"We may be the ones with mental illness, but our families are the ones who suffer from it."

This line bugs the hell out of me. As if we mentaly ill people are having some kind of party and our families are stuck cleaning up after us, making sure that none of us drive drunk, and telling the officers that, "yes, we're sorry, we'll turn the music down."

This guy writes an awful lot without saying anything.

I do yoga. All practitioners of yoga have noted yoga's mental benefits, so now here comes big pharma suggesting that some people need drugs to do yoga! Gross. The person you bring to the mat is okay without drugs and yoga impaired is a terrible thought.

As for John's website: this bogus idea that it's one person who is sick and others who suffer is nonsensical. It's the person who suffers who is sick. If Bipolar's mother is wringing her hands because she disapproves of Bipolars's life, it doesn't mean Bipolar needs his meds adjusted, it means Bipolar's mother needs talk therapy to help her get over her pathological obsession with Bipolar's life. How many other ailments are there where if you're not suffering, you're sick because other people are unhappy with you and if you are suffering you are well. It's the dehumanization again - the mentally aren't human, they don't suffer so it doesn't matter how you treat them and John has apparently internalized this with the help of lots of pills.

Ironically, I was finally *driven* to yoga by my most recent attempt to medicate my bipolar disorder. The Trileptal was a raging success for 72 hours until I broke out in a rash. Since I have terrible luck with medication (and refuse to take anti-psychotics due to the anecdotal and PI info I've read about them), I finally turned to Yoga. Starting next week I'll be doing it twice a week for two months.

I absolutely hate these ads (all pharma ads, actually), and as a woman am disturbed to see these drugs marketed to women like they were Midol! Thank you for continuing to bring them to light.

I've been seeing a lot of Ablifry ads in Women's Magazines lately too. (I've taken both Ablifry and Geodon. I couldn't read more than a few paragraphs at a time on Abilfry and Geodon did nothing.) I think women are targeted even though the gender split is 50/50 because statiscally we are compliant in taking meds and seeking out "treatment." In our local Minneapolis Icarus meetings I thought it would be a huge estrogen fest and we would have to beg men to come to even things out but it has been mostly men coming since the beginning. My guess is because its less threatening atmosphere than going to see a doctor or a therapist, but that was something that really surprised me.

Well I sure take Lamictal and am not causing anyone to suffer per being around me: though I see my youngest suffering on antipsychotics, I've seen her live with tremors so bad she couldn't hold a fork, I've seen her face go pale and her body become a beaten down warrior by age 19. I've seen her eyes roll up into her head and get stuck looking up, seen her gain 50 lbs on a 5' 3" frame, seen her lean to the right and walk with a shuffle--all of those symptoms--plus more--while on Zyprexa, Abilify, Clozaril, Haldol and Risperdal. My oldest daughter just successfully removed [slowly] Geodon, because she couldn't stand the sedation and the double vision and never had a reason to be on it.[no psychosis].Just BP2 and that was the standard rx from her pdoc. Now, on Lamictal alone, she is a successful college student, has a job, her own apartment, pays car payments--all at age 24. She learned from me--question the pdoc and get second opinions. My youngest daughter at age 17 walked out of her pdoc office, and hired a new one. Simple: you don't go back and the new pdoc calls over for your files. Hiring a doctor is just that: you pay them for services, if you are not happy with the outcome, you are not in a binding contract.[I know this comment applies to 2 articles here]. I've also noticed that Yoga mat ad on Psych Central. Sometimes, it's replaced for an ad for Abilify. All depicting women.
Instead of being concerned with the target audience being women--I'm starting to wonder where men fit into all of this? what if a man feels that way? and thinks the medications are for moody women?
Just my 2 cents for the day.

I take Geodon for mild schizophrenia so it pisses me off when it is marketed as a "mood" drug. And yes, women seem to be the target...like we are all emotional basket cases in need of a pill. You are so right on with this article.

CP.

As horrible as those ads are, they don't suprise me. I've long believed that direct-to-consumer advertising should be illegal when it comes to prescription medication. Pharma companies will do anything to make a buck, and of course advertising works, it does for any other product, so why not an antipsychotic?

What really astounds me is the comment by that blogger. That's like saying "we might be the ones with cancer, but our families are the ones who suffer". While it can be difficult to be a family member, I think it's essential that neither the family nor the doctors forget that this is about treating the patient, not medicating them into oblivion to make it easier for the family. This may sound obvious, but as we can see, even some "mental health care consumers" seem to forget.

I think the point is that these are NOT direct-to-consumer ads, these are direct-to-family ads, BYPASSING the consumer, in a way. As someone remarked earlier, marketing during football games is going directly to the men perhaps to subtly give them the idea that maybe their women could be "improved". This is a variation on the marketing-to-kids trope, where if you can sell an idea to a kid (cereal-box prizes), they can go bug their parents to buy the product.

It just makes me angry on so many levels. It frustrates me to consider how many women are being manipulated by marketing to believe that the normal emotional responses to life are actually negative and abnormal, getting placed on meds to cure a problem they don't really have which is ultimately more harmful. It also offends me because it minimizes the pain I and others who actually suffer mental illness go through "happy, sad, hyper, lethargic" doesn't even touch on how it feels to endure a mixed episode.

"If Bipolar's mother is wringing her hands because she disapproves of Bipolars's life, it doesn't mean Bipolar needs his meds adjusted, it means Bipolar's mother needs talk therapy to help her get over her pathological obsession with Bipolar's life."

Awesome, Sally, that's a great point.

The definition of "severe mental illness" is where your disorder bothers the people around you. The family dynamics around a psych label are mysterious indeed. I commented to a friend lately that I find it surprising that, out of the quartet of misfits that make up my original family, I was the one chosen to wear the crown. My friend replied "Well, you know, 1 in 4 people is supposed to have a mental disorder. I guess they chose you."

Using images of yoga to sell antipsychotics is such an affront as to be downright infuriating. Nothing could be more inconsistent or divorced from reality. The bitter irony is that yoga done well is a way better mood stabilizer than Geodon and probably even a "cure" for loads of psychiatric ills. I know it's helped me immensely. And Philip is right when he says that anyone on an atypical antipsychotic would probably have a very difficult time doing yoga and would probably disrupt any class they tried to attend. I'm not kidding. It's also sad that John McManamy is so drugged up now he's lost all perspective. Peter Breggin has an article on how drugged up patients lose their insight by becoming spellbound on the drugs; he calls it "Intoxication Anosognosia" -- I think it's so true. I see it all the time.

this marketing to women doesn't seem like such a good idea once the continuation of the human race is taken into account. what happens when a woman gets pregnant while taking this cure for moodyness? is she detoxed slowly in the babies most vulnerable time? is she stopped abruptly whith horrible withdrawls? forced to stay on them? are we looking at a future ofdrug addicted babies? low birthweight, defects? (etc. . . .)

recently i thought i was pregnant. i looked at the handful of pills i take every night and cried.

One thing I wanted to add here is that I've never been influenced by any advertising [DTC]of the psych meds, or by the note pads, booklets and CD's left by Pharma reps at my psych office. I'm starting to see a pattern here: women writing that they don't appreciate being targeted in these ads--and the good part is--I don't think the ads are having the influence Pharma wants them to--instead it's a backlash from savvy women who refuse to be manipulated by an industry. I see a lot of smart comments here.

Re: Sara's post and saying that "John McManamy is so drugged up now he's lost all perspective",
on the other hand, he writes as if he has an arrogance manic side showing, making me question if he's medicated at all. Not my business, but his book is based quite a bit on other ppl's experiences, and on his blog appears to rely on parent information re: bipolar in children, while basing on nothing he ever experienced. I also believe as a paid speaker and published author, he is an "expert" because a book jacket got him that status. There's a lot of information out there and he clearly feels threatened by the blogoshere. Because there are blogs that people read vs. his---you know like getting a 2nd opinion. His work reads so defensive and cocky that I rarely read his stuff.
Just my opinion.

I'm starting to see a pattern here: women writing that they don't appreciate being targeted in these ads--and the good part is--I don't think the ads are having the influence Pharma wants them to--instead it's a backlash from savvy women who refuse to be manipulated by an industry.

This here little world on Philip's blog is an exception to what is going on out there. Don't let it fool you---women are soaking up those ads and popping pills by the millions.

Gianna, do you have any stats to back up your claim to millions? [just kidding!]

No, thirty years ago, they would have been committed and forced to live in state hospitals. You know, you seem to have a very selective view of history. Yeah, there's a lot to be desired about today's meds... but are you ACTUALLY saying (and I think you are) that everything we have know is shit? Are you saying that you want to go back to pre-1950s asylum care? You know, what I find most abusive about your blog is the fact that you cite one side: you say all meds suck (please tell me what meds you like) and forget to tell how those meds are better than NO MEDS. You know what, fuck this, psychiatrists are one of the worst paid areas of medicine -- but you never mention that do you? No, you inpume these folks... and yet I bet you actually take psych meds, right/ What a hypocrite! I'm not saying that there're ain't major problems with med research, but you through out the baby with the bathwater. Let me ask you a simple question: Do you think Thorazine was a great med? That will tell me a lot about your viewpoint... of course that all depends if you "publish" this post... And you have the audacity to wonder why the published media is suffering these days while YOU publish a blog (see: http://www.furiousseasons.com/archives/2007/06/the_web_20_content_creators_starve_while_techies_eat_free_lunches.html)

Joe, what the hell's your problem? Philip's been very forthcoming on his own drug experiences. Your hostility is hard to understand.

I trust you're not going to pretend that the psych wards were emptied due to Thorazine. That may be Big Pharma's line but it's not the truth. Emptying the asylums was a financial, not a medical, decision.

I've got a newsflash for ya Joe:

This IS 2007, and my 19 year old daughter was discharged to the state institution for warehousing, just like the good old days.

