Goodnight, Mickey

Posted on Monday 20 February 2017

Dad Doing His Best James Dean

Dad died just before midnight last night. Every end-of-life choice made was his, and knowing that gives Mom, Caitlin, and I a lot of peace. The only sadness (not really a regret, since we did all we could to make this happen), was that Dad could not make it back home to die. He was just too sick.

Because Dad was on a trach, he could not speak in the last days of his life, and his hands were too swollen and weak to be able to type. Despite those limitations, we worked out how to communicate surprisingly well. I let Dad know that I would like to turn his blog into a book. He really liked that idea. Given the size of his blog and the amount of quoted information included herein, this will not be a quick project, but it is one to which I am committed. I have already begun to make inquiries. I told Dad that Barney Carroll seemed to me to be a good person to consult with about this project, and he wholeheartedly agreed. I may post here from time to time as I work on this project. I really want to honor him and serve this community to the best of my ability.

You have meant so very much to my Dad. He’s had this whole new career as a retiree, and I thank all of you for that. I know he’s really made a difference in the field, and I am so proud of him. I am the admin for this blog, so if anyone has a burning need to post something here, please let me know, and I can post it as a main topic with the title “Guest Post: John Doe.”

There will be a large memorial gathering in Atlanta soonish. It won’t be immediate because Dad is so beloved by so many people that we expect a large crowd. We would love to have some of you in that crowd if you are able. This is probably several weeks out, but keep that in mind. We want you to know that you are welcome.

Dad was recently working on a Change.org petition. One favor you could do for him and for us is to read and sign it. I have a feeling you will all love it, and Barney says Dad created the graphic of the two ostriches with their heads in the sand.

Stop False Reporting of Drug Benefits & Harms by Making FDA & NIH Work Together

So much love to all of you. Abby

  1.  
    Bob Rubin
    February 20, 2017 | 1:06 PM
     

    Although I never met Mickey, through Barney Carroll I considered him a friend and for several years enjoyed his correspondence among a group of us. His blog was incisive, informative, and above all, truthful. He will be missed not only by his personal family but also by his large family of followers and admirers, and we thank him for his gifts to us through his blog and his personal communications. Rest in peace, Mickey.

    Bob Rubin

  2.  
    February 20, 2017 | 1:12 PM
     

    Let me add that I am not taking this blog down any time soon. I intend to keep it alive indefinitely. I know it has been a great resource for so many people, and I want it here and searchable.

  3.  
    1boringyoungman
    February 20, 2017 | 1:13 PM
     

    I will miss your father a very great deal. Thank you for taking the energy to include us with your family these past many days. I am grateful for that, and most of all that his last days were so in keeping with his and your family’s spirit. I feel terribly sad… I am sobbing as I write this. What I got to experience of him as a human being was remarkable. My best wishes to you and your family.

  4.  
    Sally
    February 20, 2017 | 1:36 PM
     

    Dear Abby,

    My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your great loss.

    I feel so grateful that there was something tangible I could do in his memory by signing the change.org petition he was creating. I noticed there is a place to donate (to help spread the word of the position). Would donating there be a good way to honour his memory and say thank you to him, or are there other different organizations or charities that you would suggest?

    Thank you for deciding to keep the blog going. For me, it has been one of the only psychiatry blogs where I felt I could really trust the information presented. MIckey will be so sorely missed.

  5.  
    Sally
    February 20, 2017 | 1:38 PM
     

    correction on my post…..”….spread the word of the petition”

  6.  
    Elaine Saleh
    February 20, 2017 | 1:45 PM
     

    Abby, I’ve been trying to explain to my own family how much your fathers honesty and bravery have meant to me as a mid-career psychiatrist. Very few people will publicly give voice to ideas in opposition to recognized leaders in their profession. It’s even rarer for the person speaking out to be so thoughtful and erudite. This blog is a treasure. Thank you for keeping it up. I’m sorry for your loss.
    Elaine Saleh

  7.  
    Richard Noll
    February 20, 2017 | 2:09 PM
     

    In this moment, like many of you who have not only learned from Mickey via his blog, but learned to love him as well, words cannot fully express our emotions. I know I can’t. So, for the moment, let me draw upon the words of someone else who pondered long and deep about the mysteries we all today are processing in our private ways.

