Re: Digest Number 1394

[Guest guest]

thank you, that is a very touching story. shirley

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/22/02 9:17:15 AM Pacific Standard Time,

writes:

>

> This is really just a vent, so you can delete if you want.

>

> I really thought that putting back in school would eliminate some of

> my stress. Now I've got the bus company trying to deal with him, which

> isn't too bad, but a stress none the less. They put him in a harness again

> this morning. I can see their rationale, it isn't safe for him to be up at

> Interstate speeds. Nothing I tell him seems to help him understand that

> it's just like the van, he has to keep his safety belt on and stay in his

> seat. I did realize I was assuming a bit on his part: I was assuming that

> he would know what to do with the bag I made him. He was swinging the rope

> over his head yesterday. So today, I sewed shoe strings to the bag and

> showed him how he could make patterns with threading it through the rings,

> like a maze. I also told him (and the bus driver) that if he was good and

> didn't tie himself or the bus with the strings, they would send it in with

> him. I figure 1) they could use it as a positive reinforcer, something he

> gets to play with if he does his work and 2) they're better trained on how

> to take it away from him without causing a melt down.

>

>

Is there an aide on the bus? If so can she/he reinforce during the ride

for sitting in his seat, playing appropriately, etc? If you write this into

the IEP it is easier to make it happen. We did this with our for awhile

but the stimulation on the bus was too much for him. He also didn't

understand that the limits like the other kids did so he would do what they

did but go one step further and get in trouble.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

.....my heart aches for you because I know the heartaches of momhood. I spent Sunday in ER with tears as my son lay there with IVs and "that" look. All of you know the look. Luckily he had a virus (bad case) and nothing more serious. I recall all the days I looked at my mom with that look and the look my mom returned. Those days may be gone but not forgotten. Arthritis is mean, ugly, horrid and frustrating to say the least. This we all know. I recall being 17 (almost 18) and OMG just the memories are scary. , as I extend to you a big ol hug, Tab will be fine. My mom always said it was harder on her than me and now I believe that, though at the time I thought "yeah right, you dont know, you have no clue" but you know she did know because she too was going through it. The road is tough but it is the tough times that make us strong and I dont only believe this I am a walking testament to this fact as are the many young adults on the list. The thing you have to do is simple and that is love your beautiful daughter and dont think about the remissions, they may come they may not but love is always a requirement. I was about 19 before arthur gave me a break but by then I had so many deformities and problems as a result of the path arthur took on me. I have since become mommy to 2 beautiful guys, returned to school that arthur wouldnt allow me to do before and with 5 classes to go I will have my BA. I have had the luck and fortune of meeting so many caring and compassionate people like yourself so arthur has not been all bad. The destruction is there but I am forever thankful for the lessons of the disease. They are lessons you will learn by no other means. You have been the shoulder for many and now it is our (group hug) turn. Though they may be wrecked with damage from arthur I extend my shoulder (right one ,cuz left one needs replaced..lol) to you.. LOLL !

Donna

[Guest guest]

Donna..sorry about your son..glad he is going to be okay..yeah one thing i

can say us as moms and even the fathers sure has are share of hard times

with arthur..well you because of living with it. I know Tab will be

okay..because i look at the young adults and the (don't mean this

rude..lol)older ones and I definitely know Tabitha will be okay..just hard

knowing as a mom you can't take the pain away.but that is with any child..

Thank you for the thought and thank you for the smile your letter gave

me..the world, your family, and I are lucky to have you here...you are an

angel!!!!!!

karen(tab17..poly)

From: faces1999@...

Reply-

Subject: Re: Digest Number 1394

Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 21:45:50 EDT

.....my heart aches for you because I know the heartaches of momhood. I

spent Sunday in ER with tears as my son lay there with IVs and " that " look.

