Criselda C. Abad-Santos, M.D.
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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL ILLNESS AND SLEEP
Posted on April 19, 2019 at 12:05 PM |
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Poor sleep is both a symptom and a cause of mental illness. Sleep problems may contribute to the development or prolongation of mental illness by making it more difficult to cope with mental problems. Sleep disorders are comorbid with many other illnesses; the most common comorbidities with insomnia are mental illnesses. It’s estimated that 40% of insomnia patients and over 45% of hypersomnia patients have a psychiatric condition. On the other hand, people without mental illness have substantially lower rates of insomnia. It’s a striking enough difference that nobody doubts the tie between sleep disorders and mental illness any more. When it comes to the sleep they do get, people with mental illness often report that it’s not restorative. They wake up still feeling tired, whether from waking frequently during the night, falling asleep too late, or waking too early. In fact, as we’ll go into in the sections below, many studies show that patients with mental health disorders experiences demonstrable changes to their sleep architecture. Often, the individual spends more time in the lighter, less restorative stages of sleep, and less time in the critically important deep and REM stages of sleep. Insomniacs on the whole tend to suffer from this problem – getting less sleep overall and spending insufficient time in the deeper parts of sleep. This is what makes the disorder so particularly frustrating: they feel like there is no relief from their discomfort. This lack of sleep in turn makes it more challenging to cope with the symptoms of their mental illness. The REM stage of sleep provides us with the emotional and cognitive benefits of sleep. With sufficient REM sleep, we feel emotionally balanced, and able to regulate our emotions and make good judgments. Our brain works and processes information as it should. Without it, we’re moodier, prone to irrationality and poor decision-making, and have difficulty remembering things. It’s easy to see how this mindset makes it tough to cope with mental health. Together, mental illness and insomnia exacerbate the effects of each other, creating a classic negative feedback loop, and once they get started, push the patient in a downward spiral. This makes treatment of both conditions difficult. Left untreated, the sleep problems associated with mental health disorders can be particularly dangerous. A University of Michigan study found a strong correlation between insomnia and suicide. |
CURBING PHYSICIAN SUICIDE RATES BY CHANGING THE CULTURE OF MEDICINE
Posted on December 9, 2018 at 2:20 PM |
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What do we know about physician suicide, and how can we prevent this tragedy? Firstly, we know that physicians are at a higher risk for suicide than the general population. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that there are 968,000 active physicians in the US in 2018. About 35-40 percent of them are female. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that 300-400 US physicians commit suicide each year, including about 150-200 of each gender. The total number is likely an underestimate as it is well known that some possible physician suicides end up not being recorder as such. The suicide rate for female physicians in particular is markedly elevated, with a relative risk of 2.27 compared to US women in general, while that if male physicians is also above the US national average with a relative risk of 1.4. The fact that physicians are more likely t kill themselves than non-physician equivalent adults in the general population is hardly surprising, as physicians have the knowledge and skills to make sure that they are successful in a suicide attempt. Secondly, we know that risk factors for suicide in the general population include major depression or other mood disorders, substance abuse, adverse life events, access to lethal means, medical illness, a family history of mental illness, age (50 or older), and gender (male more common overall). e also know that in their lifetime, approximately 15 percent of physicians will develop a substance use and/or a mental health-related condition (usually depression or anxiety) that could potentially impair their ability to practice medicine, and that 30-50 percent of physicians at some stage exhibit symptoms of burnout, which may lead to anxiety, depression or substance use disorder. Thirdly, we know that physicians look after themselves inadequately. They rarely report depression or suicidal ideas, suffering in silence, or attempting to treat themselves, such is the stigma of psychiatric disorder, even among physicians. These behaviors are embedded in the medical subculture, which encourage denial and self-reliance, and are at least partly learned implicitly during training. Why is this happening and what can we do? There are any possible intervention to reduce this tragedy. These range from the need for organizational and systemic work changes to reduce administrative requirements and tame electronic medical records to personal and lifestyle changes to aid resilience and reduce burnout, including learning how to better recognize at-risk colleagues. Some like myself, argue that the Triple Aim of healthcare (improving the patient experience of care, including quality and