    In his book, A Pluralistic Universe, the philosopher and psychologist William James devoted a chapter to the life and ideas of the German philosopher and experimental psychologist Gustav Fechner. James deeply resonated with this particular perspective:

    “Fechner likens our individual persons on the earth unto so many sense-organs of the earth’s soul. We add to its perceptive life so long as our own life lasts. It absorbs our perceptions, just as they occur, into its larger sphere of knowledge, and combines them with the other data there. When one of us dies, it is as if an eye of the world were closed.”

    I know Mickey would understand this.

    Mickey’s time here with us, his family, his friends, all of us who visited his blog, helped all of us to see. Mickey had — was — is — quite an eye.

  8.  
    Carl
    February 20, 2017 | 2:49 PM
     

    Dearest Abby,

    I am grateful that you were able to pull this together today of all days and commend the decisions you are taking to maintain Mickey’s presence, insights and incomparably wrought discussions ‘in-the-world’. These 12 years of disciplined inquiry will nurture intellectual fruit over and over – of this I’m sure.

  9.  
    Altostrata
    February 20, 2017 | 2:59 PM
     

    Very sad to hear of the passing of this great and good man. I shall miss his voice.

    My condolences to his family and friends.

  10.  
    February 20, 2017 | 3:31 PM
     

    I never knew Dr Nardo but through the blog and the Restoring Study 329 project I learned what a very special person he was – courageous,witty, brilliant,logical, honest, direct and caring. It is a wonderful idea to turn the blog into a book – actually, perhaps a series – there is A LOT there.The blog offers a unique “take” on critical issues with great insight, hard-hitting analysis, no malice but real concern. He is going to be VERY missed.

  11.  
    Melissa Raven
    February 20, 2017 | 3:58 PM
     

    Goodnight, Mickey; and thank-you so much, Mickey – it was a privilege to work with you (on Restoring Study 329), it was a pleasure to receive your quirky and often funny emails; and your blog, with its incisive analysis/wisdom/compassion/anger, has been one of the very best in the mental health arena.
    Abby, Sharon, Caitlin, I am so sad that you have lost Mickey, and so pleased that you had such a wonderful father, husband, …. for all those years.
    Abby, any chance of some more photos? I’ll never get to meet Mickey face to face; but it would be a real consolation to see that face in some more camera shots (hopefully including some with you and other family members).

  12.  
    Peggi
    February 20, 2017 | 4:33 PM
     

    I am so sorry; I offer my deepest condolences to your family and to Dr. Nardo’s many friends. I have tried to sign the petition but I can only find options to share and promote it. No doubt I am having a senior moment but if someone can send me directions, I will certainly sign it.

  13.  
    Johanna
    February 20, 2017 | 4:56 PM
     

    Oh Abby, I am so sorry … cannot imagine what it is like to try to say goodbye to your Boring Old Man. I feel sorry for the Study 329 team who got the privilege of working so hard with him and striking a blow for truth together. I even feel sorry for myself and all his other fans on the RxISK team (hi Julie). Surely I can’t be the only one who daydreamed of hitchhiking down to Stone Mountain or wherever, one of these days, and meeting Dr. Mickey.

    And my heart goes out to all his patients at the free clinic. Some of whom had their lives changed for the better, and all of whom got heard. Wow.

    As valuable as Mickey’s analysis was of the fraud running rampant through psychiatry, and his careful statistical lock-picking to let the truth stick its nose out … what I will really miss is his Tales from the Free Clinic. Maybe that would be the place to start, in gathering together the Book of 1BOM. Just one opinion.

    Best,

    Johanna Ryan

  14.  
    February 20, 2017 | 5:43 PM
     

    I’m not sure I’ll be able to ever listen to Creedence Clearwater Revival again the same after what I found out yesterday in your last days with him. Especially the song “who’ll stop the rain”.

