Charlie Rose

Nick Lento  02/25/2008 03:23 PM Report

I have to wonder how much of the information/data discussed in the progrem are the result of funding by the pharamaceutical industry that has a vested interest in seeing this subject as just a matter of chemicals and neurobiological mechanics.

I bet that if you looked at the neurochemical/biological physiology of a person before and after they were subjected to unlawful imprisonment/torture for a few years that you would indeed see "concrete" "markers". That person/victim would not be made "whole" with simple chemical intervention..........and if we ever get to the point where that were even superficially possible; it would be a different "whole" all together.

Yes, there's a roll for pharma, but it's NO panacea.

The real answers to these questions of "mental illness" lie in the areas of humanizing and spiritualizing our collective political/social/planetary existence.

It's not a "weakness of individual character" so much as a systemic perversion of deeper/objective human nature by societal/economic/political structures that "screw" with the human mind/spirit.

Valerie Porr  12/26/2007 02:33 PM Report

Thank you for the opportunity to hear the top neuroscientists of our time explain their work so that the public could understand the workings of the brain.The impact of this understanding can reduce stigma against mental illness and bring hope back to the lives of those suffering with these painful disorders.

As President and Founder of the TARA National Association for Personaluty Disorder I would like to particularly thank Helen Mayberg for her extraordinary work. Her compassion for her patients came across so clearly. It made a very strong impression on me and on my colleagues. Dr. Mayberg humanized depression, made emotional pain palpable and gave people hope. She simplified the concepts of cognitive training in such a meaningful way abd described the workings of the brain with a poetic eloquence

The panel was excellent. I plan to order the DVD and use it in my work with family members of people with Borderline Perfsonality Disorder. All in all, the panel provided an overview of recent advances in neurobiology and an understanding of how the brain works that not only informed the general public but reframed how we view mental illness. Earlier that day the news featured an article from the Virgin Islands about a young man with schizophrenia who rode off on a bicycle that was not his. He was arrested and has been incarcerated for the past 5 years. There are no mental hospitals in the Virgin Islands and I assume very little psychiatric care. Quite a contrast to this panel discussion.

Learning how the brain functions including how irregularities in connectivity and the architecture of various regions can lead to the behaviors that characterize BPD makes a huge duifference in family attitude towards thye sufferer and the disorder. Watching the panel last night reaffirmed my commitment to the need to teach the public about advances in neurobiology; how the brain functions and how behavior can be changed. It is this science that gives us hope.

Miguel Volovsek  12/26/2007 10:53 AM Report

I was a bit dissapointed that neither Dr. Paul Nurse nor Charlie pressed the interviewees on the question of infectious etiology, inflammatory and related immunological factors involved in these diseases of the brain. The panel avoided this topic when asked about possible risk factors leaving the impression that it is either all genetics or environmental factors such as lifestyle and diet. There is good evidence that cryptic infections may be the primary triggers in these and many other chronic diseases of the brain and other body systems, and that they may be the cause of the frequently observed somatic genetic changes seen at the cellular level. Most associations seen between germline (heritable) genetic markers and disease are rarely absolute but rather statistical and therefore typically only indicate predisposition. There would have been no need for the panel to go into this much detail, but it would have taken only a few words to let an enthusiastic audience know about this critical piece of the puzzle, Other than that, great show.

Amy Pfau  12/25/2007 01:12 PM Report

I landed upon the Diseases of the Brain episode by accident and found the show absolutely fascinating. The panelists were inspiring, they were brilliant, they were fabulous spokespersons for their fields.

I will now watch every prior episode off the Pfizer website. Charlie Rose did an impressive job with these scientists/professors. I have passed the link to my son, who is in high school, and I think he, too, will find it extremely interesting.

Chris Roberts  12/24/2007 06:39 PM Report

I'm puzzled why Scrapie and Mad Cow Disease are never mentioned when Alzheimer's comes up. Deadly Feasts by Richard Rhodes talks about amyloid plaques and describes how difficult they are to destroy, but in domestic animals it seems they were generated by mixing same species meat with the animal feed.

Thank you for making so many interesting interviews available to us.

Chris

silus  12/23/2007 10:38 PM Report

how come this show hasn't won any emmy awards or any similar awards?? if there was a noble prize for journalism this show would have gotten all of it. I think this show's table will eventually end up in smithsonians.... Thank you charlie for doing this show.

