Posted on 08/11/2006 9:01:19 PM PDT by neverdem
The results of two new studies may signal a substantial shift in the way psychiatrists and researchers think about treatment for severely depressed patients.
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In the other, psychiatrists in New York found evidence that antidepressant drugs significantly increased the risk that some children and adolescents would attempt or commit suicide. Doctors have debated this risk for years, but the authors of the study were skeptical of it, and their report may sway others.
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The study of suicide risk, led by Dr. Mark Olfson of Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, was based on an analysis of Medicaid records of more than 4,400 people who were hospitalized for depression in 1999 and 2000.
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But children and adolescents in the study who were taking antidepressants were about 50 percent more likely than those not on the drugs to try to kill themselves. And they were about 15 times as likely as those not on the medications to complete the act, although the number of suicides was too small to draw definitive conclusions, the authors cautioned.
In addition, there could be differences between the two groups that the Medicaid records didnt reveal: the children who received the drugs may have been more severely ill, skewing the results, they said.
In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration required strong warnings on the labels of antidepressant drugs alerting parents and doctors of a possible suicide risk in some children. Since then many psychiatrists have been skeptical of the suicide link.
I was surprised by what we found, Dr. Olfson said. I set out thinking wed find that the drugs significantly reduced suicide risk.
The findings may prompt researchers to look at which children are most at risk, rather than continuing to debate whether the risk exists, he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Actually, please send them to my Mom and Grandma. He lived with them, and they are the ones who found him in the backyard Monday morning.
How about, "Were More Likely to Commit Violent Acts"?
They knew it back when I studied at that same distinguished institution. It was hammered into our brains that anyone recovering from depression was more likely to commit suicide during the upswing than at any other time. Adolescence is the most dangerous age for depression, given the massive changes and confusion and pressure on the teenage mind.
I'm really sorry to read about your loss. May I ask how old he was? FWIW, prayer offered.
He was 38 April 27th.
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"What about St John's Wort (or other "natural" serotonin uptake inhibitors) for depression?"
Tryptophan is a pre-cursor to serotonin. The good thing is that it adds serotonin but doesn't change the feedback part of the process (i.e., the re-Uptake part) so it isn't as likely to change a very complicated process in the brain over time.
From what I have read lots of people have been helped by Tryptophan without the side effects caused by SSRIs. It's not a cure (people have to keep taking it) but apparently it's safer for long-term use. It's naturally ocurring in certain foods anyway.
Please post your replies to RandallFlagg
Rest in Peace
Brother of RandallFlagg
RandallFlagg, My prayers go up for all who now mourn the passing of your brother. Comfort and peace for you all.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
Randall, you have my deepest sympathy, and I offer my humble prayer for your brother, and everyone he left behind.
You have my condolences for your and your family's loss.
Prayers sent.
Randall, I am so sorry. My husband did the same thing on April 20th of this year. It's going to be very hard and there will be questions you will never find the answer to.
Just remember you have friends here that are praying for you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss. Our condolences.
I know from my experience after I moved to Kansas, that isolating was the worst thing I could do. My psychologist Sharon really harped on me to at least get outside on the front porch to read the paper every day. I did that... met most of our neighbors and found a purpose in life.
Psychiatrists just do 'medication checks' these days because of insurance restrictions. For 'talk' therapy, you have to see a psychologist.
God Bless,
I'm so, so sorry. This is one of the toughest things that there is to deal with. Prayers for strength, and for peace eventually.
I am so sorry Randall. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother. Prayers for you and your Mom and Grandma, and all others who love him, for comfort and peace.
I was actually the one who diagnosed her the first time in 1999 but I was able to see it in written correspondence and completely missed it face to face. I insisted that she seek help and they hospitalized then too. Depression is just a horrible disease and it isn't always apparent, even to those who love them and live with them.
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