satisfaction, improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care) should become the Quadruple Aim with the fourth aim being improving the work life of health providers. The National Academy of Medicine is very active in this field, and has set up an impressive well organized and resourced Action Collaborative on Clinician Wellbeing and Resilience (See https://nam.edu/initiatives/clincian-resilience-and well-being). This is an excellent website to visit for all interested in this topic. The American Medical Association, like several other colleges and professional associations, is also committed to this issue and has created five excellent modules in their nine "step forward" program on physician health and wellbeing that are replete with good practical examples of how to reduce levels of burnout and improve organizational and individual responses to stress. |
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND SLEEP DISORDERS
Posted on August 15, 2018 at 11:39 AM |
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a catch-all for autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD affects about 2 million individuals in the United States, and is 4.5 times more common in boys than in girls.ASD affects individuals to different extents. Individuals with ASD can be highly gifted or mentally challenged, but all have some challenges with socializing and communicating with others. Developmental issues associated with ASD are typically diagnosed in early childhood, but can be noticed as early as 18 months. Between 44 to 83 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder also experience sleep issues. Most commonly, children with autism have difficulty falling asleep and experience disturbed sleep once they do. Problematically, their sleep problems tend to exacerbate other issues characteristic of the disorder. For instance, daytime sleepiness from lack of sleep often results in hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and aggression during the day. Common sleep disorders affecting children and adults with autism In general, children with autism tend to sleep 32.8 minutes less per night and take almost 11 minutes longer to sleep than their typically developing peers. Children with ASD also have a higher prevalence of sleep issues than their typically developing peers. One study reported the following instances of sleep issues in autistic children:
Common sleep issues for people with autism include:
In addition to the sleep disorders above, children with ASD are also more likely to have epilepsy or gastrointestinal problems, both of which can further disrupt sleep. Unfortunately, when autistic children have sleep issues, they also tend to be more intense than typically developing children. Worse, short sleep duration is highly correlated with social impairment, especially the ability to develop peer relationships, according to recent research.Sleep-deprived children with ASD see decreased IQ scores, and tend to engage in repetitive behaviors and compulsive rituals more often. They also have higher rates of behavioral issues, depressed or anxious mood, and problem paying attention in school. Why are children with autism more prone to sleep problems? While scientists still don’t know why children with autism are more prone to sleep issues, they have advanced a few theories. Abnormal melatonin production One theory is that children with autism have brain abnormalities that affect their ability to regulate sleep. Children with autism tend to have abnormal levels of tryptophan, which is an amino acid involved in melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Autistic children don’t produce melatonin at the same time other people do, so their levels are higher during the day and lower at night – which is the reverse of when it should be. Difficulty reading social cues Autistic children have difficulty reading social cues. As a result, they may not correctly interpret the actions of their siblings, parents or other family members getting ready for bed. Besides our circadian rhythms, social cues also help us recognize when it’s time for sleep, especially in early development.Heightened sensitivityBecause children with autism have heightened sensitivity, it can be more challenging for their brain to calm down enough to fall asleep. Plus, they are more prone to be roused by external stimuli during the night, such as a snoring family member or a parent opening a door elsewhere in the house. Developmental issues During infancy and as toddlers, typically developing children sleep throughout the day and wake up to feed. As they age, children continue taking naps but sleep less during the day and sleep more during night, until they eventually sleep primarily at night. Young children with autism may not develop mature sleep patterns at the same rate of their peers, which can cause them to wake more frequently during the night and to be more tired during the day. Genetic abnormalities Children with autism may experience spend 8 to 10 percent less time in REM sleep, which is the critically restorative stage of sleep where dreaming occurs and the brain processes memories and learnings from the day. The reduced REM sleep can negatively impact autistic children’s cognitive performance in school and stymie their development. Researchers hypothesize neurotransmitter abnormalities in the brain may responsible for the reduced REM sleep. They are also currently researching whether a single genetic mutation could cause both insomnia and autism. How do sleep issues change as my autistic child ages? Fortunately, many sleep problems affecting autistic children naturally go away with childhood, including night terrors, sleepwalking, and rhythmic movement disorder (RMD). Night terrors are more common in children during the ages of 3 to 7. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for these, but reassuring your child before bed and whenever they wake up may help calm them. Children also outgrow sleepwalking, although a 2012 Stanford study estimates 3.6 percent of adults have slept walk within the past year. While you wait for your child to outgrow it, protect against them getting hurt by picking up the floor, clearing clutter, and locking doors and windows. Most cases of RMD go away naturally by age 5. If you notice your child rocking, do not wake them up as it will cause them to just restart the process when they go back to sleep (unless, of course, your child is about to hurt themselves by falling off the bed). Until then, invest in padded bed rails and floor pads to protect your child from injury. Adults with ASD have significantly fewer sleep problems than children with ASD, but they still experience them at twice the rate of the general population. About 20 percent of adults with ASD have a diagnosed sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, and insomnia can continue into adulthood for autistic individuals. Adults with ASD also have higher rates of psychiatric disorders and other medical conditions, many of which can contribute to or exacerbate sleep issues themselves. How can I help my autistic child sleep better? Autistic children who get a better night’s sleep tend to have fewer behavioral problems and better social interactions, according to a 2006 study published in the journal Sleep. If your child has difficulty sleeping, wakes frequently during the night, or wakes up early, they may have a sleep issue. Monitor your child during the night and note anything unusual such as snoring, movements, or breathing problems. You can share this information with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Note that children need more sleep than adults. Here’s an overview of the recommended amount of sleep by age:
Helping your child sleep better will also help you as their caregiver. Caregivers and parents of children with ASD tend to have more sleep problems than the average adult, whether due to the emotional stress of raising an autistic child or interruptions during the night from their child. Further, parents of autistic children sleep less overall, have worse sleep quality, and wake up earlier than other parents. Behavior changes Many behavioral changes can completely resolve or at least alleviate sleep issues for children with autism. The following tips have been helpful for parents: 1. Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.Children with ASD have heightened sensitivity and can be more sensitive to their environment than other children, so you may want to invest in blackout curtains and remove any stimulating electronics. Limit television time in the hours before bed as it can overstimulate their already sensitive brains. Instead, focus your child’s attention to quiet activities like drawing, puzzles, or reading. 2. Practice good sleep hygiene and establish a bedtime routine.Bedtime routines can help children fall asleep faster, according to research by Vanderbilt University. Repeat the same activities in the same order each night 30 minutes before bedtime, including when your child brushes their teeth and if you read a bedtime story together. Have your child go to sleep and wake up at the same time, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Children with autism can show a strong favoritism towards objects. Lean into this by using the same pajamas and objects in the bedtime routine. Find a way to include multiple objects (such as two stuffed animals) so your child can still sleep if one item becomes unavailable. Prepare your child for bedtime by reminding them that it’s coming up, so they don’t get irritated by a sudden transition. Use something consistent, whether it’s a verbal reminder, or a clock that signals the time. Because autistic children are highly sensitive, you might consider using relaxation techniques in the bedroom routine, such as a gentle massage or lavender oils during bath time. 3. Adjust your child’s diet and exercise.Watch your child’s diet and take care to remove any foods that they have sensitivity to as an upset stomach can disturb sleep. Children with autism are more likely to have gastrointestinal problems and food allergies or sensitivities, which if ignored, can cause disrupted sleep. Limit liquid intake before bed to prevent bedwetting. Avoid caffeine (remember that tea, coffee, chocolate, and soda can all be sources of caffeine). Provide regular exercise earlier in the day so your child can fall asleep better at night. 4. Coach your child to fall asleep without you in the room.Children with autism can have an even harder time falling asleep without their parents than their typically developing peers. Slowly coach your child to fall asleep without you in the room. In the event they wake up during the night, this will also help them fall back asleep on their own. First, you can also establish a sense of normalcy around falling asleep alone by showing your child a picture of them asleep in their room while you are doing another activity, or limiting any sleep or nap time to take place solely in their bedroom. Then, go through each of these steps until your child falls asleep, doing one step for a few nights at a time before moving on to the next one:
Sleep products There are many sleep products designed to help individuals with sensory and developmental disabilities fall asleep better. Waterproof mattresses and bedding Autistic children who regularly wet the bed may benefit from waterproof mattresses and bedding. These are made from polyurethane and other materials that are easy to clean and do not develop an odor or stain from repeated incontinence. Bed rails and floor pads Bed rails prevent falls from individuals who move a lot during sleep from rhythmic movement disorder, night terrors, or epilepsy. Bed rail pads provide a comfortable surface should your child come into contact with the rails during sleep, and floor pads around the sides of the bed can provide further protection against a fall. White noise machine A white noise machine or smartphone app can help calm children to sleep using soothing music, white noises, and nature sounds. It also helps drown out other noise in the house they may be sensitive to. Anti-snoring devices Autistic children who snore may find relief from anti-snoring mouthpieces. These are fitted by a dentist to move the lower jaw forward and free up airways during sleep. Less extreme options include anti-snoring nasal plugs or pillows. Alternately, more extreme options for cases of sleep apnea include continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines, which fit an oxygen mask over the face during sleep. Weighted blankets Weighted blankets soothe the uncomfortable sensations from restless leg syndrome. Choose a blanket that weighs 10 percent of your child’s body weight plus 1 pound. Even an autistic child without RLS may prefer a sleeping bag in their bed, finding comfort in the warm, cocoon-like feeling. Some individuals may have RLS due to an iron deficiency, in which case taking an iron supplement can relieve symptoms. Light therapy If your child suffers from hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, using light therapy boxes in the morning may help them adjust better to being awake during the day. Melatonin supplements Melatonin has been shown to help children with ASD fall asleep 28 minutes faster, and sleep longer for 21 minutes. Ask your doctor about giving your child a melatonin supplement. Low doses of 1 to 3 mgs 30 minutes before bedtime can be effective. Additional autism and ASD resources Advocacy organizations
Forums
Blogs There are many blogs dedicated to Austin, if these lists by Healthline, The Art of Autism, Feedspot, and Autism Speaks give any indication. Some that earned a spot on multiple lists include:
Books The following books cover sleep issues for children and adults with ASD. All are available in print or Kindle editions on Amazon. For more books on ASD, take a look at the extensive resource list on Autism Speaks as well as the Best Sellers list on Amazon for Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome.
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BECOMING A HAPPY EMPTY NESTER
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 8:47 AM |
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What is empty nest syndrome?
Empty nest syndrome occurs when parents experience feelings of sadness and loss as their last child leaves home. Though many parents encourage and support their children in becoming independent, watching them leave is nonetheless painful. You might wake up to a shockingly quiet house, no longer filled with children who need your attention. There is plenty to miss — being involved in their daily lives, the constant sound of people around and all the time you spent taking care of their needs. Many parents feel depressed, confused and a deep sense of purposelessness when they no longer have a child’s needs taking up so much of their time. On top of being plagued by these powerful emotions, you might also be concerned about your child’s safety out there in the world alone. You may even doubt that they’ll be able to take care of themselves without you there to guide them. This transition can be an especially big struggle if your last child leaves the nest sooner than you hoped. If you only have one child or see your main purpose in life as being a parent, you might have a significantly harder time adjusting to an empty nest. What’s the impact of empty nest syndrome?In the past, people thought that empty nest syndrome, if not dealt with, would lead to depression, substance abuse, identity crisis and marriage/relationship issues. This can still be true. Those at the greatest risk of experiencing empty nest symptoms are:
The good news is that while those issues are a concern, they aren’t a concern for everyone. For most, symptoms of empty nest syndrome decrease over time and can be prevented, mitigated or treated. Recent studies suggest that an empty nest might actually enhance lives by improving relationships and boosting freedom — both yours and your child’s. After an initial period of loss, or manageable fluctuations of sadness, many empty nesters saw a reduction in work stress and family conflicts. When your last child leaves home, yes, it can be sad, but it can also be a new opportunity to reconnect with your partner, your friends and your life. Without the added stress of kids at home, you have more time to devote to your marriage, hobbies and yourself. One of the best ways to cope healthily with an empty nest is to be prepared.
