4 chapters across the catalog
Drone Strikes and Psychiatric Manual Conflicts of Interest
U.S. drone strikes in North Waziristan are characterized as "pipeline protection." Meanwhile, a study in *PLOS Medicine* reveals that 70% of the DSM-5 task force members have financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, leading to a prediction that "sleep disorders" will be the next major profit center for drug manufacturers.
A listener provides insight into "Non-24," a circadian rhythm disorder common among blind individuals whose brains do not receive light cues to regulate sleep cycles. The discussion questions whether new medications for the condition are legitimate medical breakthroughs or "scams" designed to repurpose expiring patents.
Pharmaceutical Advertising and Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder
A significant portion of network news revenue is derived from pharmaceutical advertisements, including drugs for "Non-24" circadian rhythm sleep disorder. The hosts question the marketing of these drugs to sighted people when they are primarily indicated for the totally blind.
Psychotropic Drugs, DSM-5 Conflicts, Sleep Disorders
The upcoming DSM-5 manual is criticized for financial conflicts of interest, with 70% of task force members having ties to pharmaceutical companies. The hosts highlight that 83% of contributors to the sleep disorder section have industry links. They also discuss reports claiming that antidepressants are often no more effective than placebos.