All of you know the look. Luckily he had a virus (bad case) and nothing more

serious. I recall all the days I looked at my mom with that look and the

look

my mom returned. Those days may be gone but not forgotten. Arthritis is

mean,

ugly, horrid and frustrating to say the least. This we all know. I recall

being 17 (almost 18) and OMG just the memories are scary. , as I

extend

to you a big ol hug, Tab will be fine. My mom always said it was harder on

her than me and now I believe that, though at the time I thought " yeah

right,

you dont know, you have no clue " but you know she did know because she too

was going through it. The road is tough but it is the tough times that make

us strong and I dont only believe this I am a walking testament to this fact

as are the many young adults on the list. The thing you have to do is simple

and that is love your beautiful daughter and dont think about the

remissions,

they may come they may not but love is always a requirement. I was about 19

before arthur gave me a break but by then I had so many deformities and

problems as a result of the path arthur took on me. I have since become

mommy

to 2 beautiful guys, returned to school that arthur wouldnt allow me to do

before and with 5 classes to go I will have my BA. I have had the luck and

fortune of meeting so many caring and compassionate people like yourself so

arthur has not been all bad. The destruction is there but I am forever

thankful for the lessons of the disease. They are lessons you will learn by

no other means. You have been the shoulder for many and now it is our (group

hug) turn. Though they may be wrecked with damage from arthur I extend my

shoulder (right one ,cuz left one needs replaced..lol) to you.. LOLL !

Donna

_________________________________________________________________

MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:

http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

[Guest guest]

Sorry, , I am definitely NOT experiencing that neat little perk. I was

thinking of talking with my naturopath about that once I get the rest of my

problems figured out and am feeling better in other areas. It's a great

little perk you've got there though! I think I HAVE heard of that

happening.

Good luck!

to the ladies

This is a little personal, so here it goes. Has anyone gotten more

frisky since they have been on this food program. Or is it because we

feel marvelous.L.B

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I have enjoyed being a part of this group, but am unable to keep up with

reading/responding with everything else at this time. Could you please change

my subscription to the special announcement only.

For anyone in Northern CA, I maintain a contact list for parents/professionals

to share local resources, upcoming area conferences, contacts for playdates,

recommendations for providers etc. Feel free to contact me or refer someone to

me at:'

Kim Heuvelhorst

mkheuvey@...

Thank you,

Kim Heuvelhorst

[Guest guest]

Don't me started on the insurance company - I have issues with them -

grrrrr........ - however it is double great that Sharon will be able to have

surgery

on 12/5/03 - Congratulations Sharon!!!

B in Santa

2/2002 - 343 highest

3/24/03 - 320 (Dr. K)

9/24/03 - 238 (-82)

> Wow, Sharon,

> HUGE CONGRATS!!!!!

> The wait and the fight will be worth it. Dontcha just love the way

> insurance co.s get to tell you what you need? Especially after a Dr.

> tells you what you need, then the insurance co comes in and says no,

> no, you need something else. Or we just arent going to pay, because

> it isnt necessary...Augh! dont get me started!

> Huge congrats to you for hanging in there tho-

> Sharon in Onyx

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/13/2004 3:30:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

From: angel_lts@...

Subject: Re: Stevia Safe Sweetener-Eye Exercises-Testosterone metaboli...

Thanks Mark for the info. I have been using flax oil and I also have

gone more than 3 month without a seizure. I am afraid of trying

herbal things because I may have a reaction and cause a seizure. It

seems I have strange reaction to things that the docs don't expect.

If it never happened before it will happen to me, always does. I

will check it out and I will keep it in mind for future use. Flax

oil has been doing very well. I am the best I ever have been in my

life because of it. But thanks again for the info. Congradulations

on the 8 months and I hope you have more seizure free months.

>>>>>

Please read the books\Epilepsy: a natural approach

Treating Epilepsy Naturally

The Epilepsy workbook

Your Miracle Brain

and also do some reading on Omega-3 fatty acids.

If you are having good resonse to flaxseed oil (which should never be taken

without being thoroughly mixed into yoghurt or cottage cheese) you might also

find fish oil and virgin coconut oil helpful.

And, you are wise to tread gently with new things without the guidance of a

nutritionist or Naturopathic physician or herbalist.

