Schizophrenia usually affects more men than women, and women usually develop symptoms around five years later than men. Thus far, the treatment for both men and women has been the same.
During her psychiatric training, Jayashri Kulkami, MBBS, PhD, spoke with many schizophrenic women who kept telling her "It's my hormones, Doc." They also told her "No one takes any notice when I say it's to do with my hormones." Dr. Kulkami took notice and she and her colleagues have now completed a series of small studies which shows that estrogen can have a noticeable effect in reducing symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking. The findings were from a four-week study of 102 women of childbearing age with diagnosed schizophrenia. Kulkami and her colleagues at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia used a patch containing estradiol, the most common form of estrogen, for half of the women. They continued to take the normal medications prescribed for their illness. The other half also had a patch, but it contained no active medication.
During the 28 days of the study, the symptoms and feelings of the study subjects were recorded on a weekly basis, and those on estrogen reported less negative changes in their condition.
More than a century ago it was recognized that there was a link between estrogen and mental illness, but it was only recently considered as a possible treatment. The exact affect of hormones on schizophrenia isn't understood, but the researchers said that it might have a swift effect on blood flow in the brain, or the way sugar is used as fuel for the brain. There is also the possibility that the way brain cells communicate with each other was affected. They said that there was a possibility that the hormone might have uses in other mental illnesses in women.
Estrogen has effects throughout the body, including promotion of hormone sensitive breast and cervical cancers. This means that continuing research using estrogen must be done with some caution. Kulkami's team is exploring the use of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators or SERMs. They want to see if these drugs exert the same antipsychotic effect as estrogen without the side effects.
The researchers did a brief study treating schizophrenic men with estrogen, and the therapy also seemed to reduce their acute symptoms. Though men do have some natural estrogen introducing too much would bring out effeminate characteristics. The researchers plan a larger study using SERMs in men. SERM trials on women are also planned. At present, Kulkami is focusing on a three-site study of estrogen patches in women of childbearing age with schizophrenia. This study is designed to ensure that the findings of the previous study were not a fluke.
Kulkami said she treats women with estrogen therapy but insures their continued health with Pap smears, breast exams, and blood pressure checks.
Other professionals warn that estrogen therapy appears useful, but much more work is needed before it can be considered safe and effective.
Showing posts with label mental health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mental health. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Psychiatrists Are Choosing Medications Over Traditional Psychotherapy
Many U.S. psychiatrists in today's environment are opting to break out the prescription pad and write prescriptions rather than inviting a patient to their couch for talk therapy. Some patients may like the new idea of prescribing medication rather than the more traditional therapy from their psychiatrists, especially for a quick fix, but is it just a band-aid or an actual resolution to the problem?
Lead author Dr. Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, which performed the most recent study based on the new trends of psychotherapy, explained that in today's environment insurance companies are reimbursing psychiatrists at a lower rate for a 45-minute psychotherapy, than they are for three 15-minute medication visits, possibly causing the swing in the form of treatment.
Psychiatrists are in a business, and as any business they also strive to make a profit. While their primary job is to help treat patients, they must also consider the profit-and-loss factor. Because patients are responsible for whatever part of their visit insurance doesn't cover, they may opt for the therapy that best meets their budget rather than their psychological needs. The authors of the study wrote that, "Psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy to all of their patients relied more extensively on self-pay patients, had fewer managed-care visits, and prescribed medications in fewer of their visits compared with psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy less often."
The findings of the new study, based on an annual survey performed during U.S. doctor visits, were published in a recent edition of Archives of General Psychiatry. The researchers based their analysis on 14,000 psychiatrist visits during a 10-year period and excluded psychologists visits or visits to other mental health counselors who may use talk therapy for treatment. Over 1996-1997 the study resulted in an average of 44 percent of patients that visited psychiatrists and received psychotherapy, but by 2004-2005 that number had dropped to only 29 percent.
Psychotherapy is used by trained psychotherapists as relational intervention. Psychotherapists work with a range of techniques to aid patients or clients in several areas, such as relationship building, open communication, attitude and behavior adjustments, and family struggles or group relationships, in hopes of improving the mental state of patients. Psychotherapy also known as verbal therapy, is used in hopes of aiding patients to evaluate their behaviors and thoughts and help to ease symptoms. Though there are other practitioners that may use psychotherapy to help patients, only psychotherapists may administer other medical treatments, such as psychosurgery, electroshock, and prescribe medications.
Some situations, such as those with childhood trauma or chronic depression sufferers, may benefit more from treatment through psychotherapy, than through medications. A child who is in the middle of their parents divorce may need to talk to someone outside of the family that can help them deal with their hurt, fears, and emotions. Hopefully, psychotherapists will continue to evaluate the overall situation, not be swayed by the insurance company's reimbursement percentage, and continue offering psychotherapy to those that would better benefit from the talk therapy rather than medications. Even though, based on this most recent study produced by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it seems couches used for talk therapy are being left vacant more often than in the past.
Lead author Dr. Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, which performed the most recent study based on the new trends of psychotherapy, explained that in today's environment insurance companies are reimbursing psychiatrists at a lower rate for a 45-minute psychotherapy, than they are for three 15-minute medication visits, possibly causing the swing in the form of treatment.
Psychiatrists are in a business, and as any business they also strive to make a profit. While their primary job is to help treat patients, they must also consider the profit-and-loss factor. Because patients are responsible for whatever part of their visit insurance doesn't cover, they may opt for the therapy that best meets their budget rather than their psychological needs. The authors of the study wrote that, "Psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy to all of their patients relied more extensively on self-pay patients, had fewer managed-care visits, and prescribed medications in fewer of their visits compared with psychiatrists who provided psychotherapy less often."
The findings of the new study, based on an annual survey performed during U.S. doctor visits, were published in a recent edition of Archives of General Psychiatry. The researchers based their analysis on 14,000 psychiatrist visits during a 10-year period and excluded psychologists visits or visits to other mental health counselors who may use talk therapy for treatment. Over 1996-1997 the study resulted in an average of 44 percent of patients that visited psychiatrists and received psychotherapy, but by 2004-2005 that number had dropped to only 29 percent.
