Research revealed today outlines the success of group-taught meditation therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) when treating depression.
The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine offers a course of MBCT sessions that aim to teach patients the skills needed to help recognise and cope with the signs of depression.
Dr Richard Fuller of The Dove Clinic says, "Mindfulness approaches help us to focus on the present moment, rather than re-living the past or pre-living the future. This can help to halt the escalation of negative thought spirals and help with regaining control and confidence, and increase self-esteem."
The new research, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology comapred patients undergoing group therapies with those taking conventional anti- depressant drugs.
For more information about the MBCT programme on offer at The Dove Clinic, and how the approach can benefit you, please visit doveclinic.
The Dove Clinic
среда, 29 июня 2011 г.
понедельник, 27 июня 2011 г.
Some Adults Abused As Children Carry Gene Which Protects Them From Depression
Some forms of a gene that controls the body's response to stress hormones appear to protect adults who were abused in childhood from depression, psychiatrists have found.
People who had been abused as children and who carried the most protective forms of the gene, called corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), had markedly lower measures of depression, compared with people with less protective forms, the researchers found in a recent study.
The findings could guide doctors in finding new ways to treat depression in people who were abused as children, says senior author Kerry Ressler, MD, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine.
"We know that childhood abuse and early life stress are among the strongest contributors to adult depression, and this study again brings to light the importance of preventing them," Dr. Ressler says. "But when these tragic events do occur, studies like this one ultimately can help us learn how we might be able to better intervene against the pathology that often follows."
The results of the study, performed on two separate racially and economically distinct groups from the Atlanta area, were published in the February 4 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
The first and second authors of the study are Rebekah Bradley, PhD, at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Elisabeth Binder, MD, PhD, at Emory University and the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. Dr. Ressler, who also is a scientist at Emory's Yerkes National Primate Research Center and a member of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, and Joseph Cubells, MD, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, are co-senior authors.
The team's research illustrates how life events and genetic influences can combine in complex ways, leading to depression or protection from it. Almost 15 million U.S. adults have major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The study also supports previous evidence that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and related hormones play a role in depression. Other studies have found increased levels of CRH and altered levels of its receptor in the brains of patients with depression.
Some pharmaceutical firms are testing compounds that block CRHR1 as potential medications for depression.
The receptor for a hormone acts like a receiver or radar dish for messages sent between cells. CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release another hormone, adrenocorticotropin, which in turn induces the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex.
Extreme stress in childhood can over-activate this cascade of hormones, increasing the risk of depression in adulthood, Dr. Ressler says.
"Our results suggest that genetic differences in signals mediated by CRH may amplify or soften the developmental effects that childhood abuse can have -- effects that can raise the risk of depression in adults," he says.
In the study, scientists began by interviewing more than 470 adults and testing their DNA, looking for alternative spellings or SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in several parts of the CRHR1 gene.
This first group was mostly black and a majority had a monthly income less than $1,000. The researchers measured their symptoms of depression and had them answer questionnaires about childhood trauma. Their responses were categorized as low, mild, moderate and severe.
Overall, people with a history of moderate or severe child abuse had depression symptoms that averaged about double the level of those with low or mild child abuse scores.
Roughly 30 percent of the group had variations in the CRHR1 gene that together appeared to be protective if moderate to severe abuse had occurred. People who had inherited two copies of the most protective forms of the gene, or "haplotypes," had average depression symptoms that were about half those of people who had not inherited those haplotypes. A haplotype comprises several SNPs that frequently appear together.
These differences in depression symptoms were only seen in people with histories of moderate to severe abuse; depression levels were not significantly different in people with low to mild abuse.
The most significant SNPs appear in the part of the gene preceding the region that encodes the receptor protein, suggesting that the variations may affect its regulation rather than the composition of the protein, the authors say.
The findings were strengthened when the researchers repeated the study in 199 white, middle-income adults and came up with similar results, suggesting that the genetic variations act in a way that is independent of ethnic background or economic status.
Research funding came from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Centers for Research Resources and the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Emory University's Women's Mental Health Program, the Emory and Grady Memorial Hospital General Clinical Research Center, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund also contributed.
People who had been abused as children and who carried the most protective forms of the gene, called corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), had markedly lower measures of depression, compared with people with less protective forms, the researchers found in a recent study.
The findings could guide doctors in finding new ways to treat depression in people who were abused as children, says senior author Kerry Ressler, MD, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine.
"We know that childhood abuse and early life stress are among the strongest contributors to adult depression, and this study again brings to light the importance of preventing them," Dr. Ressler says. "But when these tragic events do occur, studies like this one ultimately can help us learn how we might be able to better intervene against the pathology that often follows."
The results of the study, performed on two separate racially and economically distinct groups from the Atlanta area, were published in the February 4 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
The first and second authors of the study are Rebekah Bradley, PhD, at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Elisabeth Binder, MD, PhD, at Emory University and the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. Dr. Ressler, who also is a scientist at Emory's Yerkes National Primate Research Center and a member of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, and Joseph Cubells, MD, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, are co-senior authors.
The team's research illustrates how life events and genetic influences can combine in complex ways, leading to depression or protection from it. Almost 15 million U.S. adults have major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The study also supports previous evidence that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and related hormones play a role in depression. Other studies have found increased levels of CRH and altered levels of its receptor in the brains of patients with depression.
Some pharmaceutical firms are testing compounds that block CRHR1 as potential medications for depression.
The receptor for a hormone acts like a receiver or radar dish for messages sent between cells. CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release another hormone, adrenocorticotropin, which in turn induces the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex.
Extreme stress in childhood can over-activate this cascade of hormones, increasing the risk of depression in adulthood, Dr. Ressler says.
"Our results suggest that genetic differences in signals mediated by CRH may amplify or soften the developmental effects that childhood abuse can have -- effects that can raise the risk of depression in adults," he says.
In the study, scientists began by interviewing more than 470 adults and testing their DNA, looking for alternative spellings or SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in several parts of the CRHR1 gene.
This first group was mostly black and a majority had a monthly income less than $1,000. The researchers measured their symptoms of depression and had them answer questionnaires about childhood trauma. Their responses were categorized as low, mild, moderate and severe.
Overall, people with a history of moderate or severe child abuse had depression symptoms that averaged about double the level of those with low or mild child abuse scores.
Roughly 30 percent of the group had variations in the CRHR1 gene that together appeared to be protective if moderate to severe abuse had occurred. People who had inherited two copies of the most protective forms of the gene, or "haplotypes," had average depression symptoms that were about half those of people who had not inherited those haplotypes. A haplotype comprises several SNPs that frequently appear together.
These differences in depression symptoms were only seen in people with histories of moderate to severe abuse; depression levels were not significantly different in people with low to mild abuse.
The most significant SNPs appear in the part of the gene preceding the region that encodes the receptor protein, suggesting that the variations may affect its regulation rather than the composition of the protein, the authors say.
The findings were strengthened when the researchers repeated the study in 199 white, middle-income adults and came up with similar results, suggesting that the genetic variations act in a way that is independent of ethnic background or economic status.
Research funding came from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Centers for Research Resources and the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Emory University's Women's Mental Health Program, the Emory and Grady Memorial Hospital General Clinical Research Center, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund also contributed.
суббота, 25 июня 2011 г.
FDA May Expand Antidepressant Warnings
Should the FDA support the implementation of tough new warnings on antidepressants? This is being discussed today by an FDA Advisory Panel. Many parents and relatives of patients think there should be an expanded warning, while psychiatrists are concerned that patients with clinical depression may be put off taking drugs that can treat the illness effectively.
According to an FDA study, adults under 25 who are treated, short-term with some new antidepressants, have a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions. They found, however, that the opposite was the case for elderly patients - their risk of suicidal thoughts went down. New antidepressants include Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Cymbalta and Effexor. Sales of these drugs were well over $12 billion last year.
Long-term treatment with antidepressants is linked to a lower risk of suicidal thoughts and actions, among both children and adults. The concern here is for short-term treatment, where the risk is greater during the first two or three months.
The current warning relates to suicidal thoughts among children and teenagers, but not young adults. Some relatives of patients who committed suicide while on antidepressants have urged the panel to expand the warning to include all age groups.
Many healthcare professionals say this is a catch-22 situation, whose solution could eventually become the cause of a bigger problem. A person with depression has a significantly higher risk of committing suicide. Would the strong warning put many patients off, and would this lead to more suicides? Untreated depression may have a much more disruptive effect on millions of patients.
In a nutshell: Will the expanded warnings inform and help, or will they encourage patients with depression to try to cope without treatment?
View drug information on Cymbalta; Effexor; Paxil CR.
According to an FDA study, adults under 25 who are treated, short-term with some new antidepressants, have a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions. They found, however, that the opposite was the case for elderly patients - their risk of suicidal thoughts went down. New antidepressants include Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Cymbalta and Effexor. Sales of these drugs were well over $12 billion last year.
Long-term treatment with antidepressants is linked to a lower risk of suicidal thoughts and actions, among both children and adults. The concern here is for short-term treatment, where the risk is greater during the first two or three months.
The current warning relates to suicidal thoughts among children and teenagers, but not young adults. Some relatives of patients who committed suicide while on antidepressants have urged the panel to expand the warning to include all age groups.
Many healthcare professionals say this is a catch-22 situation, whose solution could eventually become the cause of a bigger problem. A person with depression has a significantly higher risk of committing suicide. Would the strong warning put many patients off, and would this lead to more suicides? Untreated depression may have a much more disruptive effect on millions of patients.
In a nutshell: Will the expanded warnings inform and help, or will they encourage patients with depression to try to cope without treatment?
View drug information on Cymbalta; Effexor; Paxil CR.
четверг, 23 июня 2011 г.
Nation's Largest Patient Group Focused On Depression Responds To New FDA Recommendations On Antidepressants
The Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance (DBSA) today announced its opposition to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) recent recommendation to extend black box warnings
on antidepressants that suggest that young adults up to the age of 25 are
at an increased risk of suicide when they take the medications.
DBSA and other mental health advocacy groups have expressed concern
about the impact of extending the warnings to adults, which had previously
been limited to use of antidepressants in children.
"As an organization we have consistently called for research data on
the impact of antidepressants so that patients and their doctors can make
informed decisions," said Gloria Pope, DBSA's director of advocacy and
public policy. "But the recent recommendation to the FDA may have a
chilling effect on the legitimate use of antidepressants by young adults,
ultimately increasing the risk of suicide for people under the age of 25."
Depression affects approximately 34 million adult Americans in the
lifetime. Despite the availability of effective treatments that include
antidepressants, fewer than half of Americans with the illness seek
treatment, often because of stigma and limited access to care.
According to Pope, DBSA strongly urges the FDA to reconsider this
recommendation.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation's
leading patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar
disorder. The organization, which has more than 1,000 support groups
nationwide, fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and
information.
Assisted by a 65-member scientific advisory board comprised of the
leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA
supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and
tolerable treatments, and discover a cure.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
dbsalliