Corpus Callosum is written by a psychiatrist at a small community hospital somewhere in midwestern USA. Email to cc.scienceblogger at gmail dot com.
February 28, 2007
Category: Armchair Musings
Note: this post involves a very small amount of self-disclosure. That is a bit unusual. My father is also a psychiatrist. He told me once about his education in psychopharmacology. A guy got up to lecture, identified himself as the...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 10:45 PM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Neuroscience
Scientific American makes note of a new finding regarding multiple sclerosis, first reported in The Journal of Neuroscience. One of the big shifts in our understanding of brain structure and function, over the past decade or so, has been...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:08 AM • 4 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 27, 2007
Category: Photos of Interest
From UChiBLOGo: It' a nice car, but wouldn't you rather have a Subaru?...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:52 AM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 26, 2007
Category: Psychiatry
There is a whole field of evolutionary psychology. Let me get this out of the way: I remain skeptical of the entire endeavor, even though there is now a Center for Evolutionary Psychology. But when it makes it into the...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 9:02 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 25, 2007
Category: Computing
I know that the SB site can be overwhelming; there is a lot here, and it can take a lot of time to go through it all. Now, for those of you who like to use feeds, e.g. Google Reader,...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 2:57 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Social Issues
Sometimes I go to sites such as Yes! or Ode, looking for a positive spin on current events. Another is the McClatchy site, where they have an entire section devoted to good news. But then, there is this: U.S. economy...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:49 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 24, 2007
Category: Armchair Musings
I won't rehash the distinction between faith-based and reality-based reasoning, figuring that most blog readers -- at least the progressive ones -- know the meaning and context. However, I would like to make one point. Reasoning that is not reality-based...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 11:50 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 19, 2007
Category: Psychiatry
Joltvolta (great name, by the way), asked a good question after I posted part 3. When you say proceed methodically, employ good data collection, etc. How does the individual do that for themselves? If they don't have the availability to...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:27 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 18, 2007
Category: Computing
I am still trying to figure out what this means: "Available under the GPL Licence and in exclusivity for Mandriva Linux, Metisse differs from a classic 3D desktop ..." Usually you don't see the terms "GPL" and "exclusivity" in the...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 11:18 PM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Photos of Interest
I am taking my time with the next big post, and happen to be on call, so I'm not getting enough sleep this week. I know this is old, but it still amuses me....
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 12:02 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 16, 2007
Category: Photos of Interest
This is the Rosette Nebula, as featured on Astronomy Picture of the Day. Credit & Copyright: Robert Gendler. Click on the image for the full size version. It is in constellation Monoceros, which means Unicorn; just to the left of...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 11:34 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 14, 2007
Category: Psychiatry
It occurs to me that in order to go any farther explaining how to choose an antidepressant, I should take a moment to explain the concept of an adequate trial. Earlier, I mentioned that the patient's history of response to...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 9:12 AM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Photos of Interest
Just so you will know what we'll be blowing to bits, if it comes to that. These are more-or-less random photos from Flickr, tagged "Tehran." And don't miss Hotspot Tehran, and the Peace Train flash animation....
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 12:46 AM • 4 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 12, 2007
Category: Psychiatry
(Part One is here) Now we get to the heart of the matter: how does one decide what antidepressant to prescribe? First, let's take a look at the factors that are considered relevant to the choice. If you understand what...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 9:01 AM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 11, 2007
Category: Computing
If this makes no sense to you, never mind....
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 12:32 PM • 4 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 10, 2007
Category: Basic Concepts
Psychiatry is not a basic science. It is a medical practice that is derived from several basic sciences: psychology, pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, epidemiology, and so forth. So this is not really a basic concept, in the sense of explaining something fundamental about nature. Rather, it explains something that is fundamental in the course of psychiatric practice: the selection of antidepressant medication.
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 3:05 PM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 9, 2007
Category: Psychiatry
This is a nice little study that deserve a brief comment. It's from Am J Psychiatry this month. What is shows is that participation in psychotherapy can alter the rate of reported adverse effects from medication, and decrease the rate...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:38 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 8, 2007
Category: Social Commentary
Now we are left to wonder how it can be, that a report urging a goddam WAR, could be "inappropriate, but not illegal." If something that is "inappropriate" leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths, but is not illegal, we need to rethink our legal system.