Psychotherapy is used by trained psychotherapists as relational intervention. Psychotherapists work with a range of techniques to aid patients or clients in several areas, such as relationship building, open communication, attitude and behavior adjustments, and family struggles or group relationships, in hopes of improving the mental state of patients. Psychotherapy also known as verbal therapy, is used in hopes of aiding patients to evaluate their behaviors and thoughts and help to ease symptoms. Though there are other practitioners that may use psychotherapy to help patients, only psychotherapists may administer other medical treatments, such as psychosurgery, electroshock, and prescribe medications.
Some situations, such as those with childhood trauma or chronic depression sufferers, may benefit more from treatment through psychotherapy, than through medications. A child who is in the middle of their parents divorce may need to talk to someone outside of the family that can help them deal with their hurt, fears, and emotions. Hopefully, psychotherapists will continue to evaluate the overall situation, not be swayed by the insurance company's reimbursement percentage, and continue offering psychotherapy to those that would better benefit from the talk therapy rather than medications. Even though, based on this most recent study produced by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it seems couches used for talk therapy are being left vacant more often than in the past.
Depression Meds May Be Prescription for Bad Driving
Depression is a serious medical illness that affects more than 20 million Americans. Antidepressants are often prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of depression, such as mood changes, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, and feelings of worthlessness that can interfere with everyday life. But while these drugs bring about positive changes for many users, they may also negatively affect the person's cognitive abilities-and consequently their performance behind the wheel.
That is the consensus of a new study dubbed "The Effects of Antidepressants on Cognitive and Driving Performance." In a simulation, Holly J. Dannewitz, Ph.D., and Thomas Petros, Ph.D., psychologists at the University of North Dakota, measured the driving skills of 60 people; 29 who were not medicated (other than contraceptives in some cases) and 31 who were taking at least one type of antidepressant. The group taking antidepressants was further divided into those who scored higher or lower on a test of depression. The researchers observed the participants' steering, concentration, and scanning abilities as they made a series of common driving decisions, such as reacting to brake lights, stop signs or traffic signals while being distracted by animals, other cars, pylons, speed limit signs, helicopters or bicyclists.
The group that was both depressed (scoring high on the depression test) and taking antidepressants performed far worse than the control group on several tasks. They were found to lack concentration, as well as the overall ability to control the car. But participants who were taking antidepressants and were not depressed (scoring in the normal range on the test) performed about the same as those who were not medicated. The team believes it could be either the medication itself or the condition that caused the problems. "We already know that depression causes concentration problems," said study author Holly J. Dannewitz, according to HealthDay News. "And now it appears that people taking antidepressants who also have relatively higher depression scores fare significantly worse when attempting to perform a computerized simulation of driving."
This research is significant considering that the number of Americans taking antidepressants has tripled over the past decade. According to government statistics, 1 in 10 women currently takes some form of antidepressant medication. Dr. Dannewitz said that while there needs to be a larger study on the issue, "there certainly seems to be some sort of link" between depression, antidepressants and driving. "I think people who are depressed, especially those on antidepressants, should be aware of this if they are driving or doing anything that relies on concentration and reaction skills," Dr. Dannewitz told BBC.
The study findings were presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association in Boston on August 17.
That is the consensus of a new study dubbed "The Effects of Antidepressants on Cognitive and Driving Performance." In a simulation, Holly J. Dannewitz, Ph.D., and Thomas Petros, Ph.D., psychologists at the University of North Dakota, measured the driving skills of 60 people; 29 who were not medicated (other than contraceptives in some cases) and 31 who were taking at least one type of antidepressant. The group taking antidepressants was further divided into those who scored higher or lower on a test of depression. The researchers observed the participants' steering, concentration, and scanning abilities as they made a series of common driving decisions, such as reacting to brake lights, stop signs or traffic signals while being distracted by animals, other cars, pylons, speed limit signs, helicopters or bicyclists.
The group that was both depressed (scoring high on the depression test) and taking antidepressants performed far worse than the control group on several tasks. They were found to lack concentration, as well as the overall ability to control the car. But participants who were taking antidepressants and were not depressed (scoring in the normal range on the test) performed about the same as those who were not medicated. The team believes it could be either the medication itself or the condition that caused the problems. "We already know that depression causes concentration problems," said study author Holly J. Dannewitz, according to HealthDay News. "And now it appears that people taking antidepressants who also have relatively higher depression scores fare significantly worse when attempting to perform a computerized simulation of driving."
This research is significant considering that the number of Americans taking antidepressants has tripled over the past decade. According to government statistics, 1 in 10 women currently takes some form of antidepressant medication. Dr. Dannewitz said that while there needs to be a larger study on the issue, "there certainly seems to be some sort of link" between depression, antidepressants and driving. "I think people who are depressed, especially those on antidepressants, should be aware of this if they are driving or doing anything that relies on concentration and reaction skills," Dr. Dannewitz told BBC.
The study findings were presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association in Boston on August 17.
Youth Suicides on an Upward Trend
talBeing a teen isn't easy—it's a time of growing self-identity, pressure to fit in socially and to perform academically accompanied by the awakening of sexual feelings, which can bring about a great deal of confusion and anxiety. And life can feel even more difficult for teens that have additional problems to deal with, such as living in violent or abusive environments or experiencing a stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend. For a growing number of teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems and stress. After more than a decade of declines, there was an 18 percent increase in suicide rates for American youth under age 19 in 2004, with the trend persisting in 2005, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So, what is fueling this spike in youth suicide?
Jeff Bridge, an investigator in the Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and colleagues studied suicide trends among adolescents from the National Vital Statistics Systems at the CDC. They found that, based on suicide rate trends from 1996 to 2003, the rates of suicide among youths aged 10 to 19 were higher in 2004 and 2005 than had been expected. In 2004, there were 326 more suicides than expected and in 2005, there were 292 more suicides than expected. "This is significant, because pediatric suicide rates in the U.S. had been declining steadily for a decade until 2004, when the suicide rate among U.S. youth younger than 20 years of age increased by 18 percent, the largest single-year increase in the past 15 years," Bridge said.
