Monday, June 28, 2004

Psychopharmacology in The New York Times
Medscape Psychopharmacology Today column in Medscape General Medicine, in which Thomas A. M. Kramer, MD, discusses some of the topical psychopharmacology articles, including the debate over the nonpublication of paroxetine trials, recently covered in the New York Times. [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Widespread Belief that Antidepressants are Prescribed Too Often, Particularly for Teens and Children
PR Newswire press release on a recent Harris poll, reprinted at PsycPORT - "Many Americans think that well- known drugs -- such as Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft -- which are used to treat depression are safe and effective for adults. It is also widely believed that antidepressants are prescribed too often for everyone, especially teenagers and children."  
  

Many with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Are Unaware They Need Treatment
SAMHSA press release - " People with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse often do not recognize that they need treatment, a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates. The report shows that 61 percent of those with both serious mental illness and a substance use disorder who had not received treatment for either illness, perceived no unmet need for treatment. The new report, Adults with Co-Occurring Serious Mental Illness and a Substance Use Disorder was unveiled today by SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie at a conference in Washington D.C. on the complexities of co-occurring medical conditions." See also the full report, available in both HTML and Acrobat format.