Largest Survey of Antipsychotic Experiences Reveals Negative Results

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A new survey exploring antipsychotic user experience finds that more than half of the participants report only negative experiences.

Review Explores First-Person Experiences of People Taking Antipsychotics

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A new systematic review finds that patients report reduced symptoms but also loss of self and agency while taking antipsychotics.

Researchers: Antidepressant Withdrawal, Not “Discontinuation Syndrome”

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Researchers suggest that the pharmaceutical industry had a vested interest in using the term “discontinuation” in order to hide the severity of physical dependence and withdrawal reactions many people experience from antidepressants.

The Charade of New Drug Approvals for Schizophrenia

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The FDA recently approved lumateperone for schizophrenia. A review of the clinical trials reveals a testing process that is fatally flawed, and a new drug coming to market that doesn't provide a clinically meaningful benefit.
prison

The Management of Captive Populations with Psychiatric Drugs: An Interview with Anthony Ryan Hatch

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Dr. Anthony Ryan Hatch is a sociologist and associate professor of Science in Society, African American studies and Environmental Studies at Wesleyan University, who...
one yellow game piece among blue game pieces

Is There a Small Group for Whom Antidepressants Are Effective?

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In a new study, researchers found no evidence of antidepressant group variance, which means that there's no particular group of patients who improve more than others on the drug.
empty medical waiting room

Higher Drop-Out Rates for Those Taking Antidepressants

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A review of 73 antidepressant studies finds that 12% more people drop out of clinical trials when taking antidepressants than when taking placebo, evidence that many find the adverse effects of antidepressants difficult to tolerate.
colorful painting of brain

Researchers Fail to Predict Antidepressant Treatment Success

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In a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers investigated whether they could use EEG (electroencephalograph) technology to predict whether people would feel better...

Amsterdam Files New Study 352 Whistleblower Complaint

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Jay Amsterdam, who first blew the whistle on corrupt research practices in a study conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) eight years ago, has now submitted...

Biogen Pushes FDA to Approve Failed Alzheimer’s Drug

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A new analysis, published in Lancet Neurology, demonstrates how Biogen is spinning results from two failed trials for a new Alzheimer's drug.

The Whistleblower and Penn: A Final Accounting of Study 352

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After 18 years, the full story of the scientific corruption in a study of paroxetine for bipolar disorder, and the psychiatrist who blew the whistle.

Researchers Set the Record Straight on Controversial Zoloft Study

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An issue of Lancet Psychiatry is devoted to clarifying the lack of efficacy for Zoloft (sertraline).

Ketamine for Harmful Drinking: A Look at the Data

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New research contends that ketamine can reduce problematic alcohol use but does the data support the claims?

Prescribing an Epidemic: A Veteran’s Story

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Had I known what I know now, I never would have taken any of these drugs, and I absolutely would not have taken a role in which my outreach efforts to get veterans into mental health treatment might place thousands of lives at risk.

Pervasive Industry Influence in Healthcare Sector Harms Patients

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Experts across the globe point to the harms of drug companies’ influence on research, practice, and education in healthcare noting that it compromises patient care.

Medication-Free Treatment in Norway: A Private Hospital Takes Center Stage

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At the Hurdalsjøen Recovery Center in Norway, patients with a long history of psychiatric hospitalizations are tapering from their medications and, in a therapeutic environment that emphasizes a good diet, exercise, and asking patients "what do they want in life," are leaving their old lives as chronic patients behind.

Researchers Address Dangers of Polypharmacy and Inappropriate Medication Use

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A new special issue brings together articles exploring the harmful effects of simultaneous multiple medication use.

How Antidepressants Shape Young Women’s Sense of Self

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Young women’s narratives indicate ways antidepressants have shaped their sense of self.

No Matter Which Measure You Use, Antidepressants Aren’t That Effective

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Researchers compared the efficacy of antidepressants using different rating scales and found them to be no different—just slightly better than placebo, and not meeting the criteria for clinical significance.

Psychotherapy Less Effective for People in Poverty and Those on Antidepressants

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A new study finds poorer depression and anxiety outcomes in psychotherapy for people in economically deprived neighborhoods and those on antidepressants.

Increased Antidepressant Use Does Not Decrease Depression Prevalence in Older Adults

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The use of antidepressants has risen quickly among older adults but the rate of depressive symptoms in this population has not declined as a result.

Fear and Belief in “Chemical Imbalance” Prevent People from Coming Off Antidepressants

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Researchers interviewed people who were given medical advice to discontinue antidepressants.
veteran suicides

Screening + Drug Treatment = Increase in Veteran Suicides

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For the past 15 years, the VA's suicide prevention efforts have focused on getting veterans screened and treated for psychiatric disorders, with antidepressants a first-line therapy. This effort has caused veteran suicide rates to steadily rise.

Fluoxetine Not Helpful for Children with Autism

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A clinical trial finds Prozac no better than placebo for improving repetitive behaviors.

Relapse in Antipsychotic Drug Trials is Poorly Defined

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There is a lack of consensus in the definition of ‘relapse’ across randomized controlled trials of antipsychotic maintenance treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis.