Homeopathy

"Can you give me any sense of the scale of this unnecessary overprescription of children with this class of drugs."

Is this where Im supposed to google links and stuff?

Can *you* give me any sense of the scale of this unnecessary overprescription of children with this class of drugs.

You have used this example to support the general idea of gross overmedication so I would hope you already know this information - and would have no need to google it - it's doesn't need to be precise (that's why I say 'any sense of the scale . . ') - just a ballpark idea of the problem as you see it.

I am always wary of any argument that makes a claim and when that claim is questioned there is a need to defer to a higher authority (in this case Google). You become a mouth piece for other people's ideas unless you can carry with you the information that forms your opinions. I also think that any idea you claim to subscribe to - you should be able to expand on, it's no good claiming the be a Conservative or a Calvinist or an environmentalist and then when asked (let's take the environmentalist as an example) "can you roughly outline the theory of anthropogenic global warming" - the best you can do is to reply "what, do you want some google links ?".

You would hope anyone claiming to be an environmentalist would have a rough idea of what it is they are supporting.

Do you have information to the contrary?

Do I have information to the contrary with regard to the idea that we are grossly overmedicated ?

I have some, but it might not be relevant as I still don't know exactly how you are using 'grossly overmedicated'.

So far we only have the bald assertion itself, an anecdote about your gran (which oddly shows a reduction in medication) and the Ritalin example, which you not only are unable to give a rough ballpark figure about the scale of the problem but even question having to google for further information.

Throw me a bone here !!

:P

Chuck me some examples of this gross overmedication and an idea (however rough) of the scale then we have something to talk about.

Do you have a position on this topic?

My position is a bit convoluted (ok, tediously boring), I am not sure you would have the patience.

How do you feel about this? I am still forming my own opinions.

To me it's sounds like you already have a position (?)

Balki : "I want to know how anyone can think its right to advertise prescription drugs directly to the consumer."

Personally I can't see any issue, but am open to any persuasive argument as to why it's 'wrong' to advertise prescription drugs to customers - and to be honest I have not given it much thought so I could be way wrong.

What do you think is the problem with advertising prescription drugs directly to the consumer ?