I respect physicians and yes, even most surgeons. They do great work and are the primary caregivers for most of the population seeking treatment for common mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. But sometimes they don't know what they're talking about. It concerns me because so many people see doctors as authoritative - no matter what their specialty. Many people's ears perk up when a doctor speaks.
On Thursday, David Volpi, M.D. decided to share with Huffington Post readers the results of a bunch of survey data - released back in March - about the use of technology and mental health symptoms.
But unlike the researchers, Dr. Volpi doesn't carefully distinguish between cause and effect and appears to jump to the conclusion that heavy technology use is causing these symptoms (rather than the other way around - that people who are more prone to such problems, or that have them already, simply turn to technology to use to feel more emotionally connected with others and relieve some of those symptoms).
That's one reason that I believe docs like Dr. Volpi should stick to surgery rather than disseminating psychological research results to the public. But wait, there's more...
I enjoy when physicians and others share their opinions and insights with ordinary folks about the medical literature, research, and more. I enjoy it a little less when they do so outside their field of expertise, or disseminate findings without any kind of context.
The Multiple Problems with This ResearchNowhere in Dr. Volpi's 947 word essay does he mention, for instance, that the research he's quoting is from a student's thesis. A thesis, while potentially important work, is not the equivalent of peer-reviewed research that appears in a medical or psychology journal. Anyone can write a thesis; not everyone can get a study published...