Simon Singh

Edzard Ernst

An analysis of alternative medicine evaluates thirty popular treatments, including acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbal remedies, to address contradictory opinions and identify their benefits and potential dangers, in a study that counsels readers on how to make informed choices and supports the primacy of the scientific method for public health practice and policy.

Trick Or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine

Mary Baldwin

Having read a number of books critically analysing medicine in all its forms - this is a tricky book for me to review. That said, it wasn't difficult to read.

There are an increasing number of publications examining the science (or lack there of) behind alternative medicines - and because the facts, are the facts; if you've read more than one book of that ilk you will read a lot of similar information over and over. As such, it's more a case of deciding how the author's style suits both the subject matter and the level of detail they include.

I consider myself pretty well versed in clinical matters, including EBM and the placebo effect, so the background information was somewhat superfluous for me. That said, if you're new to the subject, the authors do a great job of making the content digestable and the highlights of the book are framed really well by the introductory (1) and summary (6) chapters.

Balanced cases are presented for each alternative practice addressed; with the sensible addition of common counter argument themes and objections/cases from regulatory bodies and practitioners alike.

I might not have taken away anything totally new from this book, but it was a great reminder that 'do no harm' isn't the safety net it sounds to be. In particular, the authors touch on the debate of 'Placebo Effect Acceptance' - is getting better via placebo an acceptable outcome, or does it risk delayed treatment, apathy, missed diagnosis or diltue the importance of pharmacologic interventions.

That's a subject all on it's own - and there are some excellent further readings suggested in the appendices.

Your reception to this book will very much depend on your current position towards alternative medicine and your level of prior knowledge on Evidence Based Medicine.

It's nicely written, easy to read, well balanced and accessible. If you have covered the subject before, skip it and start with books be Ben Goldacre.

Trick Or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine

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