Sir, - It appears that Dr Terry Lynch (December 20th) would have us believe that unless a biochemical test is available to confirm the doctor's clinical diagnosis, no disorder exists and no pharmacological treatment should be initiated.
Can I remind Dr Lynch that there is no laboratory test for pain, irrespective of cause? I trust he is not suggesting, therefore, that pharmacological treatment should be withheld for a patient suffering from pain.
There are many treatment remedies available to doctors to try to alleviate suffering, either physical or psychological. Doctors have a duty to offer either or both to fulfil their calling, which is simply to cure if possible and palliate always. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Peter Kirwan, Clinical Director, Department of Psychiatry, Regional Hospital, Limerick.