To the editor: Within the absence of naming a particular remedy within the physique of the story, this headline, which could possibly be seen as tying use of psychiatric remedy to homicide, is extremely irresponsible (“Nick Reiner was prescribed schizophrenia remedy earlier than deaths of Rob, Michele Reiner, sources say,” Dec. 21).
The Los Angeles Occasions ought to have waited till there was extra data earlier than publishing. Cessation of psychiatric medicines by these identified with critical psychological sickness is a well-documented drawback when achieved and not using a physician’s supervision. Any excuse can immediate this cessation, particularly when the medication have disagreeable unwanted effects. Conversely, when the drug makes the affected person really feel higher, generally they’ll assume they’re “cured” and cease taking the remedy.
On this case, studying that somebody was prescribed a medicine earlier than they allegedly carried out murders would make any affected person reluctant to take that drug. As a result of the article doesn’t identify the drug, even a rational particular person may cease taking all psych meds. In truth, the article doesn’t cite substantive causation, and doesn’t even say whether or not the unnamed drug was considered at fault or if Nick Reiner had stopped taking his prescription and was struggling withdrawal.
In a scenario the place medical data is made public, it’s essential to have all of the information, as omissions might have an effect on the lives of these with psychological sicknesses and their households. If the information are unavailable, don’t print the story.
Suzan Lowitz, Hollywood
