RE: Dr. Phil - Parenting with Pills

[Guest guest]

Hi Joni,

I couldn't agree with you more. I read something in our local paper this

morning about alternatives to antidepressants. (Now that the suicide thing is

back on the front pages, everyone is looking for a more " natural "

alternative). The doctor being interviewed suggested using 5 HTP and B-vitamins,

or St.

's Wort or SAMe, etc. All of these do work, and I'm certainly not opposed to

them, but if they are affecting the level of available serotonin in the brain

they are also DRUGS and they are doing the same thing as antidepressants -

but not in a dose-consistent, scientifically tested way. I realize that we are

essentially doing a mass experiment on our children by raising them with

antidepressants in their systems, but it's just as experimental when you use

drugs

that you buy at GMC which are labeled " all-natural " , but have no quality

control and are not scientifically tested at all. I wonder if Dr. Phil has read

" The

Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing " , which is a nice description of life before

the new antidepressants were developed. The good ol' days weren't all that good

for some people!

I saw a piece of that Dr. Phil in a hotel room while out of town last

week (I'm guessing it was the same one). He was showing kids whose I.Q. had been

raised 24 points in a month simply by doing breathing exercises and eating

more protein. He kept saying that these kids didn't need ADHD meds at all - just

a better diet and more structure in their lives. I'm sure they did do better

with more structure and a better diet (we all would benefit!), but that's

obviously not the whole picture.

What drives me crazy is that many of the nations top scientists have been

studying these conditions for decades (or more, in the case of ADHD), and if

it were so easy to cure, I think they would have found something more

challenging to work on. And no, I don't believe they are motivated simply by the

profits from pharmaceutical companies either.

On the other hand, in my work with abused and neglected children I see

lots of kids who get labeled as ADHD who probably would have been just fine if

they had had a normal early childhood. In their cases, a better diet, some

parental involvement and some stability might have made all the difference in

the

world. But my daughter had two devoted full-time parents, no television, a

very carefully planned diet, and all the careful parenting that the world had to

offer and she still has pretty severe ADHD, OCD, TS and depression. Tell Dr.

Phil I'm waiting for him to come over here and fix her!

Sorry that I just got off an a rant also. This whole topic drives me

crazy.

[Guest guest]

---

I just read your post and I'm so glad I did not see Dr. Phil and all

of his trash! Just reading your post makes me fume! I'll also look

for his website and reply. Thanks for caring.

In , " Joni " <CreativeDreamR@a...>

wrote:

> ::: groan :::

>

> I just caught the Dr. Phil show today (a rare occurence for me).

Ugh!

> Just when we make some headway with ADHD and OCD being

> biological/medical problems that can be helped with medications,

here

> comes good ol' boy Dr. Phil saying these conditions can be conquered

> with Good Parenting. He said " pills are not the answer, we are

> over-medicating kids today at alarming rates, yada yada yada... "

> (you've heard it all before)

>

> http://www.drphil.com

> (click on Parenting with Pills)

>

> I'd like Dr. Phil come to my house and tell me that I need to change

> my *parenting skills* to get my youngest son to stop fearing germs,

> ticcing, making grunting noises in some ritualistic way WHILE NOONE

IS

> LOOKING, etc!!! His condition is NOT about parenting. Anyone with

> half of a brain could see that.

>

> Yet, Dr. Phil went on and on with these parents, correcting their

> technique with their ADHD hyperactive kids, telling them to get

tough

> with their kids, set limits and boundaries - all very GOOD advise!

> However, on a scale of 1 to 10, improving parenting skills for a

child

> with a *severe* or moderately bad case of XYZ disorder is only going

> to help on a scale of 2 or a 3! It *will* help, and so will

changing

> their diet. But, in severe cases, medication (and CBT/ERP) is the

> only answer! Yet, that wasn't even mentioned.

>

> And, if parenting skills are the *reason* for these conditions, then

> why is my 21 year old son still ADHDing? He will be the FIRST one

to

> tell you (if I could get him to sit still long enough to type on the

> computer) that he's got something wrong with his brain and he now

> admits that he NEEDS medication (he loves his adderall). He says

that

> his thoughts RACE and he can't control it - and there's not a day

that

> goes by when he has a " clear and peaceful head. " He tells me that

he

> is THINKING 24/7 - night and day!!! Now that's not something that

> PARENTING has done to him. That's chemical and biological.

>

> Ugh.

>

> Anyway, I say we should all write Dr. Phil, invite him to this group

> and tell us to our faces that we need to improve on our parenting

> skills. What a load of crap! I bet 99% of us would give our right

> arm to make our kids OCD go away and we'd be willing to try

ANYTHING.

> And, most of us HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING *before* resorting to meds.

I

> bet most of us AGONIZED over the med decision!!! Yet his message

was

> clear and firm: We Are Over-Medicating American Kids and they will

> grow up to look for quick fixes in a pill and thus, run the risk of

> becoming drug addicts. Ahem! Actually Dr. Phil - the OPPOSITE is

> true. Both of my sons run the risk of self-medicating and becoming

> drug addicts/alcoholics if they DONT take medication.

>

> Sorry for the rant. I just had to vent today to *someone* after

> seeing Dr. Phil's idiotic show that does more harm than good.

