac. These included aggression, loss of impulse control, agitation, and manic symptoms. In 1997, an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association raised serious concerns about " exposing the growing brains of children to agents that distort the biochemical reactions that control the way the brain will develop. " Dr. Breggin states categorically: " Doctors are prescribing extremely dangerous drugs to children for purposes (diagnoses) that in the past, would not have led a doctor to prescribe anything for them. They are exposing children to gigantic risks with little hope of benefit.meanwhile, there is not a shred of clinical or scientific evidence to justify the use of.psychiatric drugs in treating children. Every one of these children is being subjected to a radical but unsupervised medical experiment. " > > That these scientific and ethical criticisms have not slowed the use of these drugs for children, shows the enormous influence of the pharmaceutical corporations. School officials and social workers (not MDs) have forced parents to drug their children against their better judgement. Although SSRIs are not approved for treatment of depression in children, there is no law that prohibits a doctor from prescribing them to children. Breggin says " This freedom to treat may be valuable in other areas of medicine, but in the psychiatric treatment of children, off-label prescribing has become irrational and abusive. " > > This dangerous practice shows no sign of abating, and hundreds of thousands of children currently are being brain altered in ways that have led many to violence (while the authorities keep us focussed on the dangers of illegal drugs). It is a frightening realization that many American children may be turned into aggressive, even murderous criminals, for which they are then put into prison for many years. > > Machiavelli himself could not have thought up a more evil proposition. Dr. Breggin has been an advocate for parents, especially, and has rendered real service to us all. His books need to be widely publicized and heeded > > > Gettingwell- / Vitamins, Herbs, Aminos, etc. > > To , e-mail to: Gettingwell- > Or, go to our group site: Gettingwell > > > > > HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2002 Report Share Posted November 5, 2002 Dear Hannelie, I would suggest this new book by Peter Breggin and start with a list of links posted last friday. Also you might go to our links page and continue going through the links there too. Here is a repost of a message from last Friday. Fri Nov 1, 2002 6:29 am Pass it on- Natural methods for curing mental illness. Pass it on - Natural methods for mental health You cannot turn on the TV or open a magazine without all of the drug ads jumping out at you. Those are to make money for someone else, this information is to heal. Help with the cause. Pass this message on. Dear Group, Here are a few links to treating all mental illness with natural means or showing the dangers involved in pharamacueticals. I have no commercial interest. I just want to help spread the word. Please pass this on to any people or groups who can benefit. Pass it all over the net. Gettingwell/links Dr. Peter Breggin's Website Dr. Breggins website showing the dangers of drugs for mental illness. They actually cause mental illness. A very good site. http://www.breggin.com/ A group for benzodiazepine education A group for people who have taken benzodiazepines (valium, xanax, klonipin and the damage they cause etc.) benzo/ Alternative Mental Health Site for the Non Drug treatment of mental illness. http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/ Anti-depressants - SSRI type drugs Dangers involved with taking SSRI type drugs. http://www.prozacspotlight.org Benzo org the mother of all benzo truth sites. Find out the real truth about all benzos like valium, ativan, xanax, librium, klonipin etc. If you are taking a tranquilizer or a sleeping pill, you should protect yourself and read the info at this site. http://www.benzo.org.uk Campaign Against Fraudulent Medical Research big health related site http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/ Pretty Effective cure for " mental Illnesss " Abram Hoffer a pioneer in treating mental illness with niacin and natural methods. http://www.doctoryourself.com/hoffer_anecdote.html Niacin Usage http://www.doctoryourself.com/niacin.html More Niacin Info. http://www.doctoryourself.com/review_hoffer_B3.html More, More Niacin. http://www.doctoryourself.com/psychiatry.html Megavitamin Therapy http://www.doctoryourself.com/hoffer_psychosis.html Hoffer Home Page http://www.islandnet.com/~hoffer/hofferhp.htm Biochemical Imbalance testing http://www.doctoryourself.com/hoffer_krypto.html Popular Medical Opinions http://www.doctoryourself.com/hoffer_factoids.html Hoffer Biography http://www.doctoryourself.com/life_hoffer.html How Nature Cures http://www.doctoryourself.com/nature.html Drug Awareness The dangers about many prescription drugs and their possible consequences http://www.drugawareness.org/home.html Gettingwell Group Our group for using natural means to cure disease. Gettingwell Prozac Truth site about the dangers of SSRI type antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and others. http://www.prozactruth.com Quit Paxil, Prozac and other SSRI type antidepressants safely before you are damaged SSRI drugs covered. Quitting safely. Dangers involed with taking these type medications. http://www.quitpaxil.org SAY NO TO DRUGS! This site contains more than 600 modern drugs that are likely to be prescribed by our orthodox medical doctors along-side the usually low- cost, non-toxic, and often more effective orthomolecular alternatives http://www.internetwks.com/saynotodrugs/ SSRI research - about SSRI type drugs like Prozac, Paxil, etc. ssri-research Truth about Prozac, Paxil and other serotonin type drugs. A group about the very real dangers of serotonin type drugs. ie. Antidepressants, Prozac etc. prozactruth/ Gettingwell/links Frank Gettingwell/ Gettingwell using vitamins, herbs, foods and other natural methods. Pass this messsage on to all groups and people who may benefit.. Gettingwell, " Hannelie Kemp " <kenhan@i...