Some experts believe the increase could be due to the reluctance of doctors to prescribe anti-depressant medications after a public health advisory issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October of 2003 warned health care providers of an increased risk of suicide attempts or suicide-related behavior among children and teens taking SSRI's, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Since the warning and subsequent label revisions, there has been a 20 percent decline in the drugs' use. Dr. David Fassler, a psychiatry professor at the University of Vermont, who wasn't involved in the new study, said the report suggests a "very disturbing" upward trend that correlates with a decline in teen use of antidepressants, according to the Associated Press. Dr. Fassler is among those who believe the drugs' benefits, including treating depression that is the leading cause of suicide, outweigh their risks.
Bridge said that, while a link between the warnings and suicide risks has not been established, there are other factors that could be contributing to the increase in youth suicides. They include the influence of Internet social networking sites, an increase in suicide among U.S. troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, higher rates of untreated or undiagnosed depression, and access to firearms. Nearly 60 percent of all suicides in the United States are committed with a gun. "We now need to consider the possibility that this increase is an indicator of an emerging public health crisis. Studies to identify causal factors are important next steps," he added.
Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women and Families, also thinks that untreated depression may play a role in the increased suicide rate, but says there are other reasons as well. For older teens, the increase may be due in part to the sour economy. "When the economy is bad, and jobs are harder to find, it's a tough time for kids who are trying to get a job," she said. Zuckerman also noted the stressors of getting into college and being able to afford it. However, overall, she thinks that children are more isolated, even from their families, than ever before. "Kids and family members are spending more and more time apart," she said. "Apart might mean being on the computer. Kids and their families are not watching TV together, they're not eating meals together, they are not talking to each other nearly as much."
Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, according to the CDC, surpassed only by accidents and homicide. The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex and while it can be difficult for adults to remember how it felt to be a teen-to be caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood-parents should be aware of the signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves. Many of the signs and symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression:Change in eating and sleeping habitsWithdrawal from friends, family and regular activitiesViolent actions, rebellious behavior, or running awayDrug and alcohol useUnusual neglect of personal appearanceMarked personality changeLoss of interest in pleasurable activitiesPersistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolworkFrequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigueNot tolerating praise or rewards
They may also talk about suicide or death or "going away," or talk about feeling hopeless or guilty. If one or more of these signs occurs, parents should talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help from a physician or a qualified mental health professional. With an adequate support network of family and friends, along with appropriate treatment, children and teens that are suicidal can heal and return to a healthier path of development.
The study findings were published in the September 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Jeff Bridge, an investigator in the Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and colleagues studied suicide trends among adolescents from the National Vital Statistics Systems at the CDC. They found that, based on suicide rate trends from 1996 to 2003, the rates of suicide among youths aged 10 to 19 were higher in 2004 and 2005 than had been expected. In 2004, there were 326 more suicides than expected and in 2005, there were 292 more suicides than expected. "This is significant, because pediatric suicide rates in the U.S. had been declining steadily for a decade until 2004, when the suicide rate among U.S. youth younger than 20 years of age increased by 18 percent, the largest single-year increase in the past 15 years," Bridge said.
Some experts believe the increase could be due to the reluctance of doctors to prescribe anti-depressant medications after a public health advisory issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October of 2003 warned health care providers of an increased risk of suicide attempts or suicide-related behavior among children and teens taking SSRI's, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Since the warning and subsequent label revisions, there has been a 20 percent decline in the drugs' use. Dr. David Fassler, a psychiatry professor at the University of Vermont, who wasn't involved in the new study, said the report suggests a "very disturbing" upward trend that correlates with a decline in teen use of antidepressants, according to the Associated Press. Dr. Fassler is among those who believe the drugs' benefits, including treating depression that is the leading cause of suicide, outweigh their risks.
Bridge said that, while a link between the warnings and suicide risks has not been established, there are other factors that could be contributing to the increase in youth suicides. They include the influence of Internet social networking sites, an increase in suicide among U.S. troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, higher rates of untreated or undiagnosed depression, and access to firearms. Nearly 60 percent of all suicides in the United States are committed with a gun. "We now need to consider the possibility that this increase is an indicator of an emerging public health crisis. Studies to identify causal factors are important next steps," he added.
Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women and Families, also thinks that untreated depression may play a role in the increased suicide rate, but says there are other reasons as well. For older teens, the increase may be due in part to the sour economy. "When the economy is bad, and jobs are harder to find, it's a tough time for kids who are trying to get a job," she said. Zuckerman also noted the stressors of getting into college and being able to afford it. However, overall, she thinks that children are more isolated, even from their families, than ever before. "Kids and family members are spending more and more time apart," she said. "Apart might mean being on the computer. Kids and their families are not watching TV together, they're not eating meals together, they are not talking to each other nearly as much."
Each year in the U.S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, according to the CDC, surpassed only by accidents and homicide. The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex and while it can be difficult for adults to remember how it felt to be a teen-to be caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood-parents should be aware of the signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves. Many of the signs and symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression:Change in eating and sleeping habitsWithdrawal from friends, family and regular activitiesViolent actions, rebellious behavior, or running awayDrug and alcohol useUnusual neglect of personal appearanceMarked personality changeLoss of interest in pleasurable activitiesPersistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolworkFrequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigueNot tolerating praise or rewards
They may also talk about suicide or death or "going away," or talk about feeling hopeless or guilty. If one or more of these signs occurs, parents should talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help from a physician or a qualified mental health professional. With an adequate support network of family and friends, along with appropriate treatment, children and teens that are suicidal can heal and return to a healthier path of development.
The study findings were published in the September 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Genetic Traits Link to Bipolar Disorder
Two genes in the brain that control the activity of the nerve cells may play a big role in a person's risk for developing bipolar disorder, which is marked by dramatic swings from being depressed to manic behavior and affects between one and three percent of the population worldwide. While identifying these genes is important, it is not expected that it will lead to a genetic test for the risk of bipolar disorder. It could, however, help unravel the mystery of how it arises and could lead to better treatments
A team of international scientists examined the genomes of approximately 10,956 people that were mainly from the United States and Britain. This was including 4,387 people with the disorder, also often known as manic-depression.
