A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about Daniel Amen and his Psychiatric clinics. He has many popular Infomercials on public television and as I write this I am watching their most current version on Boston’s WGBH. In my original blog post I mentioned that I agreed with perhaps 80% of his recommendations, but I strongly disagreed with his use of expensive SPECT scans to diagnose and treat patients. I also felt uncomfortable with all the stuff he was selling his patients. He was becoming very wealthy at their expense. He seemed like the second coming of Christ by selling used cars.
People Love Easy Fixes
The response was somewhat predictable. My readers either thought he was the devil or the second coming of Christ. I think he is neither. In my opinion he takes some good information and mixes it with high tech witchcraft to make a lot of money. In other words, he is a classic Svengali. He has now teamed up with his wife Tana who seems to make a wonderful Mrs. Svengali.
When in Doubt, Check Your Wallet
I have spent about 40 years trying to figure out ways to improve the brain function in my patients. I have introduced a new disease model called Carbohydrate Associate Reversible Brain dysfunction or CARB syndrome. This form of food induced brain dysfunction is likely the most common chronic disease in the world. I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to help patients maintain optimal brain function. Unlike Dr. Amen, I don’t make money doing so. I work as an acute care Hospitalist saving lives on a daily basis. The information I have about maintaining brain function I share for free on my web site.
Amen makes his money ordering SPECT scans on all their patients, a practice that has zippo support in science or medicine. He also sells a lot of supplements, videos and DVDs making millions of dollars every year off his patients. I write a check every month to keep my web site going. I don’t want to become rich from your health problems. I want to give good information for free. And I sure as hell don’t want to make a penny from unproven SPECT scans for diagnosing Psychiatric disorders.
A New and More Dangerous Svengali
Daniel and Tana have figured out a way to combine flash and bravado, a mixture of science and voodoo, and sappy family stories to rip people off in a way that makes Dr. Oz look like Mother Teresa. Let me say this—If Daniel Amen turns you on, go for it but don’t call it science or good medicine. At some point you will likely wake up not feeling much better with a wallet that is very much lighter. At that point in time you will realize that you have been screwed by the Amens. If you follow my advice it will cost you little or nothing. Take your choice and live with the consequences.
Amen, shaman—please find a path to health where you aren’t being continually ripped off.