    This blog certainly was of interest to me, even though at times I thought it was a little too academic for my liking, but, Mickey took a stand against stupid and poor choices, and I respect that. There’s not enough of us to take an effective stand anymore against what is inherently wrong and inappropriate.

    I have to say I just feel sad even though I don’t know him, and I surely offer my sincerest condolences to the family and hope there’s more joy than pain as you process his loss.

    That’s all I can say for now…..

  15.  
    Sandra Steingard
    February 20, 2017 | 6:11 PM
     

    Dear Abby and family,
    I add my voice to the many who will miss your father. His work was so vitally important. I am happy to hear you will work on a book. But he touched me – as he touched so many others – in more than an academic way. I feel such a deep sadness that I will not be able to open my computer in the morning to come see what Mickey has to teach us.

  16.  
    February 20, 2017 | 8:15 PM
     

    That is a great photo Abby.

    Deepest condolences to you and your family. I also think that your decisions about the blog are good ones. Best wishes.

  17.  
    Dinah
    February 20, 2017 | 9:04 PM
     

    Abby,
    I am so sorry….it is so difficult to lose a parent. Your dad was a great psychiatry blogger. My sympathy to you and your family.
    Dinah of Shrink Rap

  18.  
    Tom
    February 20, 2017 | 9:41 PM
     

    The picture of that porch populated by sturdy, but empty, wood chairs in the wilderness is telling. A very sad day. My condolences to your family.

  19.  
    James OBrien
    February 20, 2017 | 9:58 PM
     

    My condolences Abby. I know the sting of grief all too well at this moment as my own dear father also passed away yesterday.

  20.  
    Mac Cunningham
    February 20, 2017 | 10:06 PM
     

    Goodnight Mickey,
    Even at Chattanooga High School (1957-1960) you were beginning the rudimentary practice of your future profession. You were a role model as a example and epitome of “cool” to many of us. Your thoughtful expressions and insight helped guide your fellow struggling students to achieve our personal best.
    In short, you were blogging before blogging was ever known. As an adult, your many accomplishments were supported by deep resolve and strength of character and rich wisdom. Every once in a while our lives are enriched and enhanced by determined and delightful people such as you. May God Bless You with a special place among His Angels. They now welcome your guidance too. Mac

  21.  
    February 20, 2017 | 10:22 PM
     

    I just did something stupid and lost a long post where I spoke about the quote from Richard Noll at length. This has been the longest day, and I’m writing to you all from a motel halfway between Dad’s hospital and my home in Raleigh, NC. Perhaps I’ll be inspired to recreate it tomorrow.

    But photos? Photos I can do. I am a prolific photographer, and my father has never minded me taking his photo. At times, both he and my mother have also been shutterbugs. Dads even used to develop and print his own film.

    Here are a bunch. If you have comments, please just put them on my Flickr. I really love the one I chose as a cover photo and called “Benedict Cumberbatch.” I see that as his prime!

    Enjoy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/abbyladybug/sets/72157680587682755

  22.  
    Mariam Cohen
    February 20, 2017 | 11:20 PM
     

    My deepest and most sincere condolences. You and your family grieve and all of us are impoverished.
    If you do create a book from the blog, let me know. I want a copy.

  23.  
    Martijn
    February 20, 2017 | 11:24 PM
     

    Wonderful photo’s, wonderful life.
    My heartfelt condolences.

  24.  
    February 21, 2017 | 12:02 AM
     

    Here was a hero, survived by a grid of coffee- and cream-colored pixels.

    What are we going to do? Read more, and try to write better.

    #1BOM, you were wonderful.

  25.  
    Bernard Carroll
    February 21, 2017 | 1:57 AM
     

    Ave atque vale, Dr. Mickey. You fought the good fight.

