A Cluster of Veterans' Deaths; By Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD

EL CAJON, Calif., June 20 CA-Dr.-Baughman-Vets

EL CAJON, Calif., June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently four
Charleston,WV-area veterans -- Derek Johnson, 22, Andrew White, 23,
Eric Layne, 29, and Nicholas Endicott, with "Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder" (PTSD), treated with the Paxil, Klonopin, and Seroquel --
died in their sleep. All were said to be in good health. (Julie
Robinson, Charleston Gazette, May 24, 2008).

In a democracy, we have a right to "informed consent." Physicians have
a legal obligation to tell us the facts regarding (1) diagnosis and
(2)treatment. Regarding diagnosis: Is there a disease or isn't there?
Whichdisease? If there is no disease, that leaves emotional or
psychological. Regarding treatment, physicians have a duty to tell us
the facts, about allavailable treatments, not just the treatment they
prefer. The choice is ours.This is informed consent.