Thursday, February 24, 2005

Nation's Leading Mental Health Groups Warn Against Relying Solely on Effectiveness Research NMHA press release - "The American Psychiatric Association, NAMI and the National Mental Health Association welcome the dialogue on 'effectiveness research' and its impact on consumers at AARP's 'Rx Watchdog Forum' today. However, we warn against using only these research reviews, such as those promoted by the Oregon Center for Evidence-based Policy, in developing public policies that drive access to treatments, including medications. Research is an important component of any evidence-based approach to treating chronic illnesses, such as mental disorders. However, true evidence-based approaches marry all available and appropriate scientific research with clinical experience to ensure treatments lead to the best possible outcomes. Implementing public polices based on only one of these elements without the other is not an evidence-based approach. Moreover, using a narrow definition of evidence-base simply to rationalize budgetary objectives not only threatens patient health, but will ultimately cost taxpayers more..."