> Joni

> P.S. There might be a place on his web site to give feedback about

> this show. I'll be looking for that later today:

> http://www.drphil.com

> (click on Parenting with Pills)

[Guest guest]

I just went to the site and read over some of the messages, too many of them at

this time, which I think is a good thing. Wonder if he reads them or not.

Anyway I clicked on to see more about his show and he tapes really close to

where I live. It is at paramount studios in Hollywood. But the site does not

state the time they tape. I might call the number and see, would be interesting

to be a studio audience member.

Bonnie

===============

Joni wrote:

::: groan :::

I just caught the Dr. Phil show today (a rare occurence for me).

[Guest guest]

I went to Dr. Phil's website, and read the entire Parenting by Pills

thingie, and here's what I came away with.

Dr. Phil feels that ADD/ADHD is a real disorder. He feels that it is

neurological, showing on brain scans. He feels that TRUE ADD/ADHD can

benefit from medication AND behavioral therapy.

It seems that Dr. Phil believes, however, that far more children are being

diagnosed with ADD/ADHD than actually have this disorder....that behavioral

problems are being drugged. I do think at times, between schools, dr's,

etc., that this DOES happen. His behavioral/diet advice is good for any

child with any behavior problem....but sometimes, when a child truly has

ADD/ADHD, more is needed. I didn't get the feeling that Dr. Phil was

totally against medication. I think he is against the quick labeling that

gets done with children and the sometimes cavalier way teachers and doctors

suggest meds. I think I agree with that. I know that boys tend to come

away with requests for meds far more than girls do in school because boys

tend to be more active naturally....yet,one of the reasons I homeschool is

because I have an extremely active, curious, active, intelligent, active,

loves to learn (did I say active yet?) daughter who I KNOW would cause

SOMEONE to insist she is add. She isn't....she's just very......active!

I went a step further and looked up OCD in his search on his website. He

correctly defines OCD, he correctly states that cognitive behavioral therapy

with ERP ALONG WITH medication is the way to treat this, and he refers

people to ocd foundation.

I think that ADD/ADHD is a real hot button....and he pushed it. I think he

tends to be blunt and tactless, and he almost demands defensiveness for

those of us who have our children on meds. But if you really examine what

he says, (at least on the website, I didn't see the show) he isn't saying

ALL children on meds have parents that don't care or who parent badly. He

is saying that a good many parents have children, ADD or not, that have

behavioral problems that could be minimized with consistent discipline and a

diet that is free of processed stuff. I think that part is true.....but I

also think that for those of us who have children with a myriad of issues,

or with TRUE ADD...its simply not enough.....the meds are needed. I think

that Dr. Phil would agree with that.

Beyond that, it's an hour long show and he can only deal in generalities.

He takes the worst of the worst in these cases that will back up his point.

He is the reason why the saying that opinions are like belly

buttons.....everyone has one....was invented! LOL!

Anyway, thats just my thoughts. Hopefully none were offensive.

Blessings,

Tammy

---

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[Guest guest]

I just applied to be on his show.

https://www.drphil.com/drphilplugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond & \

plugId=D128800001

LA ONLY: In Your 40's And Want a Makeover?

Do you feel sluggish, stressed out, sleepless and old? Older than you want to

feel at forty-something?

Do you want to look younger and feel more youthful. Do you want to learn the

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Please submit your story and tell us why you think you deserve an anti-aging

makeover. Thanks!

=========

I wrote that I turn 45 in April and am stressed out with my eczema and have

hands that look like a mechanics and not a females. I mentioned I am the single

parent to two boys with autism. Did not mention that one is on meds and also

ADHD or the other is OCD.

It would be neat to get picked for a makeover and learn about anti aging.

Will update if I get a phone call to pursue further.

Bonnie

==========

[Guest guest]

I just applied to be on his show.

https://www.drphil.com/drphilplugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond & \

plugId=D128800001

LA ONLY: In Your 40's And Want a Makeover?

Do you feel sluggish, stressed out, sleepless and old? Older than you want to

feel at forty-something?

Do you want to look younger and feel more youthful. Do you want to learn the

newest techiques to fight aging?

Please submit your story and tell us why you think you deserve an anti-aging

makeover. Thanks!

=========

I wrote that I turn 45 in April and am stressed out with my eczema and have

hands that look like a mechanics and not a females. I mentioned I am the single

parent to two boys with autism. Did not mention that one is on meds and also

ADHD or the other is OCD.

It would be neat to get picked for a makeover and learn about anti aging.

Will update if I get a phone call to pursue further.

Bonnie

==========

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

I don't have the time right now to go into all the reasons why Dr.

Phil's advise does more harm than good. Earlier today I had just

finished *watching* his show - and I can assure you, the show was

extremely anti-medication, pro " Good Parenting Skills. " He even ended

the show by saying " Good Parenting is the answer, not medication. "

(or something similar to that).

The reason why I was fuming about this is that so many people *watch*

the Dr. Phony Phil show (and don't READ the web site) and we'll be

hearing this parenting crap again - from friends to parents to

you-name-it! And, just when we were making some PROGRESS with

educating the public - here he goes telling an enormous amoutn of

people that's it's parenting skills - not a disorder.

The entire show was about that, including his " prime time " special

last week in which he made $millions$ and influenced even more people

that Parenting was the problem with that boy that had 9 of the 14

signs of a serial killer!! (scare tactics to boost ratings if you ask

me!) If you had watched THAT show, it wouldn't take a PHD to figure

out that the kid in question had bipolar or some other condition in

which he wasn't being treated for. Yet, it was alllll about Bad

Parenting.... and diet and breathing techniques. Yeah, right! How

many of you can get your child's ADHD or OCD under control with

breathing exercises?!!?