> wrote: > Dear Frank, > I just logged on to this website and are mightily impressed. > I have a 26 year old daughter who has psychological problems. She has been > from one to the other care center in the last three years. She has been > diagnosed with Borderline and is very hyperactive. She was also hyperactive > as a child, but it fitted in with our lifestyle and she was very good at > various sports, so it never was a problem. > > The problems started when she finished her Sports Diploma and had to start > working. Her anxiety levels just went sky-high and she couldn't cope. She > would then act out and behave like a naughty teenager. At the moment she is > on Risperdal, Topamax and Lamictin and she is still not coping. Mind you, > maybe better than without it - then she would be heavily Bulimic and she > would also smoke Marijuana if she gets the chance. A real sad case. > > Are there any natural products that would eleviate her symptoms? > I would appreciate any input. > Hannelie Kemp > South Africa > > - > Frank <califpacific> > <gettingwell> > Tuesday, November 05, 2002 1:46 PM > new book by Peter Breggin MD > > > > > > The Anti-Depressant Fact Book > > by Peter R. Breggin, MD > > > > Published by Perseus Books Group > > 11 Cambridge Center > > Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 USA; > > 617-252-5298 > > > > 2001, Softcover, 225pp. > > $13 US/$19.95 CAN > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Peter R. Breggin, MD is a practicing psychiatrist who has written a number > of books about the toxicology of psychiatric medications, the best- known > being Talking Back to Prozac (1994). His well-publicized criticism of drugs > like Prozac and Ritalin has earned him a title: the conscience of > psychiatry. However, among the many family physicians who are the primary > prescribers of these drugs, the word does not seem to have gotten out. If > they need to be convinced I can't think of a better way than a fact book - > not opinion but scientific data that can be substantiated. Unfortunately, > through either ignorance or bias, most physicians have nothing else to offer > in place of the prescription drug. That leaves it up to the patient to ask > the questions and do a little research. The Anti-Depressant Fact Book is an > excellent place to start with information you won't find elsewhere. > > > > The author has testified in court as an expert witness against some of the > pharmaceutical companies and therefore can give the reader an inside look at > the way these corporations deceive the public about the safety of their > products. > > > > And do not let the word fact in the title lead you into thinking this is a > dry compilation of lists, charts and complicated data. Dr. Breggin has more > than 30 years of experience and accumulated wisdom in treating mental > illness, and he has the faculty of being able to explain medical and > psychological effects clearly. In " The Meaning and Purpose of Depression, " > for instance, he explains why he thinks the labeling of depression as a > " disease, " is a mistake, instead of viewing it as a feeling of unhappiness; > an emotional response to life, which cannot be targeted by these drugs. " In > fact, " he says, " I find considerable evidence that these drugs have little > or no therapeutic effect on feelings of depression. " > > > > In his practice he often works with very depressed children and adults who > have failed to " get better " despite years of treatment. In those cases, he > says he usually finds one or more of the following circumstances: > > > > . Years of treatment by authoritarian, uncaring doctors or therapists > > > > . Years of exposure to multiple psychiatric drugs > > > > . Long-term submission to an emotionally abusive parent, spouse, or loved > one > > > > Also, he finds that many of the individual's previous doctors may have > overlooked or denied the obvious harmful effects of severe emotional, > physical or sexual abuse in childhood. > > > > In the main part of the book, on the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake > Inhibitors), the most popular of the new antidepressants, the reader learns > how they work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin. The author says > " Tampering with the serotonin neurotransmitter system is especially fraught > with difficulties because the serotonin nerves spread in a vast network > through the brain.essentially, they go everywhere. " The dangers of > disrupting this system are fully explained, with studies showing evidence > for permanent damage and dysfunction from SSRIs. There are additional risks > as well - everything from sexual impotence to mania - and the > little-publicized effects of depression and suicide caused by the > anti-depressants. Cases of criminal behavior and violence are cited, as > well, caused by the mania from the stimulating effects. This information has > been withheld by the FDA and the public made to believe the drugs are safe. > > > > Dr. Breggin's conscience is nowhere more apparent than when he writes of > the special dangers of treating children with SSRIs. As early as 1990-1991, > a group of Yale doctors found that 50% of children ages 8 to l6, developed > two or more abnormal behavioral reactions to Prozac. These included > aggression, loss of impulse control, agitation, and manic symptoms. In 1997, > an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association raised > serious concerns about " exposing the growing brains of children to agents > that distort the biochemical reactions that control the way the brain will > develop. " Dr. Breggin states categorically: " Doctors are prescribing > extremely dangerous drugs to children for purposes (diagnoses) that in the > past, would not have led a doctor to prescribe anything for them. They are > exposing children to gigantic risks with little hope of benefit.meanwhile, > there is not a shred of clinical or scientific evidence to justify the use > of.psychiatric drugs in treating children. Every one of these children is > being subjected to a radical but unsupervised medical experiment. " > > > > That these scientific and ethical criticisms have not slowed the use of > these drugs for children, shows the enormous influence of the pharmaceutical > corporations. School officials and social workers (not