The scientists found that the people with the disorder were more likely to have certain variants of the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. The proteins that these two genes make help govern the flow of calcium ions and sodium in and out of neurons in the brain, which in turn influences the activity of the nerve cells.
The person who helped lead the study, Nick Craddock of Britain's Cardiff University, said, "The key importance of this is that it gives us a clear idea of the sorts of chemicals and mechanisms in the brain that are involved in bipolar disorder. Over a number of years, that will help researchers to develop better approaches to diagnosis and treatment."
Because this disorder has a history of running in families, scientists have been trying to pinpoint the genes that are involved in bipolar disorder. This study was the largest genetic analysis of it kind on bipolar disorder.
This disorder of the brain can cause extreme shifts in mood, energy and general ability to function. Bipolar disorder is marked by high periods of elation or irritability which is followed by periods of sadness and hopelessness that could last for months.
The researchers stated that proper function of neurons in the brain depends on a delicate balance between of calcium and sodium. Our brains operate on how quickly sodium and calcium are moving in and out of cells and the amount that goes in and out. The findings of this study suggest that this disorder may stem at least in part from malfunctions in the flow of these ions, which are the chemicals that are electrically charged.
There is a need for much better treatment for this disorder. Lithium, which is the most common treatment, only helps about two-thirds of those with bipolar disorder and can cause mild shakiness, drowsiness, and weight gain.
The research was funded in part by the U.S government's National Institutes of Health. The director of the NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Thomas Insel, said that the findings may help solve the puzzle that is bipolar disorder. "It's not going to tell us the whole story -- it doesn't give you the whole puzzle -- but it's something to build on."
Craddock said that identifying the two gene variants will probably not be helpful in determining a person's risk for bipolar disorder because many people who do not have this disorder will have the same genes.
A team of international scientists examined the genomes of approximately 10,956 people that were mainly from the United States and Britain. This was including 4,387 people with the disorder, also often known as manic-depression.
The scientists found that the people with the disorder were more likely to have certain variants of the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. The proteins that these two genes make help govern the flow of calcium ions and sodium in and out of neurons in the brain, which in turn influences the activity of the nerve cells.
The person who helped lead the study, Nick Craddock of Britain's Cardiff University, said, "The key importance of this is that it gives us a clear idea of the sorts of chemicals and mechanisms in the brain that are involved in bipolar disorder. Over a number of years, that will help researchers to develop better approaches to diagnosis and treatment."
Because this disorder has a history of running in families, scientists have been trying to pinpoint the genes that are involved in bipolar disorder. This study was the largest genetic analysis of it kind on bipolar disorder.
This disorder of the brain can cause extreme shifts in mood, energy and general ability to function. Bipolar disorder is marked by high periods of elation or irritability which is followed by periods of sadness and hopelessness that could last for months.
The researchers stated that proper function of neurons in the brain depends on a delicate balance between of calcium and sodium. Our brains operate on how quickly sodium and calcium are moving in and out of cells and the amount that goes in and out. The findings of this study suggest that this disorder may stem at least in part from malfunctions in the flow of these ions, which are the chemicals that are electrically charged.
There is a need for much better treatment for this disorder. Lithium, which is the most common treatment, only helps about two-thirds of those with bipolar disorder and can cause mild shakiness, drowsiness, and weight gain.
The research was funded in part by the U.S government's National Institutes of Health. The director of the NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Thomas Insel, said that the findings may help solve the puzzle that is bipolar disorder. "It's not going to tell us the whole story -- it doesn't give you the whole puzzle -- but it's something to build on."
Craddock said that identifying the two gene variants will probably not be helpful in determining a person's risk for bipolar disorder because many people who do not have this disorder will have the same genes.
National Suicide Prevention Week
Standing on the Golden Gate Bridge, with the fog whipping through your hair, watching the tourists take pictures, couples falling in love, and San Francisco bustling across the way is nothing short of beautiful. Sadly, a lot of people have used it as their last escape, a way of welcoming death from a beautiful place, a kind of suicidal paradise. Since its completion, the Golden Gate Bridge has seen over 1,300 people lose their life.
September 7th to 13th is National Suicide Prevention Week. Anyone who has known a victim of suicide or has felt some form of depression themselves knows the emptiness that suicide or suicidal thoughts can bring. Depression is the most common cause of suicide, with 80 percent of depression left untreated. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2008 report suicide is the 11th cause of death in Americans with over 32,000 deaths reported each year along with 395,000 treated cases of near-fatal self-inflicted wounds.
Recently there have been links to suicide cases due to an involvement of prescription drugs that cause mood swings, depression, and general irrational behavior. HealthNews reported a few months ago that warnings of suicidal tendencies will be listed under new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warnings on epilepsy medications. The FDA is also underway looking into a connection between the popular allergy and asthma drug Singulair to possible changes in behavior and suicidal thoughts. Headlines were made last year when pro-wrestler Chris Benoit's drug habits were put into question as to the double murder-suicide of his wife, young son, and himself, again wondering if the constant use of steroids—which are known to cause paranoia, violent mood swings, and even depression—are to blame.
Most suicides can be prevented if the person is able to get help. However, some studies have shown that most people close to the affected person don't even know anything is wrong until it's too late. The hardest part of suicide is realizing you could have helped someone save their life. The six main risk factors of suicide are: previous suicide attempts, history of mental illness or depression, family history of violence or suicide, physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse, and feeling alone.
In addition to Suicide Prevention Week, The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Federation for Mental Health will host World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, 2008. Because over 1 million people lose their lives to suicide each year around the world, approximating one death every 40 seconds, suicide has become a national health issue. The American Association of Suicidology presents World Suicide Prevention Day's theme as "Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally," in the hopes of saving lives through better research of suicidal behaviors and more programs dedicated to active programs and services to counteract those behaviors.
The Golden Gate Bridge doesn't need to mar its waters with any more bodies in order to bring attention to suicide as a terrible, and preventable, disease. For more information on the triggers of suicide, how to prevent it, and how to get help click here.