Glad you are doing so well

mjh

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/13/2004 3:30:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

Hi Carol,

One of the members of one of the lists I was on asked specifically for this

Natural Psoriasis post. I forgot which list serve it was, after I looked up

the

therapy therefore sent it to all the lists I am on, hoping to get it to the

person that wanted it. I regret the inconvenience, but as I said, that is why

we have a delete key. The reason I send these posts on more natural methods

of

fighting disease and preserving an environment conducive to acieving the

health we were all meant to enjoy is to spread this knowledge that mainstream

medical and media try to ignore.

arnold

>>>>> Arnold

Why don't you just send it to the person who asked for it directly instead of

to a multitude of lists?

mjh

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/13/2004 3:30:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

From: " Mike Mchugh " <mcpitza@...>

Subject: Neuran

Has anyone tried this product Neuran ?

http://www.souzaoenterprises.com/Neuran.html

I have tried Flaxseed Oil before for my son without any help but we used

capsules from the Vitamin Shoppe.

I'm getting the sense that fresh oil from seeds may be the way to go..however

the ingredients in this product intrigued me. What do y'all think?

M

>>>>> M

This is from the website on Neuran:

Product description

Product overview

Neuranâ„¢ is is a scientifically advanced neurological dietary supplement which

has been specifically designed to support nutritive and neurobiochemical

imbalances known to occur within the body's central nervous system (CNS).

Key ingredients in this dietary supplement are GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric

acid), DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine), Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential fatty acids.

Amount per serving%DV

Proprietary blend:615 mg*

Uncaria Rhynchophylla (Cat's Claw)

Magnesium aspartate

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

L-Taurine

Potassium citrate

Flax seed powder (Omega-3s and Omega-6s)

Rhizoma Gastrodiae

Bombyx Mori

Berberine alkaloid

Choline bitartrate

DMG (Dimethylglycine)

L-Glycine

L-Alanine

DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine)

Boron (Sodium borate)

Micro-nutritionals:

Cuprum metallicum

Cocculus indicus

Gelsemium sempervirens

Kali phosphoricum

Magnesium phosphoricum

Phosphorus

Silica

*Daily Value not established.

That's quite an interesting formulation...... of amino acids, herbs, minerals

and homeopathics.

Someone taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) should be aware that the extra GABA in

this products may cause a problem.

My son gets 1T flaxseed oil, 1T ground flaxseed mixed into yoghurt for

bioavailability three times a day now for over a year. It has helped him.

He also gets 9 grams of fish oil a day and about 3 T of virgin coconut oil a

day.

I feel these are really important brains fats....... as well as helping other

parts of the body like cardiac function and the immune system for starters.

Hope this helps

mjh

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/13/2004 3:30:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

From: mark hogue [mailto:markhogue2002@...]

Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 4:15 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Stevia Safe Sweetener-Eye

Exercises-Testosterone metaboli...

LISA, I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW,WHATEVER YOU TAKE DON'T LET DR.'S PUT YOU ON

KEPPRA OR ZONAGRAN, DR.'S PUT ME ON THOSE MEDICINES AND THEY INCREASED MY

SEIZURES MORE THAN 10,000% LAST YEAR FROM JANUARY -JUNE 11TH I HAD 700

SEIZURES. BEFORE I MIGHT HAVE MAYBE 2-6 A YEAR AND I'VE GONE 22 MONTHS

WITHOUT A SEIZURE THE LONGEST.LISA I WANT YOU TO KNOW GOD PUT HERBS ON THIS

EARTH TO HEAL SO TAKE ADVANTAGE AND WHEN I FEEL STRESSED I TAKE LAVENDER AND

VALERIAN THEY ARE GREAT FOR STRESS.LISA, IF YOU LIKE I SEND SCRIPTURES DAILY

I'LL ADD YOU IF YOU'D LIKE.I SEND OUT TO 173 PEOPLE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE

#174? I'M A VERY CARING PERSON AND I PRAY FOR PEOPLE IN THE GROUP I'LL PRAY

FOR YOU TOO!!!!!!!MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR

LIFE WITH LOVE,MARK

>>>>>> Mark and all

PLEASE understand that what works for one person may not work for another.

Yes, god put herbs on this earth to help people.... BUT they must be used

with knowledge as they are not all benign. Some are very potent healers and

must

be used with respect.

It is wonderful that you have found a way to live more comfortably in your

body and want to share your experience BUT that's really all you can do.

Telling someone to not take a drug that their doctor prescribes is a disservice

to

those you want to help.