Delores Kowalczy  12/23/2007 02:42 PM Report

I have had trouble with depression for over forty years but have never been able to explain it as well as Helen Mayberg. Thank you, Helen. You have given me new insight into what is going on and how to describe it. You have enlightened my family, who,I think, have always been puzzled. All of the platitudes you mentioned "you're having a bad day","it's all your mother's fault","it's mind over matter",etc., have been said to me. These would strike terror into my heart, as I felt unable to do anything about correcting how I felt. I went to eleven psychiatrists before one diagnosed depression but treated it incorrectly. (One doctor had me talking to my headache.) The battle is still on for me. If medication plus psychotherapy had been given earier, I believe my life would have been more productive. This is a regret. Please continue to help others so they will not have to deal with this terribly painful and destructive disease. One thing however often overlooked. During my first profound depression in 1969 I had three children under 7 to take care of and my husband had to train for a new job out of town. Somehow, I managed to keep the hearth and home together and the children relatively well cared for. It was the very worst time of my life in a life that has not been uneventful. They do not seem to have suffered any lasting trauma, are relatively normal and happy. Perhaps we should realize that love is also an emotion-a very positive one. What it alone can accomplish is staggering. I believe there are many deeply depressed people out there functioning only because they love or are loved very deeply. Here's wishing that depressed people or their loved ones seek the help that is out there and made available by people like you and others. Thank you, Charlie Rose, for keeping us informed on this and so many other matters.

John Wirt  12/22/2007 05:26 PM Report

Plesae fix the star-rating feature on this program. I would give it 5 stars but can't. All I post is two stars. My series of attempts to enter 5 stars probably brought the average down. This is a great video. Good science, important topic, smart people discussing it, including C. Rose.

Yvonne Kolodny  12/22/2007 01:44 PM Report

Just one very general comment. In my humble opinion, there is no better talk show available today than Charlie Rose, no matter what the subject might be

B. Stanley  12/22/2007 12:13 PM Report

Thank you for your care and work in so many interesting areas. Our family has watched Charlie Rose for many years.

The Science program on the Brain--Autism, Depression and Alzheimers touched our family. It is unusual to watch television which is describing what has happened to you, and it offers hope for the future.

Thank you.

Shaft  12/22/2007 12:47 AM Report

I loved this program, I enjoyed it so much that I wish it was a little longer.

Carol Crottie  12/21/2007 10:24 PM Report

Congrats to Charlie Rose and PBS. This was the best, most informative show I have ever seen of TV. The panel is to be "hugged" for putting their ego's aside and presenting the very best information that was based in research. I could not believe the brain power at that table, Charlie too, of course! This information is priceless! I hope this series is made into a book. Charlie gets more good information to more people than any other "talk" show. So many of us need this information, thank you all for coming together and sharing with the nation. The nation is grateful.

Carol J  12/21/2007 09:37 PM Report

Schraft, you are welcome. Sorry about your MS. I have a dear friend with MS and she probably had it most of her life but was not diagnosed until her early 30s. Take care.

corey  12/21/2007 09:25 PM Report

I wish there would have been more about the potential of the human mind and less about disease.

Schraft  12/21/2007 09:15 PM Report

Thank you, Carol J, for letting me know I can watch Thursday's health panel again. I'm an MS patient and late night shows are often when my energy levels are at their lowest, so I need to absorb content when I'm not so tired. My family has numerous members with Alzheimer's disease, so I try hard to follow the advances.

I can hardly wait until the health panel addresses MS. The drug field is crowded with therapies to slow the progression but thus far there is no actual cure. C'est la vie, but the cost of wellness is enormous.

Judith A. Werdel  12/21/2007 07:43 PM Report

I enjoyed the program very much - so much so that I would like to research the topic further, particularly the work on depression. I was disappointed not to find further information on the specific departmental and research affiliations of your speakers, and links to research articles,etc. describing their findings in more detail. Am I missing something??? Do you not normally include such links relating to your programs on your website? This is my first time using it. I know I can probably Google all of them, but how about helping out your viewers with the nitty gritty, which I am sure you probably have right at hand. A specific response would be appreciated please. Thanks.

Judith Aufderheide  12/21/2007 06:02 PM Report

I just viewed the most recent of you science series, From Potential of the mind to diseases of the brain dealing more specifically with Depression, Autism, and Alzheimer's. While the enormity of the subject matter boggles the brain, I believe your guests and the host Charlie Rose did a remarkable job covering the general subject matter, particularly given the brief amount to time allotted to this vastly complex topic. From a strictly layman's level I enjoyed the back and forth dialogue of the experts and appreciated the effort made to include and tie each person's field of study into cohesive and and integrated pieces.

Dale M. Holm  12/21/2007 05:47 PM Report

I was blown away by so many interesting things discussed in the session that I do'nt know where to start. But thanks so much for doing such important and interesting things.