And, I have several friends in the mental health community (some as

therapists) and they all agree that Dr. Phil's show misleads the

general public. Of course he's going to be anti-medication. He's a

therapist who thinks he's God and can cure ALL things via The Dr. Phil

Magic Wand of Good Parenting.

If it were THAT simple, none of us would be here in this group!

Joni

P.S. - I totally agreed with your assessment of Dr. Phil.

Unfortunately, I'm out of time to write more! *ack*

--- Tammy wrote:

> I went to Dr. Phil's website, and read the entire Parenting by Pills

> thingie, and here's what I came away with.

>

> Dr. Phil feels that ADD/ADHD is a real disorder. He feels that it is

> neurological, showing on brain scans. He feels that TRUE ADD/ADHD can

> benefit from medication AND behavioral therapy.

>

> It seems that Dr. Phil believes, however, that far more children are

being

> diagnosed with ADD/ADHD than actually have this disorder....that

behavioral

> problems are being drugged. I do think at times, between schools, dr's,

> etc., that this DOES happen. His behavioral/diet advice is good for any

> child with any behavior problem....but sometimes, when a child truly has

> ADD/ADHD, more is needed. I didn't get the feeling that Dr. Phil was

> totally against medication. I think he is against the quick

labeling that

> gets done with children and the sometimes cavalier way teachers and

doctors

> suggest meds. I think I agree with that. I know that boys tend

to come

> away with requests for meds far more than girls do in school because

boys

> tend to be more active naturally....yet,one of the reasons I

homeschool is

> because I have an extremely active, curious, active, intelligent,

active,

> loves to learn (did I say active yet?) daughter who I KNOW would cause

> SOMEONE to insist she is add. She isn't....she's just very......active!

>

> I went a step further and looked up OCD in his search on his

website. He

> correctly defines OCD, he correctly states that cognitive behavioral

therapy

> with ERP ALONG WITH medication is the way to treat this, and he refers

> people to ocd foundation.

>

> I think that ADD/ADHD is a real hot button....and he pushed it. I

think he

> tends to be blunt and tactless, and he almost demands defensiveness for

> those of us who have our children on meds. But if you really

examine what

> he says, (at least on the website, I didn't see the show) he isn't

saying

> ALL children on meds have parents that don't care or who parent

badly. He

> is saying that a good many parents have children, ADD or not, that have

> behavioral problems that could be minimized with consistent

discipline and a

> diet that is free of processed stuff. I think that part is

true.....but I

> also think that for those of us who have children with a myriad of

issues,

> or with TRUE ADD...its simply not enough.....the meds are needed. I

think

> that Dr. Phil would agree with that.

>

> Beyond that, it's an hour long show and he can only deal in

generalities.

> He takes the worst of the worst in these cases that will back up his

point.

> He is the reason why the saying that opinions are like belly

> buttons.....everyone has one....was invented! LOL!

>

> Anyway, thats just my thoughts. Hopefully none were offensive.

>

> Blessings,

> Tammy

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.766 / Virus Database: 513 - Release Date: 09/17/2004

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

I'm impressed that you went to Dr. Phil's website and read and analyzed

it carefully, and then did a really great job summarizing it for the rest of

us. I think you're right that his website more or less does a good job of

defining the ADHD issue for us. My complaint, though, is with his show, which

uses

scare tactics and simplistic solutions to complex problems to get more viewers.

I certainly agree that a lot of children (especially boys) are medicated

unnecessarily, but experts on ADHD agree that there are probably many, many more

children who should be on medication and aren't, than the other way around. And

that is probably in part because of shows like this one, that perpetuate the

idea that good enough parents don't have kids on medication. I think he is

carrying on the tradition of discriminating against mental / neurological

disorders. Kids with asthma take medication, even though many, many of them

wouldn't

need it so much if they lost weight, exercised more and spent more time

outdoors. But no one blames parents for the increase in asthma in children, or

says

that they are unnecessarily medicated. We as a society are just so squeamish

about the brain.

I wish there were a test that would rule ADHD in or out so we wouldn't

have to go through this. And I wish there were more parents that took more time

with their children, and fewer kids raising themselves on t.v. and fast food.

But I also wish that the media wouldn't keep labeling psychiatric medications

as a " easy solution " because it discourages parents from trying something that

might make a big difference in their kids' lives.

Best wishes,

p.s. And I promise I won't get back up on my soap box now for a while!

[Guest guest]

True confessions: I couldn't even control labor pains with breathing!

Let alone my son's OCD! (I have never seen Dr. Phil nor read any of his

stuff. Sounds like a quack to me!)

Kim in IA

>

[Guest guest]

True confessions: I couldn't even control labor pains with breathing!

Let alone my son's OCD! (I have never seen Dr. Phil nor read any of his

stuff. Sounds like a quack to me!)

Kim in IA

>

[Guest guest]

Bonnie

I live close to where they tape too. I've actually been to several of the

soundstages at Paramount many times for different shows my daughter has taped

there. (Frasier, Sebrina the teenage witch, Star Trek, etc...) So I'm pretty

famililar with the whole lot. Right now in another Yahoo group I belong

to....Valley Moms....we are discussing about going to a taping. The audience

coodinator of the Dr. Phil Show has contacted our group about going. They tape 2

shows a day on Tues, Wed, Thurs. Show A is taped between 7:30am and 12:00pm and

show B is between 10:30am and 3:00pm. The second show's time depends on how

long the first show takes....that's why they want you there by 10:30. If y

ou're interested, let me know. Maybe we can meet up!

/Los Angeles

[Guest guest]

Beautifully said, . I wish *I* had said it so eloquently!

I was rushing through my post to Tammy last night and I failed to

thank her for the good job she did with presenting a fair and balanced

view of Dr. Phil. (thanks Tammy) His *show* leaves a lot to be

questioned though!

And, I'm already feeling the effects of both of his shows about

Parenting vs. Medication. He reaches such a vast audience that

suddenly, people who I finally got to *believe* me that my sons have

medical conditions are now questioning my judgment and taking good ol'

Dr. Phil's word for it, that it's my Parenting skills and not a

disorder. Ugh. Luckily, my middle son is old enough to speak for

himself now and he will fire back at these people and tell them

straight up: " If I didn't take Adderall, I'd probably be unemployed

and smoking pot to calm down! "

Anyway - I'm out of time again ... and I too promise not to rant about

Dr. Phil anymore! Thank you both (and to all of you) for such

excellent replies.

Joni

P.S. If anyone here has a son or daughter interested in football

players, here's something my son found for his little brother(with

OCD) about Randy Moss' fear of germs! Kids might get a " kick " out of

this because even great football players like Randy Moss can have OCD

- and yet, still live great lives!

http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/magazine/story?id=1890596

--- wrote:

> Hi Tammy,

> I'm impressed that you went to Dr. Phil's website and read and

analyzed

> it carefully, and then did a really great job summarizing it for the

rest of

> us. I think you're right that his website more or less does a good

job of

> defining the ADHD issue for us. My complaint, though, is with his

show, which uses

> scare tactics and simplistic solutions to complex problems to get

more viewers.

> I certainly agree that a lot of children (especially boys) are

medicated

> unnecessarily, but experts on ADHD agree that there are probably

many, many more

> children who should be on medication and aren't, than the other way

around. And

> that is probably in part because of shows like this one, that

perpetuate the

> idea that good enough parents don't have kids on medication. I think

he is

> carrying on the tradition of discriminating against mental /

neurological

> disorders. Kids with asthma take medication, even though many, many

of them wouldn't

> need it so much if they lost weight, exercised more and spent more time

> outdoors. But no one blames parents for the increase in asthma in

children, or says

> that they are unnecessarily medicated. We as a society are just so

squeamish

> about the brain.

> I wish there were a test that would rule ADHD in or out so we

wouldn't

> have to go through this. And I wish there were more parents that

took more time

> with their children, and fewer kids raising themselves on t.v. and

fast food.

> But I also wish that the media wouldn't keep labeling psychiatric

medications

> as a " easy solution " because it discourages parents from trying

something that

> might make a big difference in their kids' lives.

> Best wishes,

>

> p.s. And I promise I won't get back up on my soap box now for a while!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Beautifully said, . I wish *I* had said it so eloquently!

I was rushing through my post to Tammy last night and I failed to

thank her for the good job she did with presenting a fair and balanced

view of Dr. Phil. (thanks Tammy) His *show* leaves a lot to be

questioned though!

And, I'm already feeling the effects of both of his shows about

Parenting vs. Medication. He reaches such a vast audience that

suddenly, people who I finally got to *believe* me that my sons have

medical conditions are now questioning my judgment and taking good ol'

Dr. Phil's word for it, that it's my Parenting skills and not a

disorder. Ugh. Luckily, my middle son is old enough to speak for

himself now and he will fire back at these people and tell them

straight up: " If I didn't take Adderall, I'd probably be unemployed

and smoking pot to calm down! "

Anyway - I'm out of time again ... and I too promise not to rant about

Dr. Phil anymore! Thank you both (and to all of you) for such

excellent replies.

Joni

P.S. If anyone here has a son or daughter interested in football

players, here's something my son found for his little brother(with

OCD) about Randy Moss' fear of germs! Kids might get a " kick " out of

this because even great football players like Randy Moss can have OCD

- and yet, still live great lives!

http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/magazine/story?id=1890596

--- wrote:

> Hi Tammy,

> I'm impressed that you went to Dr. Phil's website and read and

analyzed

> it carefully, and then did a really great job summarizing it for the

rest of

> us. I think you're right that his website more or less does a good

job of

> defining the ADHD issue for us. My complaint, though, is with his

show, which uses

> scare tactics and simplistic solutions to complex problems to get

more viewers.

> I certainly agree that a lot of children (especially boys) are

medicated

> unnecessarily, but experts on ADHD agree that there are probably

many, many more

> children who should be on medication and aren't, than the other way

around. And

> that is probably in part because of shows like this one, that

perpetuate the

> idea that good enough parents don't have kids on medication. I think

he is

> carrying on the tradition of discriminating against mental /

neurological

> disorders. Kids with asthma take medication, even though many, many

of them wouldn't

> need it so much if they lost weight, exercised more and spent more time

> outdoors. But no one blames parents for the increase in asthma in

children, or says

> that they are unnecessarily medicated. We as a society are just so

squeamish

> about the brain.

