Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3103

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Cooperstock R, Hill J.
The effects of tranquillization: benzodiazepine use in Canada
Health and Welfare Canada 1982;

Abstract:

Prescribing of benzodiazepines can’t be understood without looking at the way that products are promoted. Sales representatives are a major source of prescribing information for doctors. However, companies regard the major role of detailers as sellers rather than educators. Journal advertisements tend to promote the extension of medical problems to encompass the stresses of daily living and to further the belief that certain illnesses must be coped with through continuous drug consumption. Ads also portray women in a very negative way.

Keywords:
*analysis/Canada/benzodiazepines/psychotropic drugs/sales representatives/quality of information/journal advertisements/images in ads/women/sexism/ medicalization of problems/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DETAILING/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS/IMAGES IN PROMOTION: WOMEN/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: MEDICALIZATION OF PROBLEMS/PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DOCTORS/PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: PSYCHIATRIC DISEASES