Debra  12/21/2007 04:27 PM Report

Thank you for presenting this topic and kudoz to all the guests. As a 45 year old woman who has been struggling with bipolar illness for at least 20 years, 10 of those undiagnosed as Bipolar II, and one suicide attempt, I do still fight against a strong stigma. I have been out of work for 15 months and am having a hard time returning to the work force. I have been hospitalized five times during those 15 months. When I explain my absence from the work force by saying that I've been on leave, I'm met with a blank stare. I am a strong believer in medication along with CBT for bipolar. I also receive ECT treatments monthly. I feel very strong these days and feel that it has taken these 15 months to finally find the proper cocktail. There are still days when I'd prefer my bed all day to life in the real world, and it's a fight to see which will win - the bed or the world. People say to me, "at least you don't have AIDS, at least you don't have cancer..." But in my mind severe depressive episodes and the knowledge that they will return is just as much a death sentence to me. And the pain is invisible. Don't get me wrong. I can't compare pain with anyone, and don't care to. My heart goes out to anyone suffering. And my heart goes out to any person, program, or research that seeks to enlighten and perhaps help eliminate ANY suffering. Thank you for your show. --Debra

Mary Logan  12/21/2007 04:22 PM Report

I was very interested in the description of Autism patients being able to understand a picture of a smiling person, but not able to recognize what it means when someone smiles in real time. It made me wonder if those patients are somehow not operating in what we think of as 'real time'. I suppose we would have to know which part of the brain is responsible for recognizing time. Made me think. Great show. Thanks.

david pol  12/21/2007 04:16 PM Report

Great show.

Splashy:

"Excellent show! I have tried to tell people how much of behavior is determined by how the brain works, and that you can't tell by looking if a person can deal with life or not. People need to be helped, not condemned, for diseases and conditions of the brain not under their control."

Thanks splashy. We all need to remember these people are people too. I have a child with Autism and it's who he is: a person not a disease or condition.

Bob Offer  12/21/2007 04:14 PM Report

Wonderful Show!

As I study everything from Spirituality to Science and Religion I find that a common link is becomming clear..... there is a link with Quantum Physics ( scalar waves and neutrinos etc.) subconscious brain function at 350 m/sec,

prayer and mind disfuntions. The IONS ( Institute Of Noetic Sciences) convention last summer covered much of this and brought much of the recent documentation forward.

I believe we are on the eve of a Grand Awakening.

Bob Offer

Interfaith Minister, Life Counselor,workshop leader, Director IONS FTL>

Bob Turner  12/21/2007 04:08 PM Report

Excellent interview with top people - especially the segment on depression. The idea that drugs plus psycho therapy can combine together to cause changes in the brain that can be observed and proven by real changes in the imaging results is fascinating. Great and helpful interview

John Sommers-Flanagan  12/21/2007 04:07 PM Report

I was very disappointed in biomedical bias on last night's show. There is very little evidence that clinical depression has biological origins. At a conference with the Dalai Lama, Helen Mayberg, and others two months ago, it was clearly acknowledged in an interaction between His Holiness and Charles Nemeroff, M.D., that all depressive disorders originate from life experiences. Nonetheless, within the first 5 minutes of your broadcast, the words disease and illness were used over 20 times. The last time I heard the same words to describe a situation so often was when I listened to GWB use the phrase WMD so many times in his 2003 state of the union speech. One of the biggest dangers of medicalizing all mental disorders involves the over-medicating of children and adolescents.

I wish you would provide an opportunity for an alternative viewpoint regarding mental disorders from someone not tied to the medical establishment. There are many excellent professionals who understand that most "mental disorders" originate from social and psychological foundations and eventually develop biological correlates. I am happy to help you identify such individuals for a future show and would gladly volunteer myself. As a journalist with a positive reputation for balance, I think you should strongly pursue greater balance in this crucial area of study.

Thank you for listening to my comments.

Sincerely,

John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Associate Professor and Chair

Department of Counselor Education

The University of Montana

Jeanne Storm  12/21/2007 02:50 PM Report

Also in response to Winnie H.'s comment that Alzheimers patients have led most of their lives: I am 79 yrs. old and thank goodness do not have Alzheimers, but I have suffered memory loss due to Hydrocephalus and was so grateful that it was possible to delay further loss( which could have led to dementia) by the insertion of a tube to drain fluid from my brain ventricles. Does Winnie H. think that an older person such as myself does not suffer at the thought of losing their memory, which is essentially their selfhood? Does she think such a person does not worry about what their care may mean to their family in terms of mental stress as well as financial? Just wait till she reaches 70+!!!!