MDs) have forced > parents to drug their children against their better judgement. Although > SSRIs are not approved for treatment of depression in children, there is no > law that prohibits a doctor from prescribing them to children. Breggin says > " This freedom to treat may be valuable in other areas of medicine, but in > the psychiatric treatment of children, off-label prescribing has become > irrational and abusive. " > > > > This dangerous practice shows no sign of abating, and hundreds of > thousands of children currently are being brain altered in ways that have > led many to violence (while the authorities keep us focussed on the dangers > of illegal drugs). It is a frightening realization that many American > children may be turned into aggressive, even murderous criminals, for which > they are then put into prison for many years. > > > > Machiavelli himself could not have thought up a more evil proposition. Dr. > Breggin has been an advocate for parents, especially, and has rendered real > service to us all. His books need to be widely publicized and heeded > > > > > > Gettingwell- / Vitamins, Herbs, Aminos, etc. > > > > To , e-mail to: Gettingwell- > > Or, go to our group site: Gettingwell > > > > > > > > > > HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 I was sad to read of your daughters plight - it just saddens me when children are not well enough to live the wonderful exciting life that should naturally be theirs. Although I know very little about your daughters health issues, I would suggest that you do a thorough search on diet and hyperactivity and also ensure that your daughter does not drink the likes of coca cola or any other canned or bottled drink that contains aspartame, nutrasweet or the like. I would say that black tea and coffee would be suspect also. Please do extensive research on all of theses things as they are guilty of so many of the problems that your daughter suffers from. Wishing you the very best in your quest. Marianne > I just logged on to this website and are mightily impressed. > I have a 26 year old daughter who has psychological problems. She has been > from one to the other care center in the last three years. She has been > diagnosed with Borderline and is very hyperactive. She was also hyperactive > as a child, but it fitted in with our lifestyle and she was very good at > various sports, so it never was a problem. > > The problems started when she finished her Sports Diploma and had to start > working. Her anxiety levels just went sky-high and she couldn't cope. She > would then act out and behave like a naughty teenager. At the moment she > is > on Risperdal, Topamax and Lamictin and she is still not coping. Mind you, > maybe better than without it - then she would be heavily Bulimic and she > would also smoke Marijuana if she gets the chance. A real sad case. > > Are there any natural products that would eleviate her symptoms? > I would appreciate any input. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Marianne, Thank you for your kind words. I also think a drastic change in diet is necessary. Kind regards Hannelie I was sad to read of your daughters plight - it just saddens me when children are not well enough to live the wonderful exciting life that should naturally be theirs. Although I know very little about your daughters health issues, I would suggest that you do a thorough search on diet and hyperactivity and also ensure that your daughter does not drink the likes of coca cola or any other canned or bottled drink that contains aspartame, nutrasweet or the like. I would say that black tea and coffee would be suspect also. Please do extensive research on all of theses things as they are guilty of so many of the problems that your daughter suffers from. Wishing you the very best in your quest. Marianne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Thank you so much for your reply Keep well Hannelie - califpacific Gettingwell Tuesday, November 05, 2002 10:25 PM Re: new book by Peter Breggin MD Dear Hannelie, I would suggest this new book by Peter Breggin and start with a list of links posted last friday. Also you might go to our links page and continue going through the links there too. Here is a repost of a message from last Friday. Fri Nov 1, 2002 6:29 am Pass it on- Natural methods for curing mental illness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 on 11/6/02 3:11 AM, marianne2406 at marianne2406 wrote: > I was sad to read of your daughters plight - it just saddens me when children > are not well enough to live the wonderful exciting life that should naturally > be theirs. > > Although I know very little about your daughters health issues, I would > suggest that you do a thorough search on diet and hyperactivity and also > ensure that your daughter does not drink the likes of coca cola or any other > canned or bottled drink that contains aspartame, nutrasweet or the like. I > would say that black tea and coffee would be suspect also. Please do > extensive research on all of theses things as they are guilty of so many of > the problems that your daughter suffers from. > > Wishing you the very best in your quest. > Marianne > > >> I just logged on to this website and are mightily impressed. >> I have a 26 year old daughter who has psychological problems. She has been >> from one to the other care center in the last three years. She has been >> diagnosed with Borderline and is very hyperactive. She was also hyperactive >> as a child, but it fitted in with our lifestyle and she was very good at >> various sports, so it never was a problem. >> >> The problems started when she finished her Sports Diploma and had to start >> working. Her anxiety levels just went sky-high and she couldn't cope. She >> would then act out and behave like a naughty teenager. At the moment she >> is >> on Risperdal, Topamax and Lamictin and she is still not coping. Mind you, >> maybe better than without it - then she would be heavily Bulimic and she >> would also smoke Marijuana if she gets the chance. A real sad case. >> >> Are there any natural products that would eleviate her symptoms? >> I would appreciate any input. >> > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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