psychiatrists vs pharmacist! Shock, horror!

JuliusCaesar

I have been following the debate in the Irish Times regarding our Juniour Minister's remarks in the Irish Medical News, where he said apparantly that he did not believe that depression was an illness. Dr Michael Corry was first off in agreement, but then 6 Professors of Psychiatry, led by the redoutable Patricia Casey swung to the attack, defending the illness/medication hypothesis. What I thought was remarkable was that therer was only ONE contribution from a psychologist...........and he lived iin London. The last contribution to the debate was from some sociologists, pointing out that most research into anti-depressant medication is run by the pharmacological companies which produce them.

Do all psychologists duck their heads below the parapet in public debate, and if so, why? There are only about 3 media-friendly psychologists that I can think of, and I can't remember any of them getting into debates. :mad:

Rant over.

Myksyk

Paul O'Donoghue has had a many debates through the letters of The Irish Psychologist with Michael Corry and has written to the Times on numerous occasions about this very subject. But you're right in general ... psychologists are in hiding when it comes to these debates.