Kersten A  12/21/2007 01:41 PM Report

In response to Winnie H's comment that Alzheimer's diseaes sufferers have lived "most of their lives" when they become ill and that their illness is accepted, I would like to reply that she is overlooking a large number of early onset patients. My mother became disabled with the disease at the age of 50 and has deteriorated steadily over 10 years. She is totally stigmatized and rarely do friends visit or call. After teaching for 25 years in one school district she did not receive a retirement party when she became diagnosed and had to go on disability because people were too uncomfortable dealing with the disease. Also, early onset is particularly misunderstood - my sister and I have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease before we are 55. When I try to have a discussion about early onset with various MDs, most know much less about the disease and the genetics of early onset Alzheimer's disease or the illness than I do. My father became a caregiver to his wife when he was less than 55 years old and when he still had to find a way to work full time as a teacher for 10 years while also serving as caregiver. So, please be informed before you start to make claims about other diseases such as Alzheimer's disase and be mindful that early onset Alzeheimer's patients face entirely different circumstances than late onset patients and that early onset is 50% likely to be passed on to children of the patient and 50% likely to affect all of the patient's living, yet undiagnosed siblings.

LisAnne Becotte  12/21/2007 01:27 PM Report

I was enthralled! As a stemcell advocate, I have come into contact w. those who are fighting for stemcell for their children! I was waiting for the discussion of stemcells!

They much promise of these, as well as recovery from TBI- TraumaticBrainInjury, which is what I have! PLEASE, do a show about the PROMISE of stemcells!

tHANKyOU~ STEMCELLSgiveLIFE ;)*

James F. Daugherty  12/21/2007 01:11 PM Report

This is one of the best new discussions on cutting-edge theories and practice concerning the growing fields of research and treatment of diseases, both physiological and psychological, of the brain. It's scope covers everything from depression to Alzheimers disease.

The information presented here has become one of the most important areas of current scientific study, particularly as it repersents many concerns of those in the reirement age segment; the fastest growing group in our society.

Three cheers for Charlie Rose.

C. Wilkinson  12/21/2007 12:59 PM Report

While I agree people need help, and I did find it interesting to consider the "rut" the mind gets into over time concerning many mental health illness, I am still concerned with all the medications available and how people use them. Yes, some of these powerful drugs appear to bring relief in the present, what of their future? What of the damages that may well be huge by comparison to the individual later in life if the drugs are found to have long term effects not yet known? How does one account for the exponential increases in specifice mental disorders and could it be possible the damages rendering such harms, are actually found in many actions taken to fix something else? It just bears careful thought.

My greatest concern, is the lack of importance placed on true mental health care and oversight by physicians who dole out these medications. IF one is to be under the influences of such powerful drugs, is it not also important that every single soul receiving them, should be under someone's constant care, supervision and family involvement? I also believe no one should be allowed these drugs, that is not also willing to undergo counseling.

I still believe the drugs are far more beneficial to drug makers' bottom lines, than they are safe and effective for ordinary people who are quite naturally depressed as they look out upon the world we live in and are constantly bombarded with huge issues, in very real terms.

I think we have far too much "stuff" to process, and our natural beings are only responding normally to a very abnormal world.

We are just not doing enough to find the core root causes that might well be environmental/social negative impacts. Afterall, are we not clear here that powerful drugs are ALSO harming our citizenry?

How many women suffer breast cancer and/or Alzheimers for example, that sought to change their natural selves to accomomadate sex on demand without consequences? How about those consequences that are realized by our nation, which go straight back to the mental, emotional and physical traumas brought on by things which were strictly taboo before recent times?

It is all relevant. All of it. The experts are great in many ways, yet still appear to only be going at the problems and solutions in a tunnel visioned approach.

I found the segment very interesting, as I find EVERY Charlie Rose Show deeply beneficial as opposed to what Americans are offered in other forms of media.

Charlie Rose lets us invite "the experts" and powerful/influential people into our homes in a very unique, powerful and interesting way. Where more often than not, we get to see these people in a more realistic and honest sense.

Thanks Charlie Rose.

Carol J  12/21/2007 11:37 AM Report

SCHRAFT, be patient, it will be on this website maybe later today or over the week end.

Then, you will be able to watch as many times as you want and to make as many comments as you desire. Would you believe this statement is coming from a very impatient person and I have not seen the program.

