Pendulums in medical practice.
The Medico-legal journal March 27, 2025 Mathias E Kant
Medicine is often more an art than a science, especially in controversial areas. Physicians rely on the 'standard of care' for guidance and legal protection, but this standard is reactive and temporary. Examples of complete swings in practice include opiate prescribing in the US, which has gone from widespread acceptance to vilification, as well as electroconvulsive therapy for depression and hormone replacement for postmenopausal women. Research funding, such as during the recent pandemic, has also swung. Current debates include medical marijuana and hallucinogens for addiction. These pendulum swings have harmed some patients. Physicians should consider the full body of evidence and act in patients' best interests.