Oh, I have no doubts of what you are saying,I agree with you in many ways, I just feel it's not only the drug manufacturers, but the doctors should be included that are manipulated by them.
I also feel the advertisment(s) trigger people to wonder if they have any of the disorders they are advertising,which in turn the person(s) will contact their doctors,get checked out,etc.
They are both businesses (sp?), business is about making money,it's odd when you apply this to pharmaceutical,medical health care professionals and organizations,but it is a reality like any other kinds(s) of business.
I personally don't allow myself to let every ad, and or commercial influence me, it all gets played out after awhile,heck,all this stuff can turn people into hypochondriacs. Oh yeah, then the doctors treat your true physical problems as if you are hypochondriac and hand you a script for antidepressants or some other kind of med. that may be gaining popularity. Such practice is leaving many without a true,thorough DX, and getting the right treatment.
Oh, I am rambling on, I apologize for that, I can get going on such topics, so I stop myself here. We should also try to keep in mind not all docs fall into this, and it is important not to lose faith, it is good though, to get 2nd opinions, and/or go with your gut feelings (no pun intended) and be the one to make the choices.
Many meds like cleaning supplies,detergents,basically have the same stuff in them with different names,with claims to be "the best", I usually try to see what one has been the leading,longest selling one for years and I personally like the best, in the past I use to be a sucker for all the new stuff that had all these claims,soooooooo I tried them and remain with what works best for me.
Oh, how I wish I had the answer to all of this,sadly I don't,but was compelled to adding to this post.

DE

((((((((( everybody on this thread )))))))))))