> I wish there were a test that would rule ADHD in or out so we

wouldn't

> have to go through this. And I wish there were more parents that

took more time

> with their children, and fewer kids raising themselves on t.v. and

fast food.

> But I also wish that the media wouldn't keep labeling psychiatric

medications

> as a " easy solution " because it discourages parents from trying

something that

> might make a big difference in their kids' lives.

> Best wishes,

>

> p.s. And I promise I won't get back up on my soap box now for a while!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

The same as you, I went and read the website. I agree. He is tactless and

blunt but he does make some very good points. My only complaint is that he is

pushing some alternative therapies (and brain scans) that have actually not be

conclusively proven as if they were.

If biofeedback would cure my son, I would be all over it. I have also tried the

healthy diet and if anything, he was worse. Maybe too much good food gave him

too much energy.

R.

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

Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

The same as you, I went and read the website. I agree. He is tactless and

blunt but he does make some very good points. My only complaint is that he is

pushing some alternative therapies (and brain scans) that have actually not be

conclusively proven as if they were.

If biofeedback would cure my son, I would be all over it. I have also tried the

healthy diet and if anything, he was worse. Maybe too much good food gave him

too much energy.

R.

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

Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I saw this and thought it might be of interest to the group.

in MA

September 30, 2004

NAMI BLASTS CBS FOR TELEVISION MALPRACTICE

" Dr. Phil Primetime Special " Insensitive, Irresponsible; May Put

Children's Lives At Risk

Arlington, VA—NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) today

charged CBS Television with gross irresponsibility and potential

endangerment of the lives of children with mental illness as a result

of its September 22 broadcast of the Dr. Phil Primetime Special:

Family First.

" Not only did the show represent a breach of professional ethics, but

also, in the opinion of many, malpractice, " declared NAMI executive

director J. Fitzpatrick, in a letter to CBS Chairman & CEO

Moonves, co-signed by Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, MD, a child

psychiatrist who chairs the Child & Adolescent Policy Subcommittee of

NAMI's national board.

In the September 22 program, parents essentially were blamed

for " what may very well be the severe mental illness of their child. "

Dr. Phil's conduct " is serious enough to warrant investigation by a

relevant board of licensure. To the degree that he seemed to offer a

definitive diagnosis, including a pharmacological assessment, without

careful evaluation or referral, he may also be subject to legal

sanctions for practicing medicine without a license, " the letter

noted.

" The show was especially troubling because the child's behavior may

have suggested symptoms of bipolar disorder, requiring treatment

vastly different from a father being admonished to spend more time

with his son to `go fishing.'

" Blaming the family undermines all recent understanding of the

biological basis of brain disorders and is not only insensitive, but

also hinders a family or individual from seeking comprehensive

treatment…Indeed the impact may have put children's lives now at

risk. The show's approach was completely contrary to the

recommendations of the U.S. Surgeon General, and more recently,

President Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health…in

addressing the needs of children with severe mental illnesses—

including very real risks of suicide. "

NAMI also responded to a Newsweek (October 4) article in which a CBS

spokesperson was cited as saying the network was " unaware " of

negative reaction to the show, and that Moonves had complained that

interest groups protest before even seeing supposedly offensive

programming, using the Internet to " magnify and trumpet " concerns. In

this case, NAMI said, the mental health community " carefully

considered the content of the show before registering any complaint,

and the party that has grossly `magnified' irresponsible behavior is

CBS, through the power it projects over the airwaves. "

> ::: groan :::

>

> I just caught the Dr. Phil show today (a rare occurence for me).

Ugh!

> Just when we make some headway with ADHD and OCD being

> biological/medical problems that can be helped with medications,

here

> comes good ol' boy Dr. Phil saying these conditions can be conquered

> with Good Parenting. He said " pills are not the answer, we are

> over-medicating kids today at alarming rates, yada yada yada... "

> (you've heard it all before)

>

> http://www.drphil.com

> (click on Parenting with Pills)

[Guest guest]

Wow! I need to become a therapist! I said that boy seemed

bipolar to me!

This is great stuff, ! Thanks for sending it. And, thanks to

Bonnie to for the post that she sent blasting *both* of Dr. Phil's

shows!

I plan to send both of these posts to all of my friends so that they

can read for themselves what and I were talking about with

regards to Dr. Phil's shows. I'm still fuming about both of the

programs, which left me feeling that we just went backwards from the

year 2004 back to 1970!! In addition, how many people have the time

these days to actually *read* his website. Also, he *is* being very

irresponsible not to emphasise medical treatment rather than parenting

skills. If he wanted to do a show about parenting - pick kids with

mild behavior problems that ALL kids go through, like yelling at their

parents, homework problems, dealing with bullies, the teen years, etc!

DONT PICK KIDS WHO ARE OBVIOUSLY DEALING WITH A DISORDER - as both of

the shows did (his prime time special AND Parenting with Pills). In

both shows, the kids in question had ADHD, ADD, or possibly bipolar!!!

Now, I don't know about you, but I *agonized* over the decision to put

both my sons on medication. Most parents don't take that decision

lightly. Yet, due to a few bad apples, so many people label US as

" pill poppers " and " quick fix parents! "

Right.

When you take your child to the doctor every 30 days to get a

prescription refilled, this is not a " quick fix. " It's a pain in the

*ss! Then, taking your child to a therapist to eliminate other

problems, is not a quick fix! It's more time, money and hard work!!

If we were seriously looking for a 'quick fix,' we'd simply turn on

the TV and follow Dr. Phil's advise!!! *presto* No more OCD! (yeah,

righttt!)

Anyway - all sarcasm aside, thanks for sending this (and you too,

Bonnie). As you can see, I'm still very disturbed by what Dr. Phil

told kazillions of people in TWO shows over the last two weeks.

Joni

> > ::: groan :::

> >

> > I just caught the Dr. Phil show today (a rare occurence for me).

> Ugh!

> > Just when we make some headway with ADHD and OCD being

> > biological/medical problems that can be helped with medications,

> here

> > comes good ol' boy Dr. Phil saying these conditions can be conquered

> > with Good Parenting. He said " pills are not the answer, we are

> > over-medicating kids today at alarming rates, yada yada yada... "

> > (you've heard it all before)

> >

> > http://www.drphil.com

> > (click on Parenting with Pills)

[Guest guest]

A story based on the NAMI release appeared in my newspaper today, I believe

it has gone national. Perhaps any damage can be undone or contained, or at

least the message that there is a valid and well-supported opposing view

will get out. Good for NAMI to suggest that he is practicing without a

license.

I have little time or patience for the Dr. Phils, Dr. s and media

personalities generally, and remain surprised that so many folks take them

seriously. If I wanted major life issues resolved, while being entertained,

in an hour minus commercial time, I would watch a rerun of " Little House on

the Prairie " .

Bleh on Dr. Phil...

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

Hi all,

I saw this and thought it might be of interest to the group.

in MA

September 30, 2004

NAMI BLASTS CBS FOR TELEVISION MALPRACTICE

" Dr. Phil Primetime Special " Insensitive, Irresponsible; May Put

Children's Lives At Risk

Arlington, VA-NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) today

charged CBS Television with gross irresponsibility and potential

endangerment of the lives of children with mental illness as a result

of its September 22 broadcast of the Dr. Phil Primetime Special:

Family First.

" Not only did the show represent a breach of professional ethics, but

also, in the opinion of many, malpractice, " declared NAMI executive

director J. Fitzpatrick, in a letter to CBS Chairman & CEO

Moonves, co-signed by Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, MD, a child

psychiatrist who chairs the Child & Adolescent Policy Subcommittee of

NAMI's national board.

In the September 22 program, parents essentially were blamed

for " what may very well be the severe mental illness of their child. "

Dr. Phil's conduct " is serious enough to warrant investigation by a

relevant board of licensure. To the degree that he seemed to offer a

definitive diagnosis, including a pharmacological assessment, without

careful evaluation or referral, he may also be subject to legal

sanctions for practicing medicine without a license, " the letter

noted.

" The show was especially troubling because the child's behavior may

have suggested symptoms of bipolar disorder, requiring treatment

vastly different from a father being admonished to spend more time

with his son to `go fishing.'

" Blaming the family undermines all recent understanding of the

biological basis of brain disorders and is not only insensitive, but

also hinders a family or individual from seeking comprehensive

treatment.Indeed the impact may have put children's lives now at

risk. The show's approach was completely contrary to the

recommendations of the U.S. Surgeon General, and more recently,

President Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.in

addressing the needs of children with severe mental illnesses-

including very real risks of suicide. "

NAMI also responded to a Newsweek (October 4) article in which a CBS

spokesperson was cited as saying the network was " unaware " of

negative reaction to the show, and that Moonves had complained that

interest groups protest before even seeing supposedly offensive

programming, using the Internet to " magnify and trumpet " concerns. In

this case, NAMI said, the mental health community " carefully

considered the content of the show before registering any complaint,

and the party that has grossly `magnified' irresponsible behavior is

CBS, through the power it projects over the airwaves. "

[Guest guest]

A story based on the NAMI release appeared in my newspaper today, I believe

it has gone national. Perhaps any damage can be undone or contained, or at

least the message that there is a valid and well-supported opposing view

will get out. Good for NAMI to suggest that he is practicing without a

license.

I have little time or patience for the Dr. Phils, Dr. s and media

personalities generally, and remain surprised that so many folks take them

seriously. If I wanted major life issues resolved, while being entertained,

in an hour minus commercial time, I would watch a rerun of " Little House on

the Prairie " .

Bleh on Dr. Phil...

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

Hi all,

I saw this and thought it might be of interest to the group.

in MA

September 30, 2004

NAMI BLASTS CBS FOR TELEVISION MALPRACTICE

" Dr. Phil Primetime Special " Insensitive, Irresponsible; May Put

Children's Lives At Risk

Arlington, VA-NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) today

charged CBS Television with gross irresponsibility and potential

endangerment of the lives of children with mental illness as a result

of its September 22 broadcast of the Dr. Phil Primetime Special:

Family First.

" Not only did the show represent a breach of professional ethics, but

also, in the opinion of many, malpractice, " declared NAMI executive

director J. Fitzpatrick, in a letter to CBS Chairman & CEO

Moonves, co-signed by Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, MD, a child

psychiatrist who chairs the Child & Adolescent Policy Subcommittee of

NAMI's national board.

In the September 22 program, parents essentially were blamed

for " what may very well be the severe mental illness of their child. "

Dr. Phil's conduct " is serious enough to warrant investigation by a

relevant board of licensure. To the degree that he seemed to offer a

definitive diagnosis, including a pharmacological assessment, without

careful evaluation or referral, he may also be subject to legal

sanctions for practicing medicine without a license, " the letter

noted.

