Posted on 10/01/2007 1:00:20 AM PDT by neverdem
Variations in two genes may increase the likelihood that a person will report suicidal thoughts after taking an antidepressant, researchers reported yesterday. The finding could help doctors develop tests to predict which patients will do well on such medications and which will react badly.
The authors of the study, which was released to reporters yesterday and will appear in The American Journal of Psychiatry on Monday, said that the findings were preliminary and would need to be verified by further testing.
The study focused on reactions to only one drug, Celexa from Forest Laboratories, and found no link between the gene variations and dangerous behavior like suicide attempts.
This distinction is critical, because doctors do not know whether people who report thoughts of ending their lives are at increased risk to act on them. The one patient in the study who attempted suicide consistently denied having any suicidal thoughts.
The findings come at a time when psychiatrists, regulators and some former patients are locked in a furious debate about the risks of antidepressant drugs, which include products like Prozac from Eli Lilly and Zoloft from Pfizer. In recent years, health regulators have required that drug makers post strong warnings on antidepressant labels, saying that some young patients may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Some psychiatrists say the warnings have scared off patients who would benefit from the drugs — based largely on reports of suicidal thinking, which may not increase the risk of suicide itself.
“What I would say is that this study is a wake-up call, that we may have the opportunity to use genomic tests to guide personalized care for depression,” said Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, which helped finance the study.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
This is quite a surprising FReebie. I hope to go past the abstract.
Genes, other med issues have to do with ALL illness/combos’
Hey heard a good trial not proven yet for Bipolar or Manic/uni polar.
The sea sickness patch...looks promising so far but results on stats not out.
What the Hey though. Can’t kill ya to try.
No duh.
Genes, other med issues have to do with ALL illness/combos’
Hey heard a good trial not proven yet for Bipolar or Manic/uni polar.
The sea sickness patch...looks promising so far but results on stats not out.
What the Hey though. Cant kill ya to try.
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FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
Interesting. I have MS and take an interferon. They warn you to report any side effects like depression or suicidal thoughts. Some people that take it have that side effect, or other side effects from the drug. I, personally, don’t notice any side effects from the drug. I’m sure genes do play a role in how a person reacts to a certain medication.
Interesting. Thanks for the ping.
Pingworthy?
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