Some Lovely Links

I was working on "the Other Project" last night, and so I have nothing smart to say today--not that I ever do.

Until I recapture my mind, feast on this post by CL Psych commenting on Michael Thase's reply to my query about how effects sizes were calculated in the recent BOLDER II of Seroquel in bipolar depression, which I posted on here yesterday. CL Psych is a stats whiz and stats are intimidating for most of us, but it's worth reading so you become better educated about the nuts-and-bolts of psych research.

Like CL, I cannot say enough nice things about the fact that Thase responded.

In addition, the Journal Watch has a decent roundup of all the big recent studies on atypical antipsychotics, coyly titled "Wondering About the Wonder Drugs." I am glad that the professional journals are starting to display more open skepticism about this class of drugs. I hope they will keep in mind that if these drugs ain't so hot for hardcore schizophrenics, then we are giving them as maintenance meds for bipolar disorder and for children for what reason. I think these meds are OK for short-term use in bipolar disorder--and maybe for short-term use in kiddos at very low doses--but for long-term use I think that the various American and British studies establish that they are not very good at all, especially given their expense. (Hat tips to CL Psych and PharmaGossip for the linkage.)

When NIMH or whomever actually gets off their duffs and studies the long-term use of atypicals in bipolar disorder, I bet we will see similar results and similar problems. Anyone want to bet against me? Shit, I'll give odds.