Wednesday, June 18, 2003

The Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder
Study published in the latest issue of the Journalof the American Medical Association and the basis for major news stories, as noted here yesterday. See also the JAMA abstract, the Adobe Acrobat version which is optimized for printing, and related JAMA articles, including National Trends in the Outpatient Treatment of Depression (2002) and Impact of Disseminating Quality Improvement Programs for Depression in Managed Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial.  
  

Suicide Rates Fall in Many Countries, Rise in Some
Reuters Health story - "While suicide rates have declined in most of the world, the problem is on the upswing in countries such as Russia, Australia and Ireland, according to a new report. In the case of Russia, the situation has become so serious that suicide is the major cause of death among young males. ...A summary of their findings is published in the June edition of the European Journal of Public Health."  
  

Anxiety Sufferers, Others Taking BuSpar(r) May Benefit From Major Class Action Settlement
U.S. Newswire item - "Patients suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and others who took the medication BuSpar(r) over the last eight years are included in a proposed multi-million dollar settlement of a nationwide anti-trust class action lawsuit brought by the Attorneys General of all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A nationwide effort to contact BuSpar(r) consumers was launched today. Claims must be filed by October 10, 2003. Affected BuSpar(r) consumers who do not wish to participate in the settlement, must exclude themselves in writing by October 10, 2003. Claim forms and complete information can be obtained at http://www.busparsettlement.com."  
  

Personal experiences guide local mental health official (South Carolina)
Georgetown Times story on Everlena Lance, president of the Mental Heath Association in Georgetown County, who was diagnosed with depression more than 25 years ago - "She said that after she hit rock bottom, she was able to get her life back in order and now uses her experiences to help others. ... Lance said there is such a stigma attached to mental health problems that most people don’t want to just go to a mental health center, they would rather talk to someone privately first and that’s where her organization plays a major role."  
  

Holden will cut budget by $240M, veto education bills (Missouri)
Story in the Business Journal of Kansas City - "Missouri Gov. Bob Holden said Wednesday that he will withhold $240 million from the state's budget starting July 1 to address the budget's shortfall. ... Holden said that he will sign two bills for mental health and senior and social services but that he will veto two education bills... "  
  

Mental health faces big cuts, stigmas (Colorado)
Fort Morgan Times story - "When the Colorado Legislature made budget cuts in early May, Jacki Kennedy, deputy director of the regional Centennial Mental Health Center (CMHC) in Sterling, said mental health services were hit hard. Before, patients could be treated as long as doctors deemed necessary. Now, Kennedy said, 'Unless they're at high risk, (patients) will see many less sessions.' "