September 7th to 13th is National Suicide Prevention Week. Anyone who has known a victim of suicide or has felt some form of depression themselves knows the emptiness that suicide or suicidal thoughts can bring. Depression is the most common cause of suicide, with 80 percent of depression left untreated. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2008 report suicide is the 11th cause of death in Americans with over 32,000 deaths reported each year along with 395,000 treated cases of near-fatal self-inflicted wounds.
Recently there have been links to suicide cases due to an involvement of prescription drugs that cause mood swings, depression, and general irrational behavior. HealthNews reported a few months ago that warnings of suicidal tendencies will be listed under new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warnings on epilepsy medications. The FDA is also underway looking into a connection between the popular allergy and asthma drug Singulair to possible changes in behavior and suicidal thoughts. Headlines were made last year when pro-wrestler Chris Benoit's drug habits were put into question as to the double murder-suicide of his wife, young son, and himself, again wondering if the constant use of steroids—which are known to cause paranoia, violent mood swings, and even depression—are to blame.
Most suicides can be prevented if the person is able to get help. However, some studies have shown that most people close to the affected person don't even know anything is wrong until it's too late. The hardest part of suicide is realizing you could have helped someone save their life. The six main risk factors of suicide are: previous suicide attempts, history of mental illness or depression, family history of violence or suicide, physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse, and feeling alone.
In addition to Suicide Prevention Week, The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Federation for Mental Health will host World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, 2008. Because over 1 million people lose their lives to suicide each year around the world, approximating one death every 40 seconds, suicide has become a national health issue. The American Association of Suicidology presents World Suicide Prevention Day's theme as "Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally," in the hopes of saving lives through better research of suicidal behaviors and more programs dedicated to active programs and services to counteract those behaviors.
The Golden Gate Bridge doesn't need to mar its waters with any more bodies in order to bring attention to suicide as a terrible, and preventable, disease. For more information on the triggers of suicide, how to prevent it, and how to get help click here.
Youngsters and Antipsychotics: Old vs. New
Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not split personality. It is a serious brain disorder—the most chronic and disabling of the major mental illnesses—that distorts the way a person acts, thinks, expresses emotions, perceives reality and relates to others. No one knows exactly what causes schizophrenia, but genetic makeup and brain chemistry may play a role. There is no cure for schizophrenia but medicines can relieve many of the symptoms. A new class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics was developed in the 1990s and has become the drugs of choice for treating children and teenagers. However, a new government study has found that these medicines are no more effective than older, less expensive drugs and are more likely to cause some harmful side effects.
For the study, dubbed "The Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Study" (TEOSS), researchers, led by Dr. Linmarie Sikich of the University of North Carolina, recruited 119 young people ages 8 to 19 who suffer from psychotic symptoms. They were given either Zyprexa from Eli Lilly, Risperdal from Johnson and Johnson, or an older drug called molindone, or Moban, plus benztropine, a medication often used to reduce side effects like uncontrolled shaking or tremors that can be associated with molindone. Neither the patients nor the doctors treating them knew which drug was being taken. The study was monitored throughout by a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) oversight board to ensure the children’s safety.
After eight weeks of treatment, 50 percent of those taking molindone showed improvement in their symptoms, compared to 46 percent who were taking Risperdal and 34 percent of those taking Zyprexa. Statistically, there was no significant difference among the improvements seen in the three groups. However, half of the children in the study stopped taking their drug within the two months, either because it had no effect or was causing serious side effects, including rapid weight gain. The Risperdal group gained an average of nine pounds, and the Zyprexa group gained an average of 13 pounds before the oversight board ordered they be taken off the drug. Levels of a hormone, prolactin, also rose among patients taking Risperdal, which could trigger early menstruation in girls and cause growth of breast tissue in boys.
Both the Risperdal group and the Zyprexa group also showed changes in cholesterol and insulin levels, which are known risk factors for diabetes, where those taking molindone gained less than one pound, on average, and showed little metabolic change. They did, however, have more akathisia—a movement disorder involving restlessness and need to fidget. “All three of these drugs have different side effect profiles, but the newer drugs are much more likely to cause weigh gain,” said Dr. Sikich.
Dr. Sikich points out that almost all children and adolescents now treated for schizophrenia begin treatment on the newer, atypical drugs. Prescription rates for these newer drugs have increased more than fivefold for children over the past 12 years. “Atypical antipsychotics are commonly used to treat kids with EOSS, but these results question the wisdom of that approach,” she said. “They also remind us that we need to develop safer, more effective medications to treat these children, given the limited effectiveness of both the atypical and the conventional medications.”
Study coauthor Jeffery Lieberman, M.D., of Columbia University Medical Center, noted that the TEOSS results are the first documented evidence of how newer antipsychotics compare to older ones when treating children and adolescents with schizophrenia. “Doctors need to educate families about the potentially serious side effects these drugs can have so that strategies can be put into place to address them,” he noted. The TEOSS results are similar to those found in the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), which found the newer antipsychotics no more effective than older ones in treating adults with schizophrenia.
Representatives for Eli Lilly and Johnson and Johnson told the Times that their drugs weren’t approved to treat schizophrenia in children and that there was a need for new therapies, given the small number of options for kids. Eli Lilly spokesman, Jamaison Schuler, pointed out that the new study had not lasted long enough to pick up well established, long-term side effects associated with the older drugs, which can include rigidity, persistent muscle spasms, tremors, and restlessness.Of the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia, about 1 million are children and teenagers. People with schizophrenia often have problems functioning in society and in relationships. In adolescents, the first signs can include a change in friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability. But because many normal adolescents exhibit these behaviors as well, it can be difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis at this stage. “Schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related disorders are rare in childhood. But when they do occur, those afflicted generally have more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis than those who develop the disorder in adulthood,” said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D. “The newer atypical antipsychotics are often used to treat these children, but until now, it has been unclear how effective and safe they really are in children. The side effects of the newer medications should be factored into making treatment decisions.”
The study was published online September 15, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
For the study, dubbed "The Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Study" (TEOSS), researchers, led by Dr. Linmarie Sikich of the University of North Carolina, recruited 119 young people ages 8 to 19 who suffer from psychotic symptoms. They were given either Zyprexa from Eli Lilly, Risperdal from Johnson and Johnson, or an older drug called molindone, or Moban, plus benztropine, a medication often used to reduce side effects like uncontrolled shaking or tremors that can be associated with molindone. Neither the patients nor the doctors treating them knew which drug was being taken. The study was monitored throughout by a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) oversight board to ensure the children’s safety.
After eight weeks of treatment, 50 percent of those taking molindone showed improvement in their symptoms, compared to 46 percent who were taking Risperdal and 34 percent of those taking Zyprexa. Statistically, there was no significant difference among the improvements seen in the three groups. However, half of the children in the study stopped taking their drug within the two months, either because it had no effect or was causing serious side effects, including rapid weight gain. The Risperdal group gained an average of nine pounds, and the Zyprexa group gained an average of 13 pounds before the oversight board ordered they be taken off the drug. Levels of a hormone, prolactin, also rose among patients taking Risperdal, which could trigger early menstruation in girls and cause growth of breast tissue in boys.
Both the Risperdal group and the Zyprexa group also showed changes in cholesterol and insulin levels, which are known risk factors for diabetes, where those taking molindone gained less than one pound, on average, and showed little metabolic change. They did, however, have more akathisia—a movement disorder involving restlessness and need to fidget. “All three of these drugs have different side effect profiles, but the newer drugs are much more likely to cause weigh gain,” said Dr. Sikich.
Dr. Sikich points out that almost all children and adolescents now treated for schizophrenia begin treatment on the newer, atypical drugs. Prescription rates for these newer drugs have increased more than fivefold for children over the past 12 years. “Atypical antipsychotics are commonly used to treat kids with EOSS, but these results question the wisdom of that approach,” she said. “They also remind us that we need to develop safer, more effective medications to treat these children, given the limited effectiveness of both the atypical and the conventional medications.”
Study coauthor Jeffery Lieberman, M.D., of Columbia University Medical Center, noted that the TEOSS results are the first documented evidence of how newer antipsychotics compare to older ones when treating children and adolescents with schizophrenia. “Doctors need to educate families about the potentially serious side effects these drugs can have so that strategies can be put into place to address them,” he noted. The TEOSS results are similar to those found in the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), which found the newer antipsychotics no more effective than older ones in treating adults with schizophrenia.
Representatives for Eli Lilly and Johnson and Johnson told the Times that their drugs weren’t approved to treat schizophrenia in children and that there was a need for new therapies, given the small number of options for kids. Eli Lilly spokesman, Jamaison Schuler, pointed out that the new study had not lasted long enough to pick up well established, long-term side effects associated with the older drugs, which can include rigidity, persistent muscle spasms, tremors, and restlessness.Of the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia, about 1 million are children and teenagers. People with schizophrenia often have problems functioning in society and in relationships. In adolescents, the first signs can include a change in friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability. But because many normal adolescents exhibit these behaviors as well, it can be difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis at this stage. “Schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related disorders are rare in childhood. But when they do occur, those afflicted generally have more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis than those who develop the disorder in adulthood,” said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D. “The newer atypical antipsychotics are often used to treat these children, but until now, it has been unclear how effective and safe they really are in children. The side effects of the newer medications should be factored into making treatment decisions.”
The study was published online September 15, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Long Term Psychoanalytic Therapy Found To Be Valuable
It seems, with the hustle and bustle of today’s environment many prefer whatever is quickest, from grabbing a bite to eat at a fast food joint to in-and-out medical care. However, the quickest solution may not always be the best. Whether it is a result of rampant drug therapy or the busy lives we live, extended psychoanalytic therapy through discussion with a trained therapist has seemed to dwindle away. People may want to think again about the quick fix. In a recent study there is evidence showing “talk therapy" can be very effective in treating chronic mental problems such as depression, impulsive actions, mood instability, and chaotic relationships. Administering a drug for mental illness may give the quickest relief, but it probably won’t actually cure the cause. A continued regime of meeting with a professional to talk about one's life, tthe good and the bad, may be a better solution for long term care.
An article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, outlined a review of 23 studies involving 1,053 patients who underwent intensive psychoanalytic therapy. Of the 23 studies, eleven were randomized controlled trials, and 12 were observational studies. The authors of the study found psychoanalytic therapy, sometimes given as much as three times a week, and for over a year, resulted in reducing the symptoms of the patient’s problems significantly compared to shorter term therapies. In fact, the number of therapy sessions was directly related back to the improvements made in the patients. The article encourages scientist to provide more testing of c therapy.
Falk Leichsenring, a professor of psychotherapy research in the department of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at the University of Giessen in Germany and the study's lead author stated, "With regard to overall effectiveness, on average, patients with complex mental disorders were better off after treatment with long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy than 96 percent of the patients in the comparison groups. Thus, this meta-analysis provides evidence that long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy is an effective treatment for complex mental disorders." According to Leichsenring, psychodynamic therapy puts the focus on developing the relationship between the therapist and patient which is much different than the shorter-term forms of therapy. Analysis found the overall resolution of the target problems were superior for those who shared in long term treatment than compared to the other groups.
Have you ever had a doctor give you a prescription and tell you to make sure to take it all? They tell us this because you may begin to feel better before finished with the prescription, but you need the whole prescription to prevent relapse or to complete treatment. This seems to also be the same for patients with complex mental disorders. They should continue long term treatment based on the current study, even though one may feel better with only a few psychotherapy visits it is better to continue attending therapy for the best results. Because insurance companies don’t always want to pay for the long term treatment it makes it difficult for some patients to continue therapy. Some insurance companies feel medications and short term therapies are more cost effective says Dr. Charles Goodstein, with the New York University School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center in New York City. He also states "This study provides a great value for doctors and for patients, and one would hope could have an influence on policy decisions."