MJH

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/8/2004 10:25:39 PM Central Daylight Time,

writes:

Hi Sherry,

> Now my question is why can't you go ahead and take a

> hot bath? It might be that you wrote this early in the day and you were

> thinking of your hot bath for the evening?

Yes, I did write this early in the morning. The written instructions

were to take sponge baths only but the doctor told me I could take a

shower. I took a shower but I wore an ear plug in my left ear.

> Another question I have is that I have read that most who just get a

> CI have

> to sleep in a recliner why is that?

As Alice said in her email to me: " It helps in many ways as it allows

time for your incision to heal and it keeps down the possibility of

dizziness and actually makes things a lot easier on you. "

Regards,

Sam

Sam,

Thank you for answering my questions. I appreciate your willingness to

answer. I understand now about the sleeping in the recliner. I am deaf in one

hear and I have a high powered aid in the my good ear. I have been deaf as far

back as I can remember but lost my good hearing ear in 1996.

I am scheduled to go see my ENT who does do CI's this next week. My husband

is finally ready to talk to him about doing something for the bad ear. I kind

of feel like my hearing in the good ear is going down or either its my

hearing aid messing up. I had to send it off a few months ago because it wasn't

working come to find out it had a wire loose. It really seems like it has never

worked properly since. I now have to leave the aid volume all the way up to

hear. I have been told that I couldn't get a CI in the deaf ear because as far

as I know I have never heard in that ear. But this really confuses me as I

thought that was the reason for a CI. I will let you all know if you are

interested what the doctors tell me next week.

Sherry

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/8/2004 10:25:39 PM Central Daylight Time,

writes:

Sherry,

Go to the following url:

http://www./group//photos

Regards,

Sam

Thank you yes this was posted in a few letters later after yours and the

pictures are a bit scary. What is the wire that is hanging down from most of

the

side of head?

Sherry

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry,

> Thank you yes this was posted in a few letters later after yours and the

> pictures are a bit scary. What is the wire that is hanging down from

> most of the

> side of head?

You're probably seeing the staples on my incision. I have five of them

which will be removed on the 18th.

Regards,

Sam

[Guest guest]

Sounds like some people on is actaully experts on the

cochlear implant than the professionals from Cochlear Corportation..

LoL.

> In a message dated 10/8/2004 10:25:39 PM Central Daylight Time,

> writes:

> Sherry,

>

> Go to the following url:

>

> http://www./group//photos

>

> Regards,

> Sam

> Thank you yes this was posted in a few letters later after yours

and the

> pictures are a bit scary. What is the wire that is hanging down

from most of the

> side of head?

> Sherry

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hola to all and wishing everyone a happy new year...

I joined this group recently while researching for my own situation...I am

writing from a remote area of Costa Rica, and while I have been dealing with

having scoliosis caused by multiple fractures in the spine when I was 13, I did

not realize until recently that there was a network or forums or any kind of

community of people who are experiencing to some degree or other what I am

experiencing.

A few months ago, I lifted a big pot of macaroni and fractured L1...a compound

fracture due to spinal stenosis, and the increase in my scoliosis

curvatures...my spinal chord is compromised in several areas, and though I have

constant pain, I thank God that I am still able to walk and to function,

although considerably less active than before. I also have fibromyalgia which I

am certain stems from multiple traumas to the spine.

I have been a massage therapist and natural healer for 23 years, but due to the

most recent injuries, have had to retire from hands'on work.

After the latest injury, I went to a neurosurgeon at a private hospital in the

city. He recommended spinal fusion. I searched for information on this

procedure, and found a neurosurgeon who works with the country´s socialized

medicine system. When I went to him to discuss surgery, after looking at my

xrays and MRI results, he told me that I was not a candidate for surgery, as the

scoliosis and stenosis is far too extensive and advanced from my neck to my

sacrum...and that the best thing for me now would be to see the specialist at

the Pain Management Clinic. I did this, and was given several options for pain

medication...including a very expensive morphine pump under the skin. I opted

for the Duragesic Patch, which is a time release opiate patch. It has some side

effects, including nausea and weakness, among others.

I am 45 years old. I am about 40 pounds overweight, because I am more or less

inactive...can only swim for exercise...and am in constant pain. With the

patch, I can do more than I used to, but because of the lessened pain, I tend to

overdo often, and end up back in the bed, not able to walk.

