ReaderWire ReaderWire (April 23, 2004)

'Imbalanced' article

On page 31 of the Weekly's April 14 edition was a brief article entitled, "How the medications work" (author unnamed). The opening statement makes clear the writer's opinion: "Depression starts with a chemical imbalance in the brain." That would give the reader the mistaken impression that this is an established fact when, at best, it is a hypothesis, a best guess.

The writer attempts to give further credence to his/her opinion by echoing the explanations developed by the pharmaceutical industry that increases in serotonin supply undo that "chemical imbalance." The writer gives scant acknowledgement that this is a hypothesis, an acknowledgement that could easily be missed by the reader ("...and the imbalance that's created is thought to cause depression.").

There are a number of problems that ensue from this hypothesis: It makes a chemical mystery about what otherwise would be considered a distressing but normal event in human life. At the same time, it detracts from those more understandable factors -- psychological, social, economic, family interaction -- that can contribute to changes in mood and spirit. Thus, it leaves the individuals in a position of helplessness and dependence on a "magic pill" to relieve their suffering.

One readily agreed upon benefit of a "chemical imbalance" notion is that it eliminates the discomfort of guilt in the patient and family members -- but at a significant cost to the morale of the patient and in encountering debilitating adverse effects from the medications. Richard Fisch, M.D. Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Pro-psychiatry bias?

I'm floored at the pro-psychiatry bias of your article (Weekly, April 14). Any simple Web search on children and antidepressants turns up abundant studies and research on this subject.

You seem to have ignored the deeper causes entirely: out-of-control competition and a vacuum of meaning, purpose and fulfillment.

I've found Po Bronson's recent bestseller -- "What Should I Do With My Life?" -- to be a book that I wish I had read as a teenager. The 60 or more personal histories show that we have this inner wisdom.

Seeing it in others illuminates it in ourselves. William Croft Webster Street, Palo Alto
'Faster, Daddy!'

"Faster, Daddy, faster!" I'm reminded of what every kid swinging on a swing says to Daddy when I read about Palo Alto's efforts to install a fiber-optic cable to give all of us the fastest service in the world.

Well, I guess one would expect that in the home of Silicon Valley.

I'm not a luddite. I have a new, fast computer, much faster than my wife's oh-so-slow machine.

But do we really need to spend $40 million for this jewel in the crown? Can't we slow down just a bit and smell the flowers? Do we really need to spend this huge amount when Palo Alto has so many other major needs?

I'll mention just one and shut up: storm drains. Harry Press Escobita Avenue, Palo Alto
Environmental voting

I am glad that Gov. Schwarzenegger is making progress on some of California's tough issues (worker's comp, wrestling with deficits, etc.).

At the same time, I would warn my fellow Californians to resist the siren song of saying that all Republicans are mellow fellows and let's vote for them. The latest report from the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) (www.ecovote.org) reminds us that party labels do have serious implications.

The average environmental score for California Democratic legislators was 93.5. The average for the Republicans: 3.5.

So party does matter and if you prefer clean to chewy air, pure to poisoned water and just hate picking tarballs out of your hair after a day at the beach, be careful whom you vote for in the upcoming election. Ed Taub Devoto Street, Mountain View

E-mail a friend a link to this story.