Friday, May 16, 2003

Recent Developments in Antipsychotic Use in Adults
Article in the May Psychiatric Times - "The development of new atypical antipsychotics has been proceeding at a fast pace. Increasing variations in mechanisms of action, side-effect profiles and efficacy among the atypicals enable clinicians to tailor treatments to individual response, side-effect history and current medical conditions."  
  

Understanding Pharmacogenetics
Article in this month's Psychiatric Times -"The idea that drug response could be based on a patient's genetic background first surfaced over 100 years ago. Since then, technology has advanced to the point where prescribing medications based on a patient's genetic makeup no longer seems like science fiction. This article looks at the latest research on the pharmacogenetics of psychotropic medications and shows how far we still have to go."  
  

Wanted: Insurance Parity for Mental Illness
HealthScoutNews story at Yahoo on "a broad coalition of mental health advocates, including 255 national organizations" that jas "lined up in support of federal legislation designed to require insurance companies offering mental health coverage to make the benefits on par with those for other medical conditions." The story notes that "The federal mental health "parity" measure failed during a congressional logjam last session, but drew support from some 300 members of Congress, most of whom still hold their seats."