Tuesday, October 28, 2003

FDA Warns of Possible Drug-Suicide Link
AP story at PsycPORT - "Some anti-depressant drugs undergoing trials in children may be associated with suicides, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. The agency said reports in the press and medical journals describe suicide attempts and suicides in children receiving antidepressants. Many such reports also have been submitted to the FDA. While the data do not clearly establish an association between the use of the drugs on trials and increased suicidal thoughts or actions by pediatric patients, FDA said it also is impossible to rule out an association."  
  

U.S. Senate Spars Over Stalled Mental Health Bill
Reuters Health story at Medscape - "U.S. Senate Democrats on Thursday unsuccessfully sought to force a vote on long-stalled legislation to require "parity" in private health insurance coverage for physical and mental ailments. But Senate Republicans said they are working on a potential compromise on the bill, which is opposed by the business community." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Ten states gather to discuss suicide prevention, high rates remain in the West
Aurora Sentinel story - "As representatives of 10 states gather in suburban Denver this week to discuss suicide prevention efforts, most Western states continue facing suicide rates much higher than the national average. Western mountain states have traditionally seen higher rates of suicide than other areas of the country, but a comprehensive study offering an explanation of that trend does not exist. ... That 'well-informed speculation' includes issues surrounding social isolation, a cultural taboo against seeking help and an inaccessibility of mental health services."  
  

Pennsylvania Gets $3.9 Million Grant to Treat Substance Abuse, Mental Disorders
PR Newswire press release at Yahoo - "Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced that the Pennsylvania governor's office will receive $3.9 million over five years to increase the capacity of state treatment systems to provide "effective, coordinated and integrated" treatment services to persons with "co-occurring" substance abuse and mental health disorders. These grants are part of the State Incentive Grant program in HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)."