[YSPNetwork] Fwd: re: Antidepressant warnings scared parents, doctors

[Jonathan Manheim]

I don't think we need to be choosing between funding services and education
and intelligently using medication to treat mood disorders and prevent
suicide.  We should be doing both.

 

It is telling, for example, that Dr. Conner cites the fact that
antidepressant use increased "dramatically" in the past ten years, because
we all know that, until the "black box" warning two years ago, suicide rates
among the young were decreasing.  And I just read on this mailing list the
Chicago study that shows an increase in suicide rates since the black box
warning.  The relationship is statistical, but clearly there is an inverse
relationship between suicide rates and antidepressant use.

 

I'm not saying that medication is the only answer.  I believe that mental
health services and education are VERY important.  But antidepressant use
seems to definitely be part of the equation.  What I would like to see is
increased funding, hopefully by a major foundation, a la the Gates'
Foundation support for attacking AIDS and malaria in Africa, for research
into mood disorders and learning better systems for diagnosis and treatment.
We shouldn't be having to choose between different methods that comprise a
more complete picture of treating those at risk for suicide.

 

                Jonathan Manheim

                Bainbridge Island

 

From: yspnetwork-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
[mailto:yspnetwork-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Michael
Conner, PsyD
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 8:39 AM
To: KDWOLFE at prodigy.net; 'YSP-OR'
Subject: Re: [YSPNetwork] Fwd: re: Antidepressant warnings scared parents,
doctors

 

This is a wonderful article that Dr. Wolfe forwarded. 

 

The following opinion is based on a peer reviewed article and references
that are attached. 

 

Common sense requires us to consider that the stage for suicidal behavior is
also being influenced heavily by state and federal spending cutbacks in
mental health, social services and education. I don't work for the State of
Oregon and I believe that that we need more funding for services and
education.

 

The use of antidepressants has increased dramatically in the past 10 years
while funding and actual services has decreased.

 

Should we medicate more or fund services that lead to less reliance on
medications? I think we need more public services. Psychotherapy can manage
and even cure depression. Medication helps. We must consider both. 

 

I'm a private practice clinical psychologist and I review the literature and
I am scared for patients and physicians. 

 

[Michael Conner, PsyD is the first recipient of the Oregon Psychological
Association's Public Education Service Award (2007).]

 

 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: yspnetwork-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
[mailto:yspnetwork-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of
KDWOLFE at prodigy.net
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 6:34 AM
To: YSP-OR
Subject: [YSPNetwork] Fwd: re: Antidepressant warnings scared
parents,doctors

 

Note: Forwarded message attached.

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