Furious Seasons

May 15, 2008

Leading Bipolar Disorder Researcher Refers To Me As "Doctor"

Some of you may recall that in late 2006 I wrote a series of posts casting doubt on some of the statistics in the BOLDER II trial of Seroquel. The trial was a part of the drug's approval for bipolar depression. You can read these posts here and here.

As it turned out, I submitted a letter to the editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, which published the study, asking for clarification of the statistics from Michael Thase, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and lead author of the study. It took almost 18 months--man, academic publishing moves far too slowly in the Internet age--but I've received a copy of the letter and Thase's response. I thank Thase for his reply and the journal for publishing my query. It's fairly uncommon for a mere patient to have anything published in a medical journal.

But perhaps I am a mere patient no more.

In the letter, Thase writes:

"The points raised by Dr Dawdy were the topic of a flurry of Internet commentary in 2006 and 2007 and are easily answered, at least on the surface."

While I am not a doctor--and would never dream of playing one on TV--and my letter doesn't identify me as one, I'll take the compliment from Dr. Thase. I also thank him for his answer to my query. You can read the rest of the exchange on this .pdf (pages 23 and 24).

I guess I now have to pen a letter to the journal clarifying the reference to me in his letter. Ah, the ironies of running a website.

Speaking of ironies, this is the same Michael Thase who recently supported a study asserting that bipolar disorder in being overdiagnosed.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at May 15, 2008 12:01 AM

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Comments

Dear Dr. Phil,

I have a desire to run around my house shouting at the top of my voice 'CASHEW, CASHEW, CASHEW'. Do you think I'm nuts?

Yours

A concerned UK citizen :)

Posted by: BOB FIDDAMAN at May 15, 2008 12:06 AM

Dearest Dr. Philip:

1500 articles down, and now you’re a published Doctor held in high regard among your colleagues to boot. Well, I guess that solves your employment problems for now {laughing}. I still have to question whether your lofty accomplishments still meet the criteria of the renowned Big Mac. But that is just a personal view and observation {snickering}.

Good Job Dr. Dawdy {applause moment}!

I was wondering if I can get in for an appointment in the near future; I have had this pesky case of bipolar disorder I’ve been trying to deal with for my whole life and would like an esteemed professional opinion from you { rolling on floor laughing my ass off}. Just post your office phone number here in the blog and I will contact your receptionist for further information concerning insurance coverage and such.

Yours truly
Stan

Posted by: Stan at May 15, 2008 12:45 AM

Dear Dr Dawdy,

I note that you have referred to me on your blog as a medical doctor, and provided me with the title "Dr," when, in fact, I am not (a doctor of any description). I am greatly flattered that you should hold me in such high esteem, but feel it appropriate that there should be no misunderstanding, amongst your readers. I trust that my missives will still receive your attentive deliberation, notwithstanding this adjustment to my professional status!

Best regards

Michael Thase

Posted by: Matthew Holford at May 15, 2008 01:52 AM

Dr Dawdy

Has quite a ring to it I think..

The irony is mental health campaigners are usually better qualified to discuss psychiatric meds than most Doctors..

Posted by: truthman30 at May 15, 2008 04:13 AM

Dr. Dawdy, I am mightily impressed. Nice that he says, "Comparative studies are now needed..." etc., but easier said than done. MMRM and LOCF also seem like acronyms teenage girls might use when they're texting each other.

Posted by: Liz Spikol at May 15, 2008 06:33 AM

Dear Dr. Dawdy,
My psychiatrist has recently diagnosed me with a horrible psychiatric condition which can cause joy, grief, anxiety, and distress. He has diagnosed me as "alive" and wants to medicate me. What do you suggest?
Yours in abject confusion,
Jazz

Posted by: Jazz at May 15, 2008 08:53 AM

Dr.Dawdy,
The letter is quite informative, and your questions are well thought out. I hope this ensures an all-expense paid trip to the next APA Convention, or an open bar CME cruise. Congratulations!

Posted by: Stephany at May 15, 2008 09:56 AM

"Dr. Phil"? :)
In a world not funded by Pharma, a university would step up and offer you an LLD.

Posted by: Lilly NC at May 15, 2008 12:00 PM

truthman30,

Yep!
I have already had to explain to a psychiatrist how SSRI's works on the brain and on the body. LOL
And I saw her jumping joyfully reading Wellbutrin propaganda from the laboratory as it just arrived to her.
It was when I finally realized that things were really worse than I could imagined.
Sad but true.

Posted by: Ana at May 15, 2008 12:28 PM

Fundraiser idea: autographed copies of the Journal, or an auction for one! heh!

Posted by: Stephany at May 15, 2008 01:37 PM