FDA: Smoking Cessation Drug Does Not Cause More Psychiatric Hospitalizations Than Nicotine Patches

By Join Together Staff | October 25, 2011 |

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined the smoking cessation drug Chantix (varenicline) is no more likely than nicotine patches to cause psychiatric events that require hospitalization.

The FDA drew its conclusions after reviewing two studies comparing Chantix to nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine patches. The agency acknowledged the studies had limitations and will keep the “black box” warning labels on Chantix to advise about possible psychiatric side effects, including changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts or actions, Reuters reports.

“Overall, FDA has determined that the current warnings in the Chantix drug label, based on postmarketing surveillance reports, remain appropriate,” the FDA said in a statement.

One study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs compared 14,131 veterans using Chantix with an equal number of veterans who used nicotine patches. A second study conducted by the Department of Defense compared almost 20,000 people using Chantix with about 16,000 people who used nicotine patches for a month after they began treatment to quit smoking.

The manufacturer of Chantix, Pfizer, is conducting a large safety clinical trial of the drug to assess psychiatric side effects. Results are expected in 2017.

In June, the FDA said Chantix may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain heart problems in patients with heart disease.

http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/research/fda-smoking-cessation-drug-does-not-cause-more-psychiatric-hospitalizations-than-nicotine-patches?utm_source=Join+Together+Daily&utm_campaign=42a2475b68-JT+Daily+News%3A+Take-Back+Programs...&utm_medium=email

Reposted at darkestcloset@blogspot.com

Health Reform to Increase Number Receiving Medicaid Mental Health Services

The number of Medicaid beneficiaries using mental health and addiction treatment services is expected to increase from 2.1 million in 2006 to 4.4 million in 2019—the date when all health reform provisions are implemented to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income childless adults between the ages of 18 and 64. The number of 18-to-64-year-old adult behavioral health service users overall (counting those covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured) is expected to increase from 25.4 million in 2006 to 26.6 million by 2019.. The projected increase in behavioral health service utilization was based on research on non-elderly adults’ mental health status and insurance status by income level reported in the 2004–2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. (Open Minds, 10/10/11)

Happy World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day—October 10, 2011

World Mental Health Day raises public awareness about mental health issues. The day promotes open discussion of mental health and investments in prevention, promotion, and treatment services.

This year, the theme is "Investing in Mental Health." Significant behavioral health disparities persist in diverse communities across the globe. To reach these communities, we need to increase investment for mental health and to shift available resources toward more effective forms of services delivered through primary health care and community settings.

"Off-label" Use of Antipsychotic Drugs for Some Conditions Not Supported by Evidence

My Plan, My Life, My Psychiatric Advance Directive

Similar to a medical advance directive or a health care power of attorney, a psychiatric advance directive is a legal document completed in a time of wellness that provides instructions regarding treatment or services one wishes to have or not have during a mental health crisis, and may help influence his or her care. A mental health crisis is when a person is unable to make or communicate rational decisions.

A psychiatric advance directive allows you to specify considerations about your mental health care treatment and appoint an agent who may make decisions about your treatment in the event of a mental health crisis. In some cases, you may also give further background information about how you have reacted to past treatment.

Despite these benefits, a survey of mental health experts concluded the underuse of psychiatric advance directives in the United States; this study surveyed 1,011 people with serious mental illness receiving public-sector treatment in 5 cities.

On the My Plan, My Life Web site, you will find comprehensive and easy-to-understand information for individuals with mental illness, their families and health care professionals. On the site you can learn about the importance of psychiatric advance directives as a tool for communicating specifics about one’s care during a mental health crisis and how to prepare your own directive.

My Plan, My Life: My Psychiatric Advance Directive is brought to you by Mental Health America and sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. http://www.myplanmylife.com/mylife.cfm

Reposted at darkestcloset.bloggerspot

Risk for Mental Health Conditions Vary by Gender

Women are more likely to develop anxiety and mood disorders such as depression, while men's mental health issues are more likely to involve antisocial personality and substance use disorders, a new study says. Researchers, whose findings are reported in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, say the differences are due to the fact that women are more likely to internalize their emotions, which can bring on withdrawal, loneliness and depression, whereas men externalize them, becoming aggressive and impulsive. 

Researchers analyzed the answers to interview questions from 43,093 U.S. adults during a 2001 National Institutes of Health survey. For depression, 22.9 percent of women said they had had the condition during their lifetime; 13.1 percent of men said they had. The study showed 7.2 percent of women had panic disorder, and 5.8 percent had generalized anxiety disorder, while just 3.7 and 3.1 percent of men had those conditions, respectively. Among conditions more common in men were alcohol dependence and antisocial personality. (HealthDay News, 8/23/11) 

Reposted at darkestcloset.blogspot.com

Indonesians with Mental Illness Placed in Cages, Chained

An estimated 30,000 Indonesians with mental illness are placed in cages and chained because of stigma and lack of access to treatment. Last year, the government’s department of mental health announced “Meuju Bebas Pasung,” a roadmap to free people in chains. Although officials have worked to reach communities and raise awareness, the task is difficult because mental health remains low on the government’s list of priorities. (Globalpost, 9/12/11)

Reposted at darkestcloset.bloggerspot.com