An article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, outlined a review of 23 studies involving 1,053 patients who underwent intensive psychoanalytic therapy. Of the 23 studies, eleven were randomized controlled trials, and 12 were observational studies. The authors of the study found psychoanalytic therapy, sometimes given as much as three times a week, and for over a year, resulted in reducing the symptoms of the patient’s problems significantly compared to shorter term therapies. In fact, the number of therapy sessions was directly related back to the improvements made in the patients. The article encourages scientist to provide more testing of c therapy.
Falk Leichsenring, a professor of psychotherapy research in the department of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at the University of Giessen in Germany and the study's lead author stated, "With regard to overall effectiveness, on average, patients with complex mental disorders were better off after treatment with long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy than 96 percent of the patients in the comparison groups. Thus, this meta-analysis provides evidence that long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy is an effective treatment for complex mental disorders." According to Leichsenring, psychodynamic therapy puts the focus on developing the relationship between the therapist and patient which is much different than the shorter-term forms of therapy. Analysis found the overall resolution of the target problems were superior for those who shared in long term treatment than compared to the other groups.
Have you ever had a doctor give you a prescription and tell you to make sure to take it all? They tell us this because you may begin to feel better before finished with the prescription, but you need the whole prescription to prevent relapse or to complete treatment. This seems to also be the same for patients with complex mental disorders. They should continue long term treatment based on the current study, even though one may feel better with only a few psychotherapy visits it is better to continue attending therapy for the best results. Because insurance companies don’t always want to pay for the long term treatment it makes it difficult for some patients to continue therapy. Some insurance companies feel medications and short term therapies are more cost effective says Dr. Charles Goodstein, with the New York University School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center in New York City. He also states "This study provides a great value for doctors and for patients, and one would hope could have an influence on policy decisions."
Freud’s Talk-Show Therapy Makes a Comeback
Freud’s popularity generally went away with the horse and buggy when the world turned to technology for all the answers and his “talking cures” for psychoanalytical behavior became old news. A new study conducted in Germany looked back at 23 studies of 1,053 patients with a variety of mental issues from anxiety to depression, anorexia, and borderline personality disorder.
Known as psychodynamic therapy, the idea has morphed from its roots in Sigmund Freud’s controversial book of analysis The Interpretation of Dreams from 1900 when he laid out the blueprint for how we think of psychoanalysis. Without Freud we wouldn’t discuss someone having an inflated head as the word “ego,” and we probably wouldn’t look inside ourselves to solve most of our mental deficiencies. Freud taught that our underlying behavior is a direct result of our thoughts and feelings and that getting to the bottom of those subconscious thoughts and feelings will help alleviate our mental blocks.
The German scientists wrote that psychodynamic therapy—used up to three times per week on patients, sometimes for over a year—was able to relieve some symptoms of mental problems at a significantly higher rate than shorter-term methods. Published on October 1 in The Journal of the American Medical Association, the researchers called for more testing and practice of this therapy before it becomes part of our horse and buggy past for good. Their objective in this study was to investigate the effects of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) in order to fully examine the results of personality disorders, disorders of the mind, depression and anxiety disorders.
Generally there are four types of psychoanalytic therapy with the most popular being cognitive behavioral therapy in which new U.S. studies have shown help children and teens both individual settings and group therapy sessions to reduce stress, depression and other mental traumas they may be trying to work out. The popularity of this cognitive behavioral type of therapy is also convenient as the average number of sessions anyone involved in this rapid therapy attends is 16. Since the high praise of shorter-term therapies has been standard, long-term therapy like Freud’s has long been deemed unnecessary. University of Wisconsin’s chairman of the counseling psychology department Bruce E. Wampold considers this new study to be on its way to proving the standard wrong, “… this review certainly does seem to contradict the notion that cognitive or other short-term therapies are better than any others,” he said, “When it’s done well, psychodynamic therapy appears to be just as effective as any other for some patients, and this strikes me as a turning point.”.
Research took place at the University of Giessen by Dr. Falk Leichsenring and at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf by Sven Rabung. Dr. Leichsenring wrote via email message, “Psychodynamic therapy showed significant, large and stable treatment effects which even significantly increased between the end of treatment and follow-up assessment.”
t’s clear that more time and attention is needed to help psychodynamic therapy succeed in a technology-filled world where medical diagnoses can be sent to your iPhone and when cars run out of gas they rely on electricity. Although the research wasn’t specifically noted how much time is needed for psychodynamic therapy to succeed, the studies were done using varying lengths of time and with so little evidence to look back on, the research needs to be explored further. A psychiatrist from Columbia, Dr. Andrew J. Gerber, said, “this paper suggests that you’ve got to get into longer-term therapy to make improvements last.” Even in an online world where you can attend classes over the internet never meeting your teacher, do your grocery and Christmas shopping without leaving the comfort of your desk chair, and date without having to pay for dinner—if coffee shops are any indication—Freud’s talk-show type of therapy is still alive and well.
Known as psychodynamic therapy, the idea has morphed from its roots in Sigmund Freud’s controversial book of analysis The Interpretation of Dreams from 1900 when he laid out the blueprint for how we think of psychoanalysis. Without Freud we wouldn’t discuss someone having an inflated head as the word “ego,” and we probably wouldn’t look inside ourselves to solve most of our mental deficiencies. Freud taught that our underlying behavior is a direct result of our thoughts and feelings and that getting to the bottom of those subconscious thoughts and feelings will help alleviate our mental blocks.
The German scientists wrote that psychodynamic therapy—used up to three times per week on patients, sometimes for over a year—was able to relieve some symptoms of mental problems at a significantly higher rate than shorter-term methods. Published on October 1 in The Journal of the American Medical Association, the researchers called for more testing and practice of this therapy before it becomes part of our horse and buggy past for good. Their objective in this study was to investigate the effects of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) in order to fully examine the results of personality disorders, disorders of the mind, depression and anxiety disorders.