I never had surgery when I was younger, though I wore a Milwaukee Brace for 2

years. I always maintained with yoga, tai chi, massage and acupuncture until

about 10 years ago when I fell off a horse and broke my pelvis...and nothing has

been the same since...

So...I would like to connect with others who are in this same

situation...advanced scoliosis, spinal stenosis, pain management...share

experiences and ideas and helpful hints...

Peace to all...

tao

---------------------------------

for Good - Make a difference this year.

[Guest guest]

Regarding this quackwatch site that pooh-poohs EMDR for not having sound proof of efficacy, the good doctor there also pooh-poohs neurofeedback for the same reason yet professes that drug treatments are proven effective. Not to denigrate scientific research nor the effort to point out snake oil, but this doctor is clearly not open to what works unless it is proven to work in controlled studies. Jaffe, M.S. Message: 4 Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:43:13 -0500From: " " Subject: FW: interesting Amen criticism Re: FW: interesting Amen criticismJust remember: " No one kicks a dead dog" !!!JR wrote:st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } -----Original Message-----From: Flowers, Jill

[mailto:jill.flowers@...]Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 1:29 PMjccamp@...Subject: interesting Amen criticismSaturday, May 21, 2005Dr. Amen and SPECT The activities of Dr. Amen have raised the suspicions of some people, and - as usual - Dr. Harriet Hall has responded with some excellent comments. Her response comes after these introductory links and comments:His websiteshttp://www.amenclinic.com/ac/default.asphttp://www.brainplace.com/bp/default.aspHis SPECT brain imaginghttp://www.brainplace.com/ac/whyspect.aspThe American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that clinical use of neuron-imaging for psychiatric conditions be delayed until studies yield evidence in support of practical clinical applications.APA: Practice Guideline for the Psychiatric Evaluation of AdultsAAP: Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and

evaluation of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder._______________________________________________Response by Dr. Harriet Hall, MD:I had not previously heard of Dr. Amen, but I have just finished reviewing the websites, the video, and PubMed, and I am NOT impressed. SPECT is an experimental procedure that may eventually teach us a great deal about how the brain functions in health and disease, but it is premature to use it for diagnosis and for guidance of treatment. In my opinion, Dr. Amen's claims are unfounded and his approach unethical. SPECT is an invasive procedure requiring injection of a radioactive material, with additional radiation exposure from the scanner. The findings have not been validated as useful in diagnosis, and as far as I can see, all he is accomplishing is using a "picture" to help re-inforce what we already know - that the brain is the organ that determines behavior and psychology. He claims to be able to direct

therapy based on scan results, and there is no research to support that claim, only anecdotal evidence and testimonials. It is unconscionable to charge patients thousands ofdollars for an unproven technique and to give them the impression that it can accomplish more than it really can.Unanswered questions: do patients treated in his clinic do better than patients treated by a competent not-SPECT-using clinic? Are the SPECT findings consistent enough that blinded observers could agree on the diagnosis from the scan alone? Have different treatments actually been compared as to their effect on the scans? Is it possible that Dr. Amen's judgment has been affected by common psychological pitfalls such as confirmation bias? Why did he leap into clinical applications, writing for the public, appearing on TV and the lecture circuit with information that the rest of the medical profession considers preliminary? Why has he not published his findings in a reputable, peer-reviewed

journal? (A pubmed search for "Amen" and "SPECT" brought up only 7 items, all of which would be classified as preliminary studies and none of which supplies adequate evidence to support using SPECT scans as he is doing in his clinic.)I noticed two other things on his website that I found very worrisome: the reference to "soul" (a metaphysical rather than a scientific concept) and the use of EMDR as a therapeutic technique.For a critique of EMDR, see:http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/emdr.html.I would not personally submit to a SPECT scan in Dr. Amen's clinic even if it were free. In my opinion, with the present state of knowledge, the potential harm outweighs any potential benefit.Pictures of "your brain on drugs" may impress some people, but I am far more impressed by specific psychometric test results and clinical consequences than by nonspecific pictures of "holes" in the brain.Harriet Hall,

M.D.

Relax. virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses!