  26.  
    Melissa Raven
    February 21, 2017 | 2:40 AM
     

    wonderful photos, Abby! thank you for sharing them

  27.  
    berit bryn jensen
    February 21, 2017 | 3:49 AM
     

    Dear Abby. My heartfelt thanks for sharing those lovely pictures of your dad and the family. I’ve been looking at them after I signed the petition, crying. I’ll miss 1BOM and the generous, gentle, truthful and loving man who created this magnificent site, a place of light, truth and transparency in troubled times. Mickey Nardo lives on through his beloved family and a lifetime of good work. Please receive my condolences for your great loss. Yours, Berit

  28.  
    February 21, 2017 | 6:22 AM
     

    A true inspiration. We emailed occasionally and I always found Mickey responsive and full of compassion.

    This blog of his is a testament to that compassion.

    My sincere condolences to his loved ones.

  29.  
    AEG
    February 21, 2017 | 6:51 AM
     

    Condolences to the family. I will miss my favorite stop of the day. Thank you Abby in giving us a face to the words we have been readying.He was special and kind. A brave man to stand up when so many could but won’t. I will be back to reread many of his post. Good night Mickey.

  30.  
    Tom Jefferson
    February 21, 2017 | 9:43 AM
     

    Rest in peace, you old RIATer. We will miss you.

    Tommy

  31.  
    Brenda
    February 21, 2017 | 9:53 AM
     

    This is a very sad day. Your father will be missed by many who never even met him. I do hope you will be able to publish parts of his blog. My heartfelt condolences to all the family and colleagues who worked closely with him, and to avid readers of his blog.

  32.  
    jamzo
    February 21, 2017 | 10:03 AM
     

    thank you mickey ….

  33.  
    Dina Brudenell Altman
    February 21, 2017 | 11:37 AM
     

    I was so sorry to hear about Mickey’s recent illness and his untimely death. I was in medical school at UT at the same time as he was and appreciated his wisdom and wit. He was blessed with great insight and intellect. I know he shall be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family. May God comfort you in this time of grief.

  34.  
    Michael Rock
    February 21, 2017 | 11:48 AM
     

    My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Ive been reading this blog for many years.
    I came to count on Mickey’s interpretation of data and his careful analysis of facts. He also had a steadfast, common sense grounding in ethics and the big picture. I look forward to the book.
    Best wishes
    Michael Rock

  35.  
    Vijay
    February 21, 2017 | 12:12 PM
     

    Thank you, 1bom
    I started reading the blog as a trainee… at just about the time when I started wondering about the central dogmas that we’re taught to hold dear. To read someone up-end those dogmas with such clarity and grace, and without losing sight of what is important about the things we do… I think Dr. Nardo helped save me from cynicism, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

  36.  
    Larry Field
    February 21, 2017 | 1:06 PM
     

    When my son was young, I told him that Charles Dickens has been dead for a hundred years and he is your best friend. Having gotten his attention, I explained about Mr. Dickens, his stories and his influence in the creation of child labor laws. As my son struggled through mental health difficulties and the darkness of benighted therapists and psychiatrists (and some very notable heroes), my wife discovered a new best friend for us all. Like Mr. Dickens, he has exposed intellectual and social corruption and changed the thinking of concerned people. He has launched a process of change that will not be halted. In a hundred years, Dr. Micky Nardo will be some ill child’s best friend. Thank you very much.

  37.  
    Robin
    February 21, 2017 | 1:42 PM
     

    Glad to hear that next member of this f*cking psychiatrist clique is gone for good. So many ppls harmed, burn in hell

  38.  
    Glen Spielmans
    February 21, 2017 | 2:13 PM
     

    I am deeply saddened to hear of Mickey’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family, Abby, for your loss. Mickey’s work (both in-person and on his fantastic blog) positively impacted many lives. I had the pleasure of corresponding with Mickey and am a great admirer of his work. He was truly a voice of reason, high ethical standards, and scientific integrity in opposition to the greed and scientific dishonesty which underlies much of the current “evidence base” in psychopharmacology.

    Several colleagues and I read 1BOM religiously and will certainly miss Mickey’s sharp, thoughtful insights. I am a mental health research junkie and 1BOM is as good as it gets.

    Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos. I never met Mickey in person, but the photos made me feel as if I was in his presence, taking in some of his valuable wisdom.

  39.  
    Elia Abi-Jaoude
    February 21, 2017 | 2:40 PM
     

    My heartfelt condolences to you, Abby, Sharon, and the rest of your family. Like everyone, I very much appreciate your effort to share with us in this difficult time. The photos are so wonderful!

    Even though I never met Mickey in person, I miss him already and feel that the world is an emptier place without him. Such brilliance, integrity, goodness and wisdom – it was reassuring to know he was out there, sharing his incisive wisdom. He was still contributing till the very end – the loss feels unreal, and very off. I am very grateful to have had the privilege to work with him on the restoration of Study 329. I will miss his quirky wit and humor.

    Mickey, I hope you’re seeing this and having fun reading through these comments. You’ve been and will continue to be such an inspiration.

  40.  
    Ross Brudenell MD
    February 21, 2017 | 3:26 PM
     

    I was a classmate of Mickey’s in high school: I distinctly recall his striking intellect, young as we both were, in a class of over 500. Even in my own profession, parallel to his, there are very few to match him. We all have lost a treasure.

  41.  
    Jacques Thiverge
    February 21, 2017 | 6:13 PM
     

    In the depths of my clinical practice, I already miss this boring old man, his thoughts, his openeness to answer, and especially this attitude of his that appeared to me made of a genuine humility and a broad landscape of interrogations.
    My most sincere condolences to the members of his family.

  42.  
    Peter C Dwyer
    February 21, 2017 | 6:40 PM
     

    Abby, Sharon and all of Dr. Nardo’s family. Thank you for privileging us with your updates, thoughts during Dr. Nardo’s illness (and the wonderful photos). As you can see, he meant a lot to many people and your communication is right in keeping with Dr. Nardo’s spirit.

    I agreed with much of Dr. Nardo wrote, disagreed with some (thought he didn’t go far enough). But I was always grateful for his fairness, generous spirit and dedication to truth and what’s best for his fellow humans. His qualities are so vital to this world today.

    Dr. Nardo’s was a unique and badly needed voice. I am so glad the website will continue for a while – I want everyone on all sides of the psychiatry debate to read this priceless work.

    I wish your family warmth and peace, and thank you again for the grace you have shown in what you’ve shared with us.

  43.  
    February 21, 2017 | 9:26 PM
     

    Dear Abby, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I was very saddened today when I got an email from Ed Levin saying your father had passed.

    It was just yesterday that I was giving a lecture to psychiatry residents here in Brisbane and a slide with 1BOM wisdom came up in my powerpoint. I paused and spent a couple of minutes extolling the brilliance of Dr Mickey Nardo and how these trainee psychiatrists should make 1BOM essential reading. I am heartened that you will keep his blog going indefinitely as the wonderful resource it is.

    Mickey gave me some recent advice about an article I submitted to a journal to debunk a pediatric bipolar disorder meme, I was looking forward to sharing it with him when it is accepted for publication.

    If we can contribute any funds to keeping his blog online please let us know.

  44.  
    Emily Watts Csrd
    February 21, 2017 | 9:59 PM
     

    Mickey was my big crush in the eighth grade. In his earlier photos you can seet that Mickey. He was a unique young man. We will miss him.

  45.  
    Rob White
    February 21, 2017 | 10:30 PM
     

    I am so sad to hear that Mickey is gone. He was a big part of my professional life, a big help when I needed it. He always emphasized the importance of being kind and I will always remember his warmth.

  46.  
    Nancy Wilson
    February 21, 2017 | 11:12 PM
     

    My deepest condolences

  47.  
    Sam
    February 21, 2017 | 11:19 PM
     

    This is such troubling news. As a med student I’ve found this blog really enlightening. My deepest condolences to you.

  48.  
    Matt
    February 22, 2017 | 12:05 AM
     

    This is such sad news. My sincere condolences for your loss. Your father was a brilliant man.

  49.  
    Lejla
    February 22, 2017 | 8:26 AM
     

    Dear Abby and Mickey’s family,

    My sincere condolences and I’m very sorry for your loss.

    I always enjoyed reading Mickey’s posts and hearing his thoughts on various matters in healthcare and other topics. He will be missed.

  50.  
    Victor Mark
    February 22, 2017 | 8:54 AM
     

    I’ve been faithfully reading Dr. Mickey’s blog for the last many years. These were formative years – as I was a new graduate student in psychiatric neuroscience, a medical student, and then in my first months transitioning to being a psychiatry resident. His blog has inspired and shaped the way I think about about mental health care and research immensely, and I’m sure will make waves throughout the rest of my career. Farewell and condolences to the family..

  51.  
    Ferrell Varner
    February 22, 2017 | 9:34 AM
     

    Hard to believe. Very sad. Integrity, compassion, honesty, energy, vision, etc. etc. All the best attributes come to mind when thinking of Mickey. He was brilliant, and, fortunately, he used his gifts to create a wonderful life and legacy.
    My sincerest condolences.

  52.  
    James OBrien
    February 22, 2017 | 9:45 AM
     

    Mickey’s detailed writings forced me to up my own intellectual game. I thought I could put biostatistics in the rear view mirror of my career, but given the state of journals today, he reminded us not trust and to verify, since institutional medicine, the journal/academia complex and the FDA were asleep at the wheel.

    The resulting rigor of my own assessment of the state of research psychiatry ironically led to my only minor disagreement with him…that it wasn’t just pharma money corrupting psychiatry, but also the poor state of medical journalism combined with a high ego/actual talent ratio and biases of the researchers. But he was absolutely right that pharma/KOL complex is a problem, and in writing about this he opened my eyes to an even bigger problem.

    In any case, Mickey has done our field, which is currently drowning in cheesy promotional overoptimism from company man APA types, a great service and I will miss him. When we discussed these nuances, he was always cordial and quick to acknowledge and attribute commentator contributions.

  53.  
    February 22, 2017 | 4:05 PM
     

    Before I started reading Dr Nardo’s (or as I’d call him: “dr mickey”) blog, I had no idea where to start with the potential problems in psychiatry, and the widespread exaggeration of “brain science” when it came to the medical practice.

    Sure enough, as I began to read, it felt like, for every step Dr. Nardo took in publicly disclosing the widespread malpractice in “The Field”, he was sure to leave a marker right behind so that in case of a tragic conclusion such as this one, that other aspirants could pick up exactly where he left off.

    I felt like the neuropsychiatry that I yearned to contribute to was lost, until I read Dr Nardo’s blog. I felt like I had finally found *THE* “Old Guy” who saw the potential problems with the field, given the lucrative nature of the medications that are often deemed necessities after making diagnoses. As I kept reading, I couldn’t help but fall in (platonic) love with Dr Nardo’s curmudgeon-like posts that were accompanied by an arsenal of facts and statistics that left his critics looking for exits before they even engaged.

    Upon reading the title of this post, my heart sank and I almost came to tears. Part of me feels responsible as I am one of the very few who had the privilege of making a seminal contribution to “The Field”, and as such had felt that this privilege entailed responsibility in exposing and, one day, ceasing the practice of negligent prescription practices; I felt that resonated with Dr Nardo and potentially inspired him, as he inspired me, and I was not shy at referencing his work at any moment I would engage “peers” (I am sure he would not call them that except as a professional way to refer to someone in “The Field”) in his age group.

    What is uplifting is that Dr. Nardo left this world on his terms, and he deserves no less than that. While I believe he deserved to make this choice later on in his life, or when he wasn’t suddenly afflicted with pneumonia, I will put aside my own frustration with this sudden and devastating loss to the psychiatry community for a later time.