Generally there are four types of psychoanalytic therapy with the most popular being cognitive behavioral therapy in which new U.S. studies have shown help children and teens both individual settings and group therapy sessions to reduce stress, depression and other mental traumas they may be trying to work out. The popularity of this cognitive behavioral type of therapy is also convenient as the average number of sessions anyone involved in this rapid therapy attends is 16. Since the high praise of shorter-term therapies has been standard, long-term therapy like Freud’s has long been deemed unnecessary. University of Wisconsin’s chairman of the counseling psychology department Bruce E. Wampold considers this new study to be on its way to proving the standard wrong, “… this review certainly does seem to contradict the notion that cognitive or other short-term therapies are better than any others,” he said, “When it’s done well, psychodynamic therapy appears to be just as effective as any other for some patients, and this strikes me as a turning point.”.
Research took place at the University of Giessen by Dr. Falk Leichsenring and at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf by Sven Rabung. Dr. Leichsenring wrote via email message, “Psychodynamic therapy showed significant, large and stable treatment effects which even significantly increased between the end of treatment and follow-up assessment.”
t’s clear that more time and attention is needed to help psychodynamic therapy succeed in a technology-filled world where medical diagnoses can be sent to your iPhone and when cars run out of gas they rely on electricity. Although the research wasn’t specifically noted how much time is needed for psychodynamic therapy to succeed, the studies were done using varying lengths of time and with so little evidence to look back on, the research needs to be explored further. A psychiatrist from Columbia, Dr. Andrew J. Gerber, said, “this paper suggests that you’ve got to get into longer-term therapy to make improvements last.” Even in an online world where you can attend classes over the internet never meeting your teacher, do your grocery and Christmas shopping without leaving the comfort of your desk chair, and date without having to pay for dinner—if coffee shops are any indication—Freud’s talk-show type of therapy is still alive and well.
U.S. Suicide Rates on the Rise for Middle-Aged Adults
For the first time in ten years, the suicide rate is increasing. But this time it’s not teens, young adults and elderly white men who are taking their own lives as rates have indicated in the past. Instead, more deaths are occurring among white, middle-aged men and women.
On the whole, the U.S. suicide rate has risen by 0.7 percent annually between the years of 1999 and 2005, resulting in 11 suicides per 100,000 people, up from 10.5 suicides per 100,000. Yet, the increase was notably higher among white men and women in the age range from 40 to 64. In comparison, the rates for African-Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans declined or remained the same.
Among men within the middle-aged group, a 2.7 percent increase in the number of incidents of suicide has been noted, while a 3.9 percent rise has been recorded in women of the same age group. The information is according to a new report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Injury Research and Policy that was recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the study also discovered that the methods by which people are taking their own lives are changing. Although suicide by firearms decreased only a little more than 1 percent annually between 1999 and 2005 and still accounts for more than half of the deaths at 52 percent, death by hanging and suffocation rose by an average of almost 5 percent, now accounting for 22 percent of suicides. In addition, poisonings increased by about 2 percent and are responsible for18 percent of deaths.
In a statement, study author Susan Baker remarked, “While it would be straightforward to attribute the results to a rise in so-called mid-life crises, recent studies find that middle age is mostly a time of relative security and emotional well-being.” She acknowledged that the study did not investigate reasons for middle-aged Americans taking their lives.
Another factor not addressed in the research was whether an increase in the use of anti-depressants from 154 million prescriptions in 2002 to almost 170 million in 2005 could have had an effect on the number of suicide incidents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked these drugs to suicidal behavior in teens and young adults.
According to Paula Clayton, medical director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, possibilities for the rising suicide rate include the abuse of prescription painkillers that can raise the risk of suicide as well as less use of hormone replacement therapy for prevention of depression after the therapy was linked to an increased risk of cancer. Other causes may be associated with anxieties surrounding terrorism after 9/11 coupled with suicides among Iraq and Afghanistan war vets could be a cause of the increase. In addition, Clayton said that over 90 percent of suicides are associated with psychiatric disorders, and deteriorating access to treatment may part of the explanation.
Another connection to the rate of suicide may be found in The Baby Boomer hypothesis. According to a large study regarding happiness in America conducted earlier this year, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) were the least happy age group of all those surveyed. Researchers performed the analysis at the University of Chicago and the report was published in the American Sociological Review.
On the whole, the U.S. suicide rate has risen by 0.7 percent annually between the years of 1999 and 2005, resulting in 11 suicides per 100,000 people, up from 10.5 suicides per 100,000. Yet, the increase was notably higher among white men and women in the age range from 40 to 64. In comparison, the rates for African-Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans declined or remained the same.
Among men within the middle-aged group, a 2.7 percent increase in the number of incidents of suicide has been noted, while a 3.9 percent rise has been recorded in women of the same age group. The information is according to a new report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Injury Research and Policy that was recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the study also discovered that the methods by which people are taking their own lives are changing. Although suicide by firearms decreased only a little more than 1 percent annually between 1999 and 2005 and still accounts for more than half of the deaths at 52 percent, death by hanging and suffocation rose by an average of almost 5 percent, now accounting for 22 percent of suicides. In addition, poisonings increased by about 2 percent and are responsible for18 percent of deaths.
In a statement, study author Susan Baker remarked, “While it would be straightforward to attribute the results to a rise in so-called mid-life crises, recent studies find that middle age is mostly a time of relative security and emotional well-being.” She acknowledged that the study did not investigate reasons for middle-aged Americans taking their lives.
Another factor not addressed in the research was whether an increase in the use of anti-depressants from 154 million prescriptions in 2002 to almost 170 million in 2005 could have had an effect on the number of suicide incidents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked these drugs to suicidal behavior in teens and young adults.
According to Paula Clayton, medical director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, possibilities for the rising suicide rate include the abuse of prescription painkillers that can raise the risk of suicide as well as less use of hormone replacement therapy for prevention of depression after the therapy was linked to an increased risk of cancer. Other causes may be associated with anxieties surrounding terrorism after 9/11 coupled with suicides among Iraq and Afghanistan war vets could be a cause of the increase. In addition, Clayton said that over 90 percent of suicides are associated with psychiatric disorders, and deteriorating access to treatment may part of the explanation.
Another connection to the rate of suicide may be found in The Baby Boomer hypothesis. According to a large study regarding happiness in America conducted earlier this year, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) were the least happy age group of all those surveyed. Researchers performed the analysis at the University of Chicago and the report was published in the American Sociological Review.
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