[Guest guest]

There was research that was done on life of early ancient tribes of man. The tribes that did the same thing over and over the same way or could not think for themselves, or get out of the box eventually perished. The tribe that could improvise, think to over come obstacles, look for new ways. Some of their decedents probably still survive today. They just stand a little straighter, less body hair etc. today. That was their efficacy. The brain developed more, it was exercised, and allowed to grow---ITABWODI---- (is there a better way of doing it)

Dudley Brown

On Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:53:54 -0800 (PST) Jaffe <chjaffe@...> writes:

Regarding this quackwatch site that pooh-poohs EMDR for not having sound proof of efficacy, the good doctor there also pooh-poohs neurofeedback for the same reason yet professes that drug treatments are proven effective. Not to denigrate scientific research nor the effort to point out snake oil, but this doctor is clearly not open to what works unless it is proven to work in controlled studies.

Jaffe, M.S.

Message: 4 Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:43:13 -0500From: " " Subject: FW: interesting Amen criticism Re: FW: interesting Amen criticismJust remember: " No one kicks a dead dog" !!!JR wrote:st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } -----Original Message-----From: Flowers, Jill [mailto:jill.flowers@...]Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 1:29 PMjccamp@...Subject: interesting Amen criticismSaturday, May 21, 2005Dr. Amen and SPECT The activities of Dr. Amen have raised the suspicions of some people, and - as usual - Dr. Harriet Hall has responded with some excellent comments. Her response comes after these introductory links and comments:His websiteshttp://www.amenclinic.com/ac/default.asphttp://www.brainplace.com/bp/default.aspHis SPECT brain imaginghttp://www.brainplace.com/ac/whyspect.aspThe American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that clinical use of neuron-imaging for psychiatric conditions be delayed until studies yield evidence in support of practical clinical applications.APA: Practice Guideline for the Psychiatric Evaluation of AdultsAAP: Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and evaluation of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder._______________________________________________Response by Dr. Harriet Hall, MD:I had not previously heard of Dr. Amen, but I have just finished reviewing the websites, the video, and PubMed, and I am NOT impressed. SPECT is an experimental procedure that may eventually teach us a great deal about how the brain functions in health and disease, but it is premature to use it for diagnosis and for guidance of treatment. In my opinion, Dr. Amen's claims are unfounded and his approach unethical. SPECT is an invasive procedure requiring injection of a radioactive material, with additional radiation exposure from the scanner. The findings have not been validated as useful in diagnosis, and as far as I can see, all he is accomplishing is using a "picture" to help re-inforce what we already know - that the brain is the organ that determines behavior and psychology. He claims to be able to direct therapy based on scan results, and there is no research to support that claim, only anecdotal evidence and testimonials. It is unconscionable to charge patients thousands ofdollars for an unproven technique and to give them the impression that it can accomplish more than it really can.Unanswered questions: do patients treated in his clinic do better than patients treated by a competent not-SPECT-using clinic? Are the SPECT findings consistent enough that blinded observers could agree on the diagnosis from the scan alone? Have different treatments actually been compared as to their effect on the scans? Is it possible that Dr. Amen's judgment has been affected by common psychological pitfalls such as confirmation bias? Why did he leap into clinical applications, writing for the public, appearing on TV and the lecture circuit with information that the rest of the medical profession considers preliminary? Why has he not published his findings in a reputable, peer-reviewed journal? (A pubmed search for "Amen" and "SPECT" brought up only 7 items, all of which would be classified as preliminary studies and none of which supplies adequate evidence to support using SPECT scans as he is doing in his clinic.)I noticed two other things on his website that I found very worrisome: the reference to "soul" (a metaphysical rather than a scientific concept) and the use of EMDR as a therapeutic technique.For a critique of EMDR, see:http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/emdr.html.I would not personally submit to a SPECT scan in Dr. Amen's clinic even if it were free. In my opinion, with the present state of knowledge, the potential harm outweighs any potential benefit.Pictures of "your brain on drugs" may impress some people, but I am far more impressed by specific psychometric test results and clinical consequences than by nonspecific pictures of "holes" in the brain.Harriet Hall, M.D.

Relax. virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses!