    There is no question in my mind that Dr. Nardo will be remembered as one of the finest psychiatrists the United States of America has ever produced. His fearlessness of the pharmaceutical industry protectionists who surely watched his every move was inspiring.

    Dr. Nardo’s maverick conduct most definitely made me re-imagine a TRUE “Georgia Boy”, as his cavalier spirit and moral aptitude were on clear display in almost every blog post, without his intention of doing so.

    We can all agree that this Georgia Boy not only “made it” as a successful individual (psychiatrist), but thrived–leaving us a trove of posts that will forever encapsulate a spirit that acted as my guiding force–althewhile remaining true to himself.

    I want to conclude this post with a verse from a song by The Doves called “Lifelines” as I feel that Dr Nardo generously threw me one:

    Somebody’s givin’ in but I’m not
    Somebody’s giving up a whole lot
    Somebody’s giving it a long time
    Somebody threw me a lifeline

  54.  
    February 22, 2017 | 5:32 PM
     

    Very sad news.
    You will be sorely missed.
    Rest peacefully Mr Nardo.
    Your legacy will live on and continue to have a positive impact on many people’s lives.

    Thank you.

  55.  
    February 22, 2017 | 6:17 PM
     

    Sorry for the additional post, but since Collective Soul is from Georgia I thought it’d be fitting to share a chunk of World I Know, as it changed drastically upon reading this blog! I will cease after this!:

    Has our conscience shown?
    Has the sweet breeze blown?
    Has all the kindness gone?
    Hope still lingers on
    I drink myself of newfound pity
    Sitting alone in New York City
    And I don’t know why

    Are we listening
    Hymns of offering?
    Have we eyes to see
    That love is gathering?
    All the words that I’ve been reading
    Have now started the act of bleeding
    Into one, into one

    So I walk up on high
    And I step to the edge
    To see my world below
    And I laugh at myself
    While the tears roll down
    ‘Cause it’s the world I know
    Oh it’s the world I know

  56.  
    Eric
    February 22, 2017 | 7:06 PM
     

    I am very saddened by the passing of Dr. Nardo. I will spread his ideas, data, and hopefully his erudite spirit, so that many others can benefit from the hard work he did to help people with mental health problems get effective care.

  57.  
    jamzo
    February 22, 2017 | 9:50 PM
     

    thank you mickey

  58.  
    February 23, 2017 | 2:13 AM
     

    Very sorry to hear of Mickey Nardo’s passing. He was an inspiration to think more critically and carefully about our field. Perhaps even more important, Mickey struck the perfect balance: persistent, considered dissatisfaction with the status quo while never sinking to polemics or preaching. Psychiatry, and every divisive and controversial domain, would do well to follow his example.

  59.  
    February 23, 2017 | 8:13 AM
     

    Condolences from Cebu, Philippines.

  60.  
    Howard Morland
    February 23, 2017 | 9:03 AM
     

    Mickey Nardo’s Academic Promotion

    The late Dr. John Michael “Mickey” Nardo (aka 1boringoldman) retired from Emory Medical School several years ago, becoming a Clinical/Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus. He had spent more time practicing psychiatry than publishing, so he retired one publication shy of Full Professor.

    His retirement hobby of blogging on medical issues led to a re-examination of Study 329, a clinical drug trial famous enough to have its own Wikipedia article. It was a four-year (1994-1998) clinical trial of the anti-depressant drug paroxetine (marketed as Paxil or Seroxat) which has been on the market since 1992, earning many billions of dollars for GlaxoSmithKline.

    The purpose of Study 329 was to test it on teenagers. The test has been controversial since the beginning, but it was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in a way that suggested it was safe and effective for teenagers. Mickey and his six co-authors took another look at the data collected for Study 329 and concluded it was no more effective than a placebo, plus it increased the risk of suicide. Their critique was published in the British Medical Journal in September 2015: “Restoring Study 329: efficacy and harms of paroxetine and imipramine in treatment of major depression in adolescence,” cited as: BMJ 2015;351:h4320.

    Followers of this blog will already know these details. I will let his daughter Abby take it from here, via Facebook.