Tom W  12/21/2007 10:28 AM Report

I saw segments of the show last night and I was very interested about the depression discussion. I want to know more about the treatment of depression because I have been suffering with it since I turned 18...I am now 44. This is of course very serious...if anyone can help me with more information...please, please let me know. Tjwilcenski@hotmail.com

Schraft  12/21/2007 10:12 AM Report

Terrific panel and topic! I'm still puzzled why I can't access this online to listen-watch it again. It's broadcast on PBS, a public and federally funded network, then it becomes part of Charlie Rose's exclusive domain where it can only be later purchased. Does PBS also benefit from these sales? These timely medical topics are important to all those who have or have loved ones with neurological disorders. The availability of the science series should be easier than it is currently marketed.

Winnie Huff  12/21/2007 04:13 AM Report

Very interesting show on how the brain works. But, as usual a major illness, schizophrenia, was not on the panel. It amazes me how Alzheimers gets so much attention today and it is a relatively recent phenomenon, it also affects people who have had the opportunity to live most of their lives fully before onset, - compare this to schizophrenia which has been around forever and affects people at the beginning of their lives. Is this disparity of attention because people who suffer from alzheimers are our parents whom we have known as 'real' people and don't consider them crazy? Whereas schizophrenia sufferers have always acted a little odd and therefore we put them in a different category, not exactly really 'people'? Therefore, not deserving of the same attention. I have noticed that schizophrenia suffers from a lack of visibility, most people on the street probably couldn't tell you the symptoms of this illness, but everyone knows about alzheimers and autism. People mostly avoid schizophrenics whereas they support and comfort alzheimers, is there any equity in mental illness?

splashy  12/21/2007 03:31 AM Report

Excellent show! I have tried to tell people how much of behavior is determined by how the brain works, and that you can't tell by looking if a person can deal with life or not. People need to be helped, not condemned, for diseases and conditions of the brain not under their control.

martin  12/21/2007 01:42 AM Report

What a Terrific show... excellent program..My worry is who would replace Charlie in case he retires? who would bring these precious information to masses??

Craig Hane  12/21/2007 01:03 AM Report

Brilliant Show. Very stimulating and enlightening. I would like to learn more about how epigenetics affects these various mental processes, and how our various behaviors, in turn, affect the epigentics. This was hinted at in the discussions, but I felt the panelists probably know much more than they had the time to reveal. I imagine the science of epigentic influences is at a much earlier stage and, thus, it is "safer" to stick to the genetics, and other clinical knowledge. Nevertheless, this was a superlative discussion. Thank you very much, Charlie. P.S. I see why Eric Kandel is such a favorite of yours.

Francine  12/21/2007 12:51 AM Report

Also, I am curious what your panel has to say specifically about bipolar illness.

Francine  12/21/2007 12:49 AM Report

I am one of 5 siblings, four of which (including me) are mentally ill to the point of disabiliy. Something that was said about how mental illness is more understood and accepted is not quite true in my experience. There is still not parity with medical insurance, including Medicare. When that happens I will believe that mental illness is truly accepted as something that isn't your fault or personal weakness. Also, as I get older, more people I know get mentally ill. I know a lot of mentally ill people now that I'm 50. I wonder why that is?

lydia barrett  12/21/2007 12:01 AM Report

Thanks for an opportunity to sit in on such a rich conversation about mental illnesses. Please invite them back again, or organize a larger special show.

I also noticed the wonderfully unique neckties about half way through the show! Fascinating.

Harold A . Maio  12/20/2007 04:09 PM Report

IN my word serach, your show comes up as a source of the term "stimga." I hav having difficulty accessing the announcement on

Charlie Rose Science Series Focuses on the 'Mysteries of the Human ...

Earthtimes, UK - 2 hours ago

Pfizer's advanced research into diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia is all part of our effort to build on recent scientific advancements to ...

can you tell if that term appears on your show.

Harold A. Maio

Advisory Board

American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Board Member

Partners in Crisis

Former Consulting Editor

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal

Boston University

Language Consultant

UPENN Collaborative on Community Integration

of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

Home:

8955 Forest St

Ft Myers FL 33907

khmaio@earthlink.net

239-275-5798

Harold A . Maio  12/20/2007 04:09 PM Report

IN my word serach, your show comes up as a source of the term "stimga." I hav having difficulty accessing the announcement on

Charlie Rose Science Series Focuses on the 'Mysteries of the Human ...

Earthtimes, UK - 2 hours ago

Pfizer's advanced research into diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia is all part of our effort to build on recent scientific advancements to ...

can you tell if that term appears on your show.

Harold A. Maio

Advisory Board

American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Board Member

Partners in Crisis

Former Consulting Editor

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal

Boston University

Language Consultant

UPENN Collaborative on Community Integration

of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

Home:

8955 Forest St

Ft Myers FL 33907

khmaio@earthlink.net

239-275-5798