Snake oil science : the truth about complementary and alternative medicine /

Former National Institutes of Health (NIH) research director Bausell takes on the entire complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) industry, shining a bright, scientifically trained light upon its claims of often miraculous cures. By explaining in lengthy detail how to interpret true scientific data, he exposes the underbelly of pseudoscientific research that feeds mass media's hence, the public's desire for absolute answers. Whereas real scientists must operate in the realm of probably, perhaps, and possibly, CAM proponents seldom bother with such qualifications. Bausell also explains the placebo effect and how it plays into the hands of CAM proponents, who exploit it to disproportionately skew test results in their favor. He laments the formation of the NIH-funded Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialized Research Center, which he headed, because it gives undeserved credibility to a wide range of as yet scientifically unproven medical interventions. Although his style can be cumbersome alas, the bane of scientific-study prose Bausell's advice is sound as he cautions readers to approach all CAM interventions under the watchful eye of a qualified medical practitioner.--Chavez, Donna Copyright 2007 Booklist

A biostatistician, author and Senior Research Methodologist at the University of Maryland, Bausell looks at the alternative methods used by more than 36 percent of Americans to treat pain and illness by posing the question, "Is any complementary and alternative medical therapy more effective than a placebo?" In short, his answer is no; what, then, is actually happening in patients (and professionals) who swear by the medical utility of such complementary and alternative medicines ("CAMs") as acupuncture, deep breathing exercises and megavitamin therapy? Step by step, Bausell builds a rigorous case against CAM, beginning with a look at the history of CAMs and placebos, then the "poorly trained scientists" and flawed studies (among more than 300 analyzed for this book) that have historically supported CAM?s efficacy. A breakdown of the placebo effect?s hows and whys follows (are people hardwired for susceptibility?), along with a look at "high-quality studies" and "systematic reviews" (including an Italian study that finds natural opioid secretion in the brain responsible for the perceived benefits of placebos) which largely support Bausell?s answer. Entertaining and informative, with plenty of diverting anecdotal examples, Bausell offers non-professionals and pros a thorough look at the science on CAM, along with a complementary lesson in the methods of good medical research. (Nov.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.