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JANE FONDA WORKOUT
Posted on July 13, 2015 at 1:14 PM |
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Love this classic Jane Fonda Workout!!! Exercise is one of the best treatments for depression and anxiety. |
RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 10:35 PM |
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RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Risk factors for suicide are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take her or his life. Suicide risk tends to be highest when someone has several risk factors at the same time. The most frequently cited risk factors for suicide are:
It is important to bear in mind that the large majority of people with mental disorders or other suicide risk factors do not engage in suicidal behavior. Environmental Factors That Increase Suicide Risk Some people who have one or more of the major risk factors above can become suicidal in the face of factors in their environment, such as:
Again, though, it is important to remember that these factors do not usually increase suicide risk for people who are not already vulnerable because of a preexisting mental disorder or other major risk factors. Exposure to extreme or prolonged environmental stress, however, can lead to depression, anxiety, and other disorders that in turn, can increase risk for suicide. Protective Factors for Suicide Protective factors for suicide are characteristics or conditions that may help to decrease a person’s suicide risk. While these factors do not eliminate the possibility of suicide, especially in someone with risk factors, they may help to reduce that risk. Protective factors for suicide have not been studied as thoroughly as risk factors, so less is known about them. Protective factors for suicide include:
Protective factors may reduce suicide risk by helping people cope with negative life events, even when those events continue over a period of time. The ability to cope or solve problems reduces the chance that a person will become overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious. Protective factors do not entirely remove risk, however, especially when there is a personal or family history of depression or other mental disorders. Warning Signs for Suicide In contrast to longer term risk and protective factors, warning signs are indicators of more acute suicide risk. Thinking about heart disease helps to make this clear. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol. Having these factors does not mean that someone is having a heart attack right now, but rather that there is an increased chance that they will have heart attack at some time. Warning signs of a heart attack are chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. These signs mean that the person may be having a heart attack right now and needs immediate help. As with heart attacks, people who die by suicide usually show some indication of immediate risk before their deaths. Recognizing the warning signs for suicide can help us to intervene to save a life. A person who is thinking about suicide may say so directly: “I’m going to kill myself.” More commonly, they may say something more indirect: “I just want the pain to end,” or “I can’t see any way out.” Most of the time, people who kill themselves show one or more of these warning signs before they take action:
Individuals who show such behaviors should be evaluated for possible suicide risk by a medical doctor or mental health professional. What To Do When You Suspect Someone May Be at Risk for Suicide Take it Seriously
Ask Questions
Encourage Professional Help
Take Action
Follow-Up on Treatment
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RAISING AWARENESS FOR BINGE EATING DISORDER
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:08 PM |
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AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION Tuesday, February 26, 2013 What is Binge Eating Disorder? Binge Eating Disorder involves frequent overeating during a discreet period of time (at least once a week for three months), combined with lack of control and is associated with three or more of the following:
What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used by mental health professionals around the world to help them accurately diagnose psychiatric disorders. The fifth edition of this manual (DSM-5) will be released in May 2013 after 14 years of extensive research studies and input from the best experts in the field. What is different about Binge Eating Disorder in DSM-5? Binge Eating Disorder was previously categorized as a “diagnosis for further study.” In DSM-5, it is defined as a unique psychiatric condition with more specific criteria. Why is it important that Binge Eating Disorder is being recognized as a unique psychiatric condition in DSM-5? Being recognized as a true mental disorder will raise public awareness of this troubling condition and may help individuals identify themselves as needing support. Increased awareness can lead to increased interest and funding in the research community, so that we may continue to learn more about this disorder and find better treatments. This designation as a “disorder” may also make insurance companies more likely to cover therapy and medications used to treat Binge Eating Disorder. What should I do if I think I am suffering from Binge Eating Disorder? Binge Eating Disorder treatment is complex and individualized. It can include therapy, medications, and addressing other psychiatric conditions or health problems such as obesity that are also occurring. If you think that you, or a loved one, are suffering from this condition, you should contact a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. How is Binge Eating Disorder treated? If you decide to see a psychiatrist for treatment of Binge Eating Disorder, he or she will start by asking questions about your medical and psychiatric history and symptoms that you are concerned about. Common components of a treatment plan might include addressing any underlying medical problems such as obesity or high blood pressure and psychotherapy to help with depression, anxiety, or other emotional problems. Medications may also be used if your doctor thinks it is indicated. There is no magic cure for Binge Eating Disorder, and your psychiatrist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan. |
