[tschwimmer]

I think the thing that stands out to me about this whole thing is how nakedly corrupt it comes off as. I'm sure the legions will rush to rebut me and say "But Psychiatrists have ethical standards! They would never let ice cream influence their decision to prescribe a substandard drug!" That may be true, both philosophically and perhaps even in practice (though I doubt it...[0]) but even still, the bonanza of sleazy advertising is _so_ embarrassing to psychiatry, drug companies and the FDA.

Drugs should be prescribed on a clinical basis, full stop. Attempting to advertise your medication on any other basis should be a criminal offense. We as a society need to draw a bright moral line to stop this type of behavior. Though I laughed at Scott making light of it, this stuff isn't funny. This is a life and death issue.

[hirundo]

> Drugs should be prescribed on a clinical basis, full stop. Attempting to advertise your medication on any other basis should be a criminal offense.

You want to jail people who advertise medication on the basis of price?

[bradleybuda]

Food should be rationed on a nutritional basis, full stop. Attempting to advertise your food on any other basis should be a criminal offense. We as a society need to draw a bright moral line to stop this type of behavior.

I mean, everyone needs food. It's life and death. Clearly more important even than psychiatric drugs.

[tschwimmer]

This is a false paralellism. There is no equivalent to 'taste' in terms of medication. Sure, you may urge your doctor to switch from one medication to another because it works better for you or has more acceptable side effects. But that's very clearly a clinical decision.

In any case, shilling with free ice cream or a giant house of cards does not communicate this information.