To the editors:
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Despite the overwhelming preponderance in modern medical literature of valid and reliable studies to the contrary, John Friedberg [“Is Psychiatry Going Insane?” May 1] claims to believe no scientific evidence exists to suggest a genetic factor in the etiology of mental illnesses. Similarly, he also claims to believe sufferers of these brain diseases do not improve dramatically and at times almost miraculously when given medical treatments (including electroconvulsive therapy). One possible explanation for these eccentric and bizarre beliefs of his is that he suffers from an untreated mental illness himself, probably schizoaffective disorder with an Axis II paranoid personality disorder. If so, it is unfortunate that his delusions prevent him from seeking the psychopharmacological interventions from which he could benefit, since his ability to competently perform the duties of his alleged profession of neurologist is severely compromised (to say the least) by his inability to correctly perceive reality.
Robert E. Rogoff
When human suffering confuses and frightens us, we often take refuge in biological explanations as a way of avoiding confronting what is painful and unjust in our own lives. This must be kept in mind as biopsychiatry weaves its spell around us.