MOST GUN DEATHS ARE SUICIDES
Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:02 PM |
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AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Since the schoolhouse massacre in Newtown, Conn., much of the nation’s attention has focused on mass shootings. But deaths involving guns are very likely to involve one victim—the shooter. A report in the New York Times today, drawing on statistics from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, notes that nearly 20,000 of the 30,000 deaths from guns in the United States in 2010 were suicides. Experts quoted by the Times emphasize that guns are particularly lethal. And it cites statistics from the Harvard Injury Control Research Center showing that suicidal acts with guns are fatal in 85 percent of cases, while those with pills are fatal in just 2 percent of cases. “Suicidal acts are often prompted by a temporary surge of rage or despair, and most people who attempt them do not die,” according to the report. “In a 2001 study of 13- to 34-year-olds in Houston who had attempted suicide but were saved by medical intervention, researchers from the CDC found that, for more than two-thirds of them, the time that elapsed between deciding to act and taking action was an hour or less. The key to reducing fatalities, experts say, is to block access to lethal means when the suicidal feeling spikes.” The Times article is here. For more on the subject of suicide see Psychiatric News here. (Image: Vartanov Anatoly/shutterstock.com) Posted by Psychiatric News Alert at Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookLabels: guns, suicides |
FDA approves injectable drug to treat opioid-dependent patients
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 8:27 PM |
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FDA NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate Release: Oct. 12, 2010 Media Inquiries: Shelly Burgess, 301-796-4651, [email protected] Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Vivitrol to treat and prevent relapse after patients with opioid dependence have undergone detoxification treatment.Vivitrol is an extended-release formulation of naltrexone administered by intramuscular injection once a month. Naltrexone works to block opioid receptors in the brain. It blocks the effects of drugs like morphine, heroin, and other opioids. It was approved to treat alcohol dependence in 2006.“Addiction is a serious problem in this country, and can have devastating effects on individuals who are drug-dependent, and on their family members and society,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This drug approval represents a significant advancement in addiction treatment."The safety and efficacy of Vivitrol were studied for six months, comparing Vivitrol treatment to placebo treatment in patients who had completed detoxification and who were no longer physically dependent on opioids. Patients treated with Vivitrol were more likely to stay in treatment and to refrain from using illicit drugs. Thirty-six percent of the Vivitrol-treated patients were able to stay in treatment for the full six months without using drugs, compared with 23 percent in the placebo group.Patients must not have any opioids in their system when they start taking Vivitrol; otherwise, they may experience withdrawal symptoms from the opioids. Also, patients may be more sensitive to opioids while taking Vivitrol at the time their next scheduled dose is due. If they miss a dose or after treatment with Vivitrol has ended, patients can accidentally overdose if they restart opioid use. Side effects experienced by those using Vivitrol included nausea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, decreased appetite, painful joints, and muscle cramps. Other serious side effects included reactions at the site of the injection, which can be severe and may require surgical intervention, liver damage, allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, swelling of the face, pneumonia, depressed mood, suicide, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior.Vivitrol should be administered only by a health care provider as an intramuscular injection, using special administration needles that are provided with the product. Vivitrol should not be injected using any other needle. The recommended dosing regimen is once a month.Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online atwww.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm.Vivitrol is manufactured by Alkermes, Inc. For more information: |
PRESIDENT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON GUN CONTROL, MENTAL HEALTH
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 11:03 PM |
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ThuRSDAY January 17, 2013 (Wasington, DC) - Yesterday, President Obama outlined his plan to reduce gun violence across the country. The President's plan included numerous actions that the American Psychiatric Association has been advocating for over the last several years. The plan included four major legislative proposals and twenty-three executive orders, notably: * Reinstating the ban on military-style assault weapons * Restoring the 10-round limit on ammunition magazines * Requiring a criminal background check for all gun sales * Directing the CDC to conduct research into the causes and prevention of gun violence * Clarifying that no federal law including the Affordable Care Act prevents physicians from talking to patients about gun safety * Finalizing mental health parity rules * Clarifying the scope of mental health services that Medicaid plans must cover * Finalizing regulations clarifying essential health benefits and mental health parity requirements within insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. Click on the link below for the full details on Obama's Plan against Gun Violence: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf |
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