    “Dad was a professor at Emory for years. He was called a Clinical Professor, but the title of Full Professor was only awarded to those who had either made a significant contribution to the field or who had published significant works. Last year, Dad was asked to submit to become a full professor because of his publication in the British Journal of Medicine in 2015. He submitted and was expecting a whole lot of bureaucracy on the road to getting this title. On February 9 around 10 pm, my mother received a call from Emory School of Medicine. They had expedited his application after learning of his illness, and they awarded him full professorship! Gail told him about this tonight during “lucid time,” and he smiled. I know his ‘1boringoldman’ gang will be so pleased about that bit of news.”

  61.  
    Peggi
    February 23, 2017 | 5:33 PM
     

    His “1boringoldman” gang is indeed pleased!!!!

  62.  
    Gad Mayer
    February 24, 2017 | 6:45 AM
     

    I share the feelings expressed by the previous 1BOM community members. I have learnt more from Mickey, without ever actually meeting him, than I have from many of my actual teachers. I consider him a mentor, not just because of his intellectual genius but because of his humane and ethical attitude towards medicine and psychiatry.
    Gad Mayer, MD, Tel Aviv Israel

  63.  
    Carol
    February 24, 2017 | 8:53 PM
     

    He was my inspiration and my hero. I already miss him so very much. What a loss. We needed Mickey to write one more chapter.
    My deepest sympathy. Carol

  64.  
    Walter K
    February 25, 2017 | 1:35 AM
     

    Condolences from Manchester, UK. There was something very powerful and inspirational about a long-retired and unassuming man, blogging from a log-built house in a remote corner of the world, taking on the horrors of chemical psychiatry. Another hero leaves us.

  65.  
    Alexander Tsai
    February 27, 2017 | 8:22 PM
     

    Dear Ms. Nardo:

    I am saddened to hear of your father’s passing. My condolences to your family. I never knew him, and I no longer do research in this area, but I was deeply influenced by your father’s writing and the analyses presented in this blog over the years. I have always been grateful for his activity here. His work on Study 329 was a masterpiece.

    The book project sounds like a wonderful and worthwhile idea.

    Sincerely,
    Alexander Tsai

  66.  
    a non
    March 2, 2017 | 2:17 PM
     

    Goodnight Mickey, this vision of open source medicine that you’ve presented us is unforgettable:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0HOgcbtmws

  67.  
    Martha Porter Hall
    March 2, 2017 | 6:03 PM
     

    Our son, Beau Hall, took his first son Justin to the Lipscombs’ Easter Egg Hunt at Flint Hill in 1988. Beau’s wife, Laura, couldn’t come. Palm Sunday that year was March 27. Justin was born on December 2, 1987, so he was three and a half months old. On Palm Sunday morning, Beau had run out of formula. I suggested that he fix Justin a bottle with tap water and instant nonfat dry milk, which was what I supplemented breast milk with for Beau and his big sister Adelaide when they were babies. Beau fixed a bottle and gave it to Justin, who promptly turned red and developed a rash and started crying. We were so lucky; the party included Mickey, Vern, and Jane. Mickey suggested and provided Benadryl, that made quick work of the allergic response, and I guarantee we’ve had Benadryl in our house ever since. Mickey gave loving, quick and effective care to Justin, Beau and – for the lord’s sake – me.

  68.  
    soulful sepulcher
    March 2, 2017 | 10:23 PM
     

    I will miss your commitment to the truth and the evidence to document, Mickey, Dr. Nardo, you are a shining star to the “old days” and new blogging world taking on Pharma, and always questioning, questioning, questioning. If any one can learn from you it will be that. Thank you dear friend, peace to you.~ soulful sepulcher

  69.  
    March 3, 2017 | 11:32 AM
     

    Thank you for posting to Goodnight, Mickey!

  70.  
    soulful sepulcher
    March 4, 2017 | 1:11 AM
     

    Thank you, Abby for sustaining our candles alongside your wonderful father. 🙂

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