" The show was especially troubling because the child's behavior may

have suggested symptoms of bipolar disorder, requiring treatment

vastly different from a father being admonished to spend more time

with his son to `go fishing.'

" Blaming the family undermines all recent understanding of the

biological basis of brain disorders and is not only insensitive, but

also hinders a family or individual from seeking comprehensive

treatment.Indeed the impact may have put children's lives now at

risk. The show's approach was completely contrary to the

recommendations of the U.S. Surgeon General, and more recently,

President Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.in

addressing the needs of children with severe mental illnesses-

including very real risks of suicide. "

NAMI also responded to a Newsweek (October 4) article in which a CBS

spokesperson was cited as saying the network was " unaware " of

negative reaction to the show, and that Moonves had complained that

interest groups protest before even seeing supposedly offensive

programming, using the Internet to " magnify and trumpet " concerns. In

this case, NAMI said, the mental health community " carefully

considered the content of the show before registering any complaint,

and the party that has grossly `magnified' irresponsible behavior is

CBS, through the power it projects over the airwaves. "

[Guest guest]

Well, Dr. Phil wouldn't be so popular if he was a bad therapist,

Kathy. He's actually a good guy with lots of sound advise for people -

and Oprah's best buddy. I actually agreed with *some* of what he said

about Parenting and the over-medicating of kids today. Some kids do

NOT have ADD and yet, they are being medicated for it. But, I don't

think that problem is *epidemic* because most parents don't want to

medicate their children!

If he had picked kids that had a *mild* case of ADD or " typical "

behavioral problems - he would have gotten away with what he was

preaching on TV. But, in both shows, the kids were *obviously*

suffering with something that had nothing to do with parenting skills

or spending more time with daddy to go fishing!! They truly seemed to

be suffering with a disorder that wasn't being treated. This is why

so many people are outraged about the show. The children that were

being highlighted had " out-of-the-norm " problems that weren't being

addressed. Instead, parents were being blamed for the kid bouncing

off the walls, and having over-the-top meltdowns.

Someone on Dr. Phil's staff must have put the blinders on him to boost

ratings OR he had a temporary lapse in judgment when he did both of

those shows. But, I have a strong hunch he used kids with severe

problems to boost ratings. If the kids in the show were normal kids

with normal kid-like behavior, no one would have tuned in. So, Dr.

Phil picked a boy that obviously had bipolar, and heavily advertised

the prime time show as a program about a kid with 9 of the 14 signs of

a seriel killer due to his *parents* lack of training!!

Unbelievable!

I have a dear friend with bipolar and being thrown into a category of

seriel killers is a HUGE injustice to anyone with a mental illness!

A colossal mistake - and I hope it costs him!! He should be required

to do several free shows for NAMI to undue the damage of stigmatising

them in that cruel way.

Joni

(here I go ranting again - but it's an important issue because so many

people watch the Dr. Phil show and believe everything he says)

> A story based on the NAMI release appeared in my newspaper today, I

believe

> it has gone national. Perhaps any damage can be undone or

contained, or at

> least the message that there is a valid and well-supported opposing view

> will get out. Good for NAMI to suggest that he is practicing without a

> license.

>

> I have little time or patience for the Dr. Phils, Dr. s and media

> personalities generally, and remain surprised that so many folks

take them

> seriously. If I wanted major life issues resolved, while being

entertained,

> in an hour minus commercial time, I would watch a rerun of " Little

House on

> the Prairie " .

>

> Bleh on Dr. Phil...

>

> Kathy R. in Indiana

[Guest guest]

Well, Dr. Phil wouldn't be so popular if he was a bad therapist,

Kathy. He's actually a good guy with lots of sound advise for people -

and Oprah's best buddy. I actually agreed with *some* of what he said

about Parenting and the over-medicating of kids today. Some kids do

NOT have ADD and yet, they are being medicated for it. But, I don't

think that problem is *epidemic* because most parents don't want to

medicate their children!

If he had picked kids that had a *mild* case of ADD or " typical "

behavioral problems - he would have gotten away with what he was

preaching on TV. But, in both shows, the kids were *obviously*

suffering with something that had nothing to do with parenting skills

or spending more time with daddy to go fishing!! They truly seemed to

be suffering with a disorder that wasn't being treated. This is why

so many people are outraged about the show. The children that were

being highlighted had " out-of-the-norm " problems that weren't being

addressed. Instead, parents were being blamed for the kid bouncing

off the walls, and having over-the-top meltdowns.

Someone on Dr. Phil's staff must have put the blinders on him to boost

ratings OR he had a temporary lapse in judgment when he did both of

those shows. But, I have a strong hunch he used kids with severe

problems to boost ratings. If the kids in the show were normal kids

with normal kid-like behavior, no one would have tuned in. So, Dr.

Phil picked a boy that obviously had bipolar, and heavily advertised

the prime time show as a program about a kid with 9 of the 14 signs of

a seriel killer due to his *parents* lack of training!!

Unbelievable!

I have a dear friend with bipolar and being thrown into a category of

seriel killers is a HUGE injustice to anyone with a mental illness!

A colossal mistake - and I hope it costs him!! He should be required

to do several free shows for NAMI to undue the damage of stigmatising

them in that cruel way.