[Guest guest]

Funny, I personally know of numerous examples where drugs didn't work - infact, most often that's a reason for trying neurofeedback. This never slows doctors down from choosing drugs as the first resort no matter the client's temperment or financial resources. I think clients should be presented with enough information to make an informed decision, without the Doctor's judgments. I have no problem if he states his opinion as long as the client feels the Doctor wouldn't be abandoning them should they choose to disagree. But as a midwife told me - "Its probably better you don't tell them" since to do so only muddies the waters and increases the chances of prejudiced treatment. Or find a Doctor who can handle it. Jaffe <chjaffe@...> wrote: Regarding this

quackwatch site that pooh-poohs EMDR for not having sound proof of efficacy, the good doctor there also pooh-poohs neurofeedback for the same reason yet professes that drug treatments are proven effective. Not to denigrate scientific research nor the effort to point out snake oil, but this doctor is clearly not open to what works unless it is proven to work in controlled studies. Jaffe, M.S. Message: 4 Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:43:13 -0500From: " " Subject: FW: interesting Amen criticism Re: FW: interesting Amen criticismJust remember: " No one kicks a dead dog" !!!JR wrote:st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } -----Original Message-----From: Flowers, Jill

[mailto:jill.flowers@...]Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 1:29 PMjccamp@...Subject: interesting Amen criticismSaturday, May 21, 2005Dr. Amen and SPECT The activities of Dr. Amen have raised the suspicions of some people, and - as usual - Dr. Harriet Hall has responded with some excellent comments. Her response comes after these introductory links and comments:His websiteshttp://www.amenclinic.com/ac/default.asphttp://www.brainplace.com/bp/default.aspHis SPECT brain imaginghttp://www.brainplace.com/ac/whyspect.aspThe American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that clinical use of neuron-imaging for psychiatric conditions be delayed until studies yield evidence in support of practical clinical applications.APA: Practice Guideline for the Psychiatric Evaluation of AdultsAAP: Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and

evaluation of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder._______________________________________________Response by Dr. Harriet Hall, MD:I had not previously heard of Dr. Amen, but I have just finished reviewing the websites, the video, and PubMed, and I am NOT impressed. SPECT is an experimental procedure that may eventually teach us a great deal about how the brain functions in health and disease, but it is premature to use it for diagnosis and for guidance of treatment. In my opinion, Dr. Amen's claims are unfounded and his approach unethical. SPECT is an invasive procedure requiring injection of a radioactive material, with additional radiation exposure from the scanner. The findings have not been validated as useful in diagnosis, and as far as I can see, all he is accomplishing is using a "picture" to help re-inforce what we already know - that the brain is the organ that determines behavior and psychology. He claims to be able to direct

therapy based on scan results, and there is no research to support that claim, only anecdotal evidence and testimonials. It is unconscionable to charge patients thousands ofdollars for an unproven technique and to give them the impression that it can accomplish more than it really can.Unanswered questions: do patients treated in his clinic do better than patients treated by a competent not-SPECT-using clinic? Are the SPECT findings consistent enough that blinded observers could agree on the diagnosis from the scan alone? Have different treatments actually been compared as to their effect on the scans? Is it possible that Dr. Amen's judgment has been affected by common psychological pitfalls such as confirmation bias? Why did he leap into clinical applications, writing for the public, appearing on TV and the lecture circuit with information that the rest of the medical profession considers preliminary? Why has he not published his findings in a reputable, peer-reviewed

journal? (A pubmed search for "Amen" and "SPECT" brought up only 7 items, all of which would be classified as preliminary studies and none of which supplies adequate evidence to support using SPECT scans as he is doing in his clinic.)I noticed two other things on his website that I found very worrisome: the reference to "soul" (a metaphysical rather than a scientific concept) and the use of EMDR as a therapeutic technique.For a critique of EMDR, see:http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/emdr.html.I would not personally submit to a SPECT scan in Dr. Amen's clinic even if it were free. In my opinion, with the present state of knowledge, the potential harm outweighs any potential benefit.Pictures of "your brain on drugs" may impress some people, but I am far more impressed by specific psychometric test results and clinical consequences than by nonspecific pictures of "holes" in the brain.Harriet Hall,

M.D. Relax. virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses! Deb Lefort MFTSomatic PsychotherapistLivermore, Ca. 925 243 9990dlefort@...