Medical Importance of “Custom-Made”
The tendency to rely on averages and statistics in medical research has resulted in ignoring the biological and neurological differences between individuals. How do we overcome this bottleneck?
Bridging the Gap Between Custom-Made Medical Solutions and Neurological Diversity
As discussed previously, custom-made items have the potential to revolutionize our approach to both fashion and medical solutions. However, when it comes to medical solutions, there's a significant gap in our knowledge due to our tendency to rely on averages and statistics.
Why are biological and neurological differences important?
While we might assume that all human bodies and brains function the same, the reality is quite different. Our individual differences can have significant impacts on our health and well-being, and these differences can be especially pronounced when it comes to neurological diversity.
There are so many small details that the average person (including doctors!!!) miss. For example, did know that the best way to take your pills is by lying on your right side? Or that the acidity (ph) of your water affects how your medication is absorbed? Drinking alkaline water or lying on your right side after taking your pills could cause unintended side-effects that would potentially take months for your doctor to figure out. If you’re healthy, this information is only “interesting life stuff”. However, if you have some kind of issue, this very small mostly-unknown detail may give you a huge quality of life boost as you can make better choices for your health.
The research is interesting but the study did have some limitations. For one, the researchers did not look at how pills might behave in the stomachs of people of different ages and sexes. They also did not factor in other disorders that can slow down the emptying of the stomach.
The quote above is from the study that mentioned taking pills by lying on your right side, but most studies we rely on have this issue. Most studies are heavily limited. Information we take for granted was often formed on limited research. But how could one blame them when so researchers have to juggle teaching and pleasing those who pay them? Here’s how research is funded:
By business that would benefit from a certain outcome
By government grants
By non-profit organizations
This system is heavily at risk of bias from itself and from the individuals who perform research, which is why it’s so incredibly important to be open-minded. Of course, there are certainly trustworthy systems in place to prevent it and organizations who value truth out there. But this is not the point, the point is that everything we know is based on research or knowledge from the past that we often lose the origins of.
What is the bottleneck in our medical knowledge?
Our tendency to rely on averages and statistics means that we often overlook small, but important biological differences (I’ll spare you the talk about hormones), resulting in inadequate medical solutions that fail to address the unique needs of diverse populations. This bottleneck in our medical knowledge is a significant challenge that we must address if we want to develop effective solutions for all individuals.
Women and neurodivergent people are often ignored during research. It’s to the point that neurodivergence in women was ignored to a rate of 1 girl in 8 boys being diagnosed. (I highly recommend reading this report if you’d like to know more). In fact, most research is done on white males (well, except for when it comes to the pill and obvious other things like gynecology). Historically, men's biology was considered the default mode in medical research potentially because of concerns when it comes to variations due women’s menstrual cycle and pregnancy complicating things. However, gender health medicine has now gained focus, requiring women's inclusion in appropriate studies. Factors such as body size, composition, anatomic shape, absorption, metabolism, and even unknown reasons contribute to the differences between men and women in drug response and side effects. Recognizing these variations is crucial for personalized healthcare and individualized treatment plans. I recommend this for extra reading/listening on the subject, here’s a quote from it:
Now there is the "we don't know why" core category, one of my favorite categories. In this category, we don't really know why there is a difference. We don't know why women have less serotonin than men in their brains. So anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs, have a greater effect, are more effective in depressed women than in depressed men.
All these differences can lead to different side effects in women compared to men. Women have more side effects in drug studies than men. They have more nausea as a side effect. […]
What is the solution?
Well, I don’t really know. I’m no expert. Maybe someone will properly figure it out, but for now what I know is that we must recognize the importance of customized medical solutions. By acknowledging and understanding the variations that exist among individuals, tailored treatments that cater to each person’s specific needs can be developed, leading to improved health outcomes.
It is crucial to normalize knowledge of our diversity and conduct further research that takes into account biological and neurological differences. By doing so, we can create a healthcare system that recognizes and embraces the unique characteristics of each individual, allowing for more effective and personalized medical interventions. This approach not only enhances treatment outcomes but also reduces the economic burden associated with ineffective treatments and lost productivity.
While advancements in technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), hold promise for improving healthcare, it is important to be mindful of their limitations. We already have apps that use AI in psychology, but there are dangers when it comes to AI replacing human mental health workers. Integrating technology alongside human expertise is essential to ensure optimal outcomes, particularly in the field of mental health. By striking a balance between technological advancements and human interaction, we can maximize the benefits offered by new technologies.
In conclusion, bridging the gap between customized medical solutions and neurological diversity is a crucial step forward in the field of medicine. By recognizing and embracing the differences that make us unique, we can develop more effective treatments and ultimately improve the overall health and well-being of individuals, regardless of their background or neurodivergent traits. This inclusive approach not only ensures better health outcomes but also contributes to a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.
TL;DR: custom medical solutions bridge neurological diversity for better outcomes
Our tendency to rely on averages and statistics in medical research overlooks important biological and neurological differences.
Neurological diversity, including variations in gender and neurodivergence, has a significant impact on health and well-being.
Custom-made medical solutions that cater to individual needs are crucial for effective treatments and improved health outcomes.
Research often lacks diversity and focuses predominantly on white males, leading to inadequate solutions for women and neurodivergent individuals.
Recognizing and embracing the unique characteristics of each individual is essential for personalized healthcare and individualized treatment plans.
Normalizing knowledge of diversity and conducting research that accounts for biological and neurological differences is necessary.
Integrating technology, such as AI, alongside human expertise can enhance healthcare outcomes, but caution is needed to avoid replacing human interaction in certain fields like mental health.
Bridging the gap between customized medical solutions and neurological diversity is a crucial step toward a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.
BONUS: Resources
A.k.a. random videos I found interesting on AI and theoretical future medical? advancements. Actually relevant links are the underlined bits within the article.