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Patrick H. Hughes, MD; Kristine M. Williams, MUP
University of South Florida Tampa

JAMA. 1992;268(24):3431.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

In Reply.

—Dr Tiefenbrunn's letter expresses a legitimate point of view. In our recent survey of state self-treatment guidelines, the state of Missouri medical licensing board reported that they do have guidelines discouraging physician self-treatment with controlled prescription drugs. These restrictions apply to "a pattern of personal use or consumption of any controlled substance unless it is prescribed, dispensed, or administered by another physician who is authorized by law to do so" (Healing Arts Practice Act, Chapter 334.100[22], RSMo).

Tiefenbrunn's point of view is understandable for the majority of physicians who either do not self-treat with controlled prescription drugs, or do so infrequently and with prudence. It is understandable for such physicians to assert their right to self-treat, because they believe they are at no risk from occasional self-medication for legitimate medical conditions.

But what of those physicians who are vulnerable to misusing or becoming dependent on controlled prescription drugs? . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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