Joni

(here I go ranting again - but it's an important issue because so many

people watch the Dr. Phil show and believe everything he says)

> A story based on the NAMI release appeared in my newspaper today, I

believe

> it has gone national. Perhaps any damage can be undone or

contained, or at

> least the message that there is a valid and well-supported opposing view

> will get out. Good for NAMI to suggest that he is practicing without a

> license.

>

> I have little time or patience for the Dr. Phils, Dr. s and media

> personalities generally, and remain surprised that so many folks

take them

> seriously. If I wanted major life issues resolved, while being

entertained,

> in an hour minus commercial time, I would watch a rerun of " Little

House on

> the Prairie " .

>

> Bleh on Dr. Phil...

>

> Kathy R. in Indiana

[Guest guest]

Well, there was nothing else on TV the night of the prime time show,

so that's why I watched it. I figured, hey - I might learn

something. (yeah - lots of things I heard back in the 70's & 80's!!)

Boy, was I disappointed! Yet, I know lots of educated people that

LOVE Dr. Phil!! Heck - Oprah thinks he's the king of talk shows!

The reason I watched his daytime show, Parenting with Pills, was a

fluke. I was home that day, turned on the small kitchen TV while I

was mindlessly cleaning the kitchen and fixing supper, and whew - I

was shocked again by what I heard! I'm talking jaw-dropping reaction

over here! And yet, his well-dressed audience were nodding in

agreement and praising everything he said!!

But, I have absolutely no regrets that I watched both of the shows.

If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have known how misleading he is with

children's mental health issues. In addition, I've already been

affected by both of his shows with " bad parenting " advise aimed at me.

That advise may have seemed to come out of left field if I hadn't

seen both of the Dr. Phil's shows. Now, I know who to blame!

Shame on Dr. Phil!!

Joni

------- wrote:

> What I can't figure out is WHY PEOPLE WATCH THESE SHOWS????????

I flipped

> past Dr. Phil while in a hotel room and saw about two minutes of his

show

> about ADHD and was so disgusted that I went back to my book. Who

would listen to

> some guy just because he has a tv show? Obviously millions of

people. It's so

> sad that we have a society that can't discriminate between science and

> entertainment, and would listen to Dr. Phil over the top names in

child psychiatry.

> Too sad.

>

[Guest guest]

Well, there was nothing else on TV the night of the prime time show,

so that's why I watched it. I figured, hey - I might learn

something. (yeah - lots of things I heard back in the 70's & 80's!!)

Boy, was I disappointed! Yet, I know lots of educated people that

LOVE Dr. Phil!! Heck - Oprah thinks he's the king of talk shows!

The reason I watched his daytime show, Parenting with Pills, was a

fluke. I was home that day, turned on the small kitchen TV while I

was mindlessly cleaning the kitchen and fixing supper, and whew - I

was shocked again by what I heard! I'm talking jaw-dropping reaction

over here! And yet, his well-dressed audience were nodding in

agreement and praising everything he said!!

But, I have absolutely no regrets that I watched both of the shows.

If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have known how misleading he is with

children's mental health issues. In addition, I've already been

affected by both of his shows with " bad parenting " advise aimed at me.

That advise may have seemed to come out of left field if I hadn't

seen both of the Dr. Phil's shows. Now, I know who to blame!

Shame on Dr. Phil!!

Joni

------- wrote:

> What I can't figure out is WHY PEOPLE WATCH THESE SHOWS????????

I flipped

> past Dr. Phil while in a hotel room and saw about two minutes of his

show

> about ADHD and was so disgusted that I went back to my book. Who

would listen to

> some guy just because he has a tv show? Obviously millions of

people. It's so

> sad that we have a society that can't discriminate between science and

> entertainment, and would listen to Dr. Phil over the top names in

child psychiatry.

> Too sad.

>

[Guest guest]

Well, there was nothing else on TV the night of the prime time show,

so that's why I watched it. I figured, hey - I might learn

something. (yeah - lots of things I heard back in the 70's & 80's!!)

Boy, was I disappointed! Yet, I know lots of educated people that

LOVE Dr. Phil!! Heck - Oprah thinks he's the king of talk shows!

The reason I watched his daytime show, Parenting with Pills, was a

fluke. I was home that day, turned on the small kitchen TV while I

was mindlessly cleaning the kitchen and fixing supper, and whew - I

was shocked again by what I heard! I'm talking jaw-dropping reaction

over here! And yet, his well-dressed audience were nodding in

agreement and praising everything he said!!

But, I have absolutely no regrets that I watched both of the shows.

If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have known how misleading he is with

children's mental health issues. In addition, I've already been

affected by both of his shows with " bad parenting " advise aimed at me.

That advise may have seemed to come out of left field if I hadn't

seen both of the Dr. Phil's shows. Now, I know who to blame!

Shame on Dr. Phil!!

Joni

------- wrote:

> What I can't figure out is WHY PEOPLE WATCH THESE SHOWS????????

I flipped

> past Dr. Phil while in a hotel room and saw about two minutes of his

show

> about ADHD and was so disgusted that I went back to my book. Who

would listen to

> some guy just because he has a tv show? Obviously millions of

people. It's so

> sad that we have a society that can't discriminate between science and

> entertainment, and would listen to Dr. Phil over the top names in

child psychiatry.

> Too sad.

>