Media and Commentary

By Nick Willson  Sunday, 02 November 2008

Addison's Disease is little know to the general public and receives very little media attention. In this media section we analyse news stories and provide some informed comment.

Working with the media: Guidelines & Objectives

We endeavour to maintain the highest standards of accuracy in ADSHG publications and we expect mass media outlets to do the same. The ADSHG has developed a set of guidelines governing its contacts with the media. Click here...

Addison's disease and shock - press release 07 February 2008

The Addison’s Disease Self Help Group, the main UK support group for patients with Addison’s disease, has received a number of enquiries from the public following stories in the media that watching scary films could lead to shock and death in some people with Addison’s. Click here...

The Addison’s rose: Our Beth 21 May 2006

Peter Beales Roses are launching a new rose, Our Beth, and have generously offered to make 10% of all sales proceeds available to the ADSHG. To find out details click here or for our press release click here...

Misinterpretation of serum cortisol in a patient with hyponatraemia

-24 Jan 2004
Primary adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease is caused by bilateral adrenocortical destruction and is a relatively common endocrinopathy, with a prevalence of about 40-60 per million adults. Adrenal insufficiency is an important consideration in any critically ill patient, as failure to make the diagnosis may have fatal consequences. (BMJ  2004;328:215-216 (24 January)

Read the reply written by Sarah Baker, Alyson Elliott, Deana Kenward and Katherine G White on behalf of Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group, Volume 362 Issue 9383 Page 579 original letter [PDF}...

Adrenal Insufficiency Seminar - 31 May 2003

We would like congratulate Doctor Wiebke Arlt and Professor Bruno Allolio for summarising the major issues concerning the diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency. Read the article: (Payment Site: The Lancet 2003; Volume 361: Issue 9372 1881 – 93) and search for "Wiebke Arlt"

Read the reply written by Deana Kenward and Katherine G White on behalf of Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group and published in (The Lancet 2003 Volume 362 Issue 9383 Page 579) or read the original letter [PDF] here...

President John F Kennedy - 17 November 2002

During his lifetime, President John F Kennedy hid any reference to his
autoimmune conditions.  These included Addison's, a thyroid problem and a
painful, degenerative spinal arthritis which may have been exacerbated by
his steroid treatment.  Recently his estate has allowed access to his
medical records, which have revealed the true extent of his health problems.
Read the article: (Registration Site: The New York Times 17/11/02)
 

DHEA trial report on BBC Online - 04 November  2002      

An update regarding the Addenbrooke’s DHEA trial as previously reported in our TOPICSsection is presented by BBC Online following the Society for Endocrinology annual meeting in London.

Read the article: (BBC Online - Vitamin hope for Addison's patients, 4/5/02). 

                                                                                                                                            The Guardian Ask Emma - 07 July 2002

We would like to express our dismay that The Guardian offers ill-informed and impractical advice to an individual in the early stages of Addison’s disease.

Read the article: (Ask Emma column, Weekend p51, 7/7/02). 

Read the ADSHG response to : The Guardian - Ask Emma

Kathleen Hilditch - 9 September 2000

Kathleen Hilditch has written an account of her experiences in getting diagnosed.  Her story provides an informative picture of the gradual onset of Addison’s symptoms, and of the difficulties in getting medical attention for an endocrine condition which has non-specific symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion as its main components. Read the article: (BMJ 2000;321:645, 9 September)

Read the reply written by Sarah Baker, Deana Kenward and Katherine G White on behalf of Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group and published in (BMJ 2001;322:494, 24 February)