Yearly Archives: 2017
Veterans with both PTSD and Dementia More Likely to be Prescribed Antipsychotics
Researchers found that veterans with both conditions had higher odds of being prescribed second-generation antipsychotics than those presenting with just PTSD.
The Downfall of Peer Support: MHA & National Certification
Mental Health America (MHA) has finally unveiled its new National Peer Specialist Certification over much protest. It is dangerous to what we call ‘peer support’ for MHA to have done this. Even if they did it well. Which, as best as I can tell, they did not.
How Loneliness Begets Loneliness
From The Atlantic: Loneliness is a serious health threat that is as dangerous as smoking. Social isolation often causes people to have difficulty reaching out...
The Changing Role of the Pharmaceutical Representative
From the Center for Health Journalism: Due to drug safety scandals and rising drug prices, pharmaceutical representatives are increasingly being criticized by physicians, medical schools, and...
Why Everyone Should Watch 13 Reasons Why
From Mindbodygreen: The new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why portrays poignant and important truths about the causes of teen suicide, including the prevalence of bullying and...
Researchers Question Link Between Genetics and Depression
A new study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, found no link between genetics and the occurrence of depressive symptoms.
Nora: Extreme and Sudden Adverse Antidepressant Reactions
Nora tells us about the sudden and extreme adverse reactions that occurred immediately upon starting her antidepressant. She also tells us about the attitude of her doctors and how her life has changed since that short course of treatment.
The Original Natural Remedy for Burnout: Nature
From Science of Us: Studies show that spending time in nature has a number of positive effects on mental health, including decreased rumination, reduced depression...
Swiss Giant Novartis Likely Bribed Thousands in Greece
From Medical Xpress: According to Greece's justice minister Stavros Kontonis, it is likely that the pharmaceutical company Novartis has bribed thousands of medical professionals and state officials...
New Findings Suggest Masculinity is a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thinking
Men who report being self-reliant may be at greater risk of suicidal thinking.
Lancet Psychiatry Needs to Retract the ADHD-Enigma Study
Lancet Psychiatry, a UK-based medical journal, recently published a study that concluded brain scans showed that individuals diagnosed with ADHD had smaller brains. That conclusion is belied by the study data. The journal needs to retract this study.
UPDATE: Lancet Psychiatry (online) has published letters critical of the study, and the authors' response, and a correction.
Would You Want Your Therapist to be Honest?
If a therapist is honest about their triggers, they risk equalizing the power imbalance. They risk being on the same plane as their client. If the therapist has triggers too, they may end up being as “bad” as the client’s, and then what? Then who is the healer?
Pharma CEO Says he can Stop Profiting off Opioid Epidemic
From The Onion: "Visibly trembling as he wiped beads of perspiration from his forehead, Arcelis Pharmaceuticals CEO Paul Corrier told reporters Wednesday that he could...
How Long Should you Stay on Antidepressants?
From The Guardian: Antidepressants may be addictive; many people experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping them. Some psychiatrists suggest that long-term usage may be harmful and...
Deadly Drugs Misused in U.S. Nursing Facilities
From AARP: The family of Bobby Glenn Tweed recently settled a lawsuit with a nursing home over his wrongful death. Tweed was prescribed psychotropic drugs without...
Added Evidence for Yoga for Major Depression
Randomized controlled trial finds yoga intervention reduces depression severity.
“Doubly Brutish”: Forensic Psychiatry and Force
It is difficult to imagine a system that could do any better at ensuring the failure of its patients, and in doing so it accomplishes the very opposite of what it claims — it increases risk for all concerned.
How Many Pills are too Many?
From The New York Times: Overprescription is becoming an increasingly prevalent public health issue, especially for older adults with multiple chronic conditions.
"Though studies have found...
Might Antidepressants Create Treatment Resistance?
From Psychiatric Times: A recent study of individuals diagnosed with bipolar II disorder found that patients who have taken antidepressants in the past are less likely to respond...
Emotional Pain and the Possibility of Finding Hope
The human need to not be left alone when we are suffering is very great. During such times our very basic human needs for being valued, seen, heard and cared about arise as we are at our most vulnerable and are dependent on the goodwill of others.
The History of Psychiatry and Gay Conversion Therapy
From The Huffington Post: Like religion, psychiatry has played a major role in oppressing LGBTQ individuals throughout history.
"Once psychiatry comes along we get horrible “treatments”...
Is Mental Illness Real?
From The Guardian: Conceptualizing emotional distress or suffering as the result of a biological, genetic illness may be stigmatizing and inaccurate, and may lead to...
Reducing Overuse of Low-Value Treatments
Researchers provide an action-planning framework to engage providers in the reduction of low-value healthcare.
Using Facebook Damages Your Mental Health
From Metro UK: A recent study found that increased Facebook use is associated with significant reductions in physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction.
Article →
Big New Study Challenges a Genetic Link to Stress, Depression
From Psych Central: A new meta-analysis found no evidence for a previously reported connection between the serotonin gene, depression, and stress.
"For years, scientists have been trying...