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 11:11 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 7, 2007
Category: Politics
I will chip in a few thoughts about the President's proposed budget, just to make a point. Based upon the following from DefenseTech.org, a pro-military site: ...That'll include "the first significant funding" -- $3 billion -- in the next generation...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 12:37 AM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 4, 2007
Category: Social Commentary
Post-game comments. I understand the game was broadcast in 232 countries, and cybercast in six languages. Maybe it is more than just another game, if it draws that much attention. No, I take it back. Money always attracts attention. That...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 10:07 PM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Part thirteen The commentators are talking a lot about how brilliant the winning coach is, even though the game is not quite over. Are there any lessons to be drawn from this game? No. Super Bowl games usually are not...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 9:50 PM • 3 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
It is looking as though the Colts are going to win this one. Another interception, this time with the Bears on the losing end. You just can't win if you keep throwing things away. Over the past hour or so,...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 9:37 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Politics
Part eleven. Bears have the ball. They were doing OK until their quarterback fell down. Today has been proclaimed "Brian Urlacher Day," in New Mexico. Governor Bill Richardson Declares Super Bowl Sunday "Brian Urlacher Day" in New Mexico February 2,...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:53 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Part ten. I don't think I can keep this up. Football is sometimes referred to as "the thinking man's game." More like the "sleeping man's game." Many football players end up with large necks, because of the kinds of exercises...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:39 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Part whatever. It is hard to pay attention to detail with the TV on. I'm making all kinds of mistakes doing this live-blogging thing. It is not as easy as I thought it would be. The game is only half-over...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:20 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Social Issues
Part eight. Speaking of odds, do you remember who Percy Julian was? His work with steroids and alkaloids helped bring about a host of affordable and effective treatments for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma, benefiting millions worldwide. According to...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:10 PM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Part seven. Merifully, it is almost half time. We're at the two minute warning. Colts offense is getting in gear. Can't wait until half time. I hear Prince will be performing. He promised to not have any wardrobe malfunctions. I...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:52 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Bioethics
Part six. It is ironic, isn't it, that this game is being broadcast in High Definition, and it is raining, and the rain makes the picture indistinct. I've been skeptical of the value of High Definition TV. Seems like a...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:38 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Part five comes at the start of the second quarter. I am eating burritos made with soy, phytoestrogens be damned. Half the beer is gone. Started the game with 0.66 liters. Now down to about 330ml. Goes well with the...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:28 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Author realizes he overwrote pt 2 with pt 3. Part 2 is lost forever. Wow. That is more interesting than the game has been so far. I've eaten all the guacamole. There was too much garlic in it. Oh, the...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:08 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Chatter
Author getting bored. Turn attention to menu. Eating fresh guacamole from Arbor Farms, drinking Pilner Urquell, from Plzen Czech. Some people claim that it is the original pilsner, and that it is the best beer in the world. Could be. ...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 6:53 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Social Commentary
I almost never watch football. But this year it is being broadcast in High Definition TV. Looks great on my 36cm screen. Pregame show was colorful and totally uninspired. The coin flip: the Bears win. That's the tenth coin flip...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 6:38 PM • 3 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Armchair Musings
Yesterday, both Abel and I posted about the unexpected effects of lavender and tea-tree oils: they've been implicated as causing gynecomastia in boys. Blogpulse indicates that the Blogosphere has reacted quite a bit to this: the blog at Wired News...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 1:02 PM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 3, 2007
Category: Medicine
Regular readers know I am not globally opposed to the use of various natural products. Even so, I do, from time to time, point out why we need to be cautious about some herbal or alternative medicine products. A good...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 4:23 PM • 2 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Humor
It recognition of the lifetime achievements of Molly Ivins, I propose that the term "Bushism" be replaced with "Shrubism." But I'm not the decider when it comes to the popularity of colloquialisms. That aside, Shrubisms rarely make me laugh any...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 11:41 AM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 2, 2007
Category: Medicine
This morning, or noon, or whatever, I read Jonah's post at The Frontal Cortex, The NFL and Mental Illness. It is a tragic story, but there is one thing about it that I want to comment upon, regarding the reported...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 8:35 PM • 1 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Social Commentary
This is just strange. Not profound, just strange. The same newspaper on the same day carries two headlines on the same subject: Jobs Growth Slows but Remains Strong Stocks End Mixed on Lackluster Jobs Data Jobs Growth Slows but Remains...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:41 PM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
Category: Medicine
I almost wrote about this yesterday: a pair of articles indicating that the FDA is getting more serious about protecting people: FDA Revamps Process for Safety of Drugs After Approval FDA to Monitor Post-Market Drug Safety The need to bolster...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:26 AM • 0 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
February 1, 2007
Category: Photos of Interest
It's not really funny, but... Some rights reserved. HT: Mitten...
Posted by Joseph j7uy5 at 7:20 PM • 7 Comments • 0 TrackBacks
