Posted on 06/21/2004 10:19:15 PM PDT by JohnHuang2
President Bush plans to unveil next month a sweeping mental health initiative that recommends screening for every citizen and promotes the use of expensive antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs favored by supporters of the administration.
The New Freedom Initiative, according to a progress report, seeks to integrate mentally ill patients fully into the community by providing "services in the community, rather than institutions," the British Medical Journal reported.
Critics say the plan protects the profits of drug companies at the expense of the public.
The initiative began with Bush's launch in April 2002 of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, which conducted a "comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system."
The panel found that "despite their prevalence, mental disorders often go undiagnosed" and recommended comprehensive mental health screening for "consumers of all ages," including preschool children.
The commission said, "Each year, young children are expelled from preschools and childcare facilities for severely disruptive behaviors and emotional disorders."
Schools, the panel concluded, are in a "key position" to screen the 52 million students and 6 million adults who work at the schools.
The commission recommended that the screening be linked with "treatment and supports," including "state-of-the-art treatments" using "specific medications for specific conditions."
The Texas Medication Algorithm Project, or TMAP, was held up by the panel as a "model" medication treatment plan that "illustrates an evidence-based practice that results in better consumer outcomes."
The TMAP -- started in 1995 as an alliance of individuals from the pharmaceutical industry, the University of Texas and the mental health and corrections systems of Texas -- also was praised by the American Psychiatric Association, which called for increased funding to implement the overall plan.
But the Texas project sparked controversy when a Pennsylvania government employee revealed state officials with influence over the plan had received money and perks from drug companies who stand to gain from it.
Allen Jones, an employee of the Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General says in his whistleblower report the "political/pharmaceutical alliance" that developed the Texas project, which promotes the use of newer, more expensive antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, was behind the recommendations of the New Freedom Commission, which were "poised to consolidate the TMAP effort into a comprehensive national policy to treat mental illness with expensive, patented medications of questionable benefit and deadly side effects, and to force private insurers to pick up more of the tab."
Jones points out, according to the British Medical Journal, companies that helped start the Texas project are major contributors to Bush's election funds. Also, some members of the New Freedom Commission have served on advisory boards for these same companies, while others have direct ties to TMAP.
Eli Lilly, manufacturer of olanzapine, one of the drugs recommended in the plan, has multiple ties to the Bush administration, BMJ says. The elder President Bush was a member of Lilly's board of directors and President Bush appointed Lilly's chief executive officer, Sidney Taurel, to the Homeland Security Council.
Of Lilly's $1.6 million in political contributions in 2000, 82 percent went to Bush and the Republican Party.
Another critic, Robert Whitaker, journalist and author of "Mad in America," told the British Medical Journal that while increased screening "may seem defensible," it could also be seen as "fishing for customers."
Exorbitant spending on new drugs "robs from other forms of care such as job training and shelter program," he said.
However, a developer of the Texas project, Dr. Graham Emslie, defends screening.
"There are good data showing that if you identify kids at an earlier age who are aggressive, you can intervene ... and change their trajectory."
Hmmmm....now you are insulting me....
How many people do you plan to flame, on this thread? I consider myself in good company, BTW.
Interesting that you propose the same solution for me, that you excoriate President Bush for...
I agree, for the teacher unions and Ted Kennedy. That's why they are screaming. They hate the accountability.
"what will bush do to those who dont pass the screening?"
Zey vill be zent to zee camp for special handling...
Such as?
BTW, accusing my wife of being a liar is NOT a flame?
The White House pages do not refer to the entire population. They specifically refer to People/Youth with Disabilities.
Sounds like to me this is an effective way to take away from defense lawyers the INSANITY PLEA...
Hi, "texasflower".
Did you know that dual logins are frowned upon?
Only to the extent that you accusing me of getting "weird" is an insult to me. Or you you reserve certain rights to yourself that you do not extend to others?
Sounds kinda "Big Brother," doesn't it?
Do not and never had a dual login in my almost 6 years on FR.
Keep on ranting Donald.
What are you talking about?
Dual login?
It means testing and required treatment, as with eye, ear, and vaccine programs in schools.
"5) excellent mental health services are delivered and research is accelerated; [depends on details]"
The term delivered means the program should be taxpayer funded. The term is used to obfuscate that fact. Ever hear of an auto maintenance delivery program, or see marches to improve access to auto maintenance, or improve delivery. Not yet you say, well you will and it will materialize as another New Freedom commision.
"the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health."
This has nothing to do with Freedom. It's govm't subsibsidy for big nut cracker.
You are a mean and bitter man aren't you?
The posts that you have made all night long to everyone have been hateful.
Maybe you should get some rest.
From page 65:
Understanding the Goal Early Assessment and Treatment Are Critical Across the Life Span For consumers of all ages, early detection, assessment, and linkage with treatment and supports can prevent mental health problems from compounding and poor life outcomes from accumulating. Early intervention can have a significant impact on the lives of children and adults who experience mental health problems.
Just another day at the office for DJ, IMO, and thank you very much Judith Anne for the nice compliment in your reply #353.
Most will think this is satire from the Onion. There was a local scandal created when it was discovered that a local high school principle was in league with a curvy blond female shrink. The principle was refusing to allow some students to attend school until they had a screening from this shrink.
The principle, shrink, and a local treatment center, had themselves quite the profitable little scam going, finding out if the parents had insurance, demanding their children be committed or placed in the shrinks counceling sessions. Finally, they fooled around and messed with the wrong kid, whose parents had power and influence.
The principle, shrink, and treatment center, split the money made from this little scam until one irate parent pulled the plug on them. This type of program is open to this same kind of abuse, not to mention, this program is right out of 1984.
Uh-oh...we're in trouble...
Funny you should mention that. Been there done that. Made us feel real bad, though.
Bush plans to screen whole US population for mental illness
Where did I say that President Bush could do no wrong?
See posts 234, 276, and 277. You make an assertion that is substantially identical to the above, NittanyLion calls you on it, and you confirm it.
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