I'm in a legal process to prevent that from happening.

It may not happen to her, because I'm a strong advocate [on Lamictal],but it sure as hell is happening to the other roomies she had.

Times have not changed. Medications have.If the meds were any better that state hospital would be EMPTY.

Joe, there are a lot of people who identify with what Philip is writing, and I'm not sure why you find that so threatening. I've taken a lot of different psych meds over a period of years, and I'm not impressed with the result. I can say that I personally am not better off having been on those meds. While I have not experienced the asylum days of the 1950's, I have experienced the asylum days of the late 90's - early 2000. I still feel kind of sick to my stomach when I think about some of what I experienced (and saw others experience) in those places. Why is it not okay to say that? If you have actually been reading this blog over time you would realize that no one is saying STOP taking your meds. In fact, just the opposite. If it works for you, then great. For some of us, though, the effects have been a complete disaster.

I also have a relative who has experienced the Thorazine days. She is permanently disfigured from Thorazine and Haldol. She has taken the newer atypical drugs, as well. Guess what? Her life is still a mess. She did NOT get better on the newer drugs. So, I guess I have a right to feel kind of po'd about that.

Oh, and call me callous but I don't give a rat's ass about a psychiatrist's salary. I have contributed enough financially to the psychiatric field. I would love to have a refund.

Let's not forget that psychiatrists' salaries are handsomely increased the more their patients are incarcerated, drugged and electroshocked. Plus you've got the Big Pharma-sponsored "educational" conferences which count as continuing education credits. Worrying about psychiatrists' salaries is a non-starter for me. I'm sure they're not just in it for the money, anyway. Tragically, they actually think they are helping society. So did the Nazis.

I'm not that old and I experienced the "Thorazine" days. I'm 43. The first few years I was on anti-psychotics I was on Thorazine. Besides being constipated I'd have to say I prefer Thorazine over Seroquel!!

Bottom line though, they all suck and never helped me, hence the reason I am withdrawing! I got the wool pulled over my eyes. My problems are manageable without drugs!!

I've been following your blog, probably since you started - so PROPS!! Anyways, due to my impaired vision from my cocktail, I sometimes pick up a rag-mag (Enquirer or even Cosmo, etc) at the pharmacy, as my vision and other side effects keep me from reading "real" things and my enjoyment is limited to mostly pics with exception to internet in large font. I believe Big Pharma is definitely taking a shot at women and basically any consumer of today's forms of media. I have a case of bipolar-phobia since being diagnosed a long time ago - it waxes and wanes, but during my me-time (haha like that exists) do I constantly have to be reminded of it in Life & Style, Cosmo, or any other magazine,let alone television ads about 9 times a day? I'm pretty OK when it's a physician authored article or sometimes an advice column. But, because these idiots are sitting in yoga gear and wearing fashionable velour sweat suits on relaxing walks with loved ones, does that mean I have failed the big "Drug Exam"? I don't recall every seeing anyone look so content and primped as these ads in my shrink's office waiting room, let alone me , or a majority of everyday citizens. Did anyone else catch the Oprah Bipolar episodes? If so, did you check out her message boards afterwards? I think about 90% of her posting viewers are convinced that they are self-diagnosed "bipolars" and are rushing to their GP's for a truly miraculous diagnosis (I am hoping it was also a public service those truly in need, regardless if it's bipolar or another illness)!?! example of a poster on her boards "OMG I was up at 6am, made DH toast - it burned, middle child has a sciene project due today and hasn't even started, guidance counselor wants to see me about first-born's wardrobe looking goth, and I've been bawling for 2 days because of PMS" here you have anxiety, bad self esteem, disappointment and depression - and the people on Oprah felt like that - hey, I want a "disease of the day" (hey celebrities get that,right?)and pop a magic pill or two and life will be great? "right???
Boy, don't I wish!
I was a big sucker during a very down mood, and I decided to rip the A*****y mailer out of one of the magazines I purchased, and sent it in for more information. I received a packet within a week! I should scan and send to Phillip - but basically it gives a very non-medical description of various degrees of normal human behavior, but if you select one, "you could have an undiagnosed condition known as Bipolar Disorder...." They then ask you to take this information to your physician for further discussion. Please see our website at --- for more information. You get this decision screen - If you would like more information about depression and a condition known as Bipolar disorder - click here OR if you have been diagnosed with a condition known as Bipolar Disorder - click here. Again, the same happy - everything will be right with the world if you talk to your physician about adding or changing your medications to A*****y.
I ashamedly admit to watching the Oprah episodes (in my defense, I didn't have anything good tivo'd) and if I didn't already feel nuts enough, I had to listen to Oprah say the word "CRAZY" more than 50 times, especially on the segment of her talking to Jennifer Lewis - a celebrity diagnosed with Bipolar in the 90's. Even more off-topic with my rambling, Lewis purchased a $2.3 million mansion during a manic episode and she's happy she did it - hey, maybe I should try that - although I wouldn't be accepting mail there, it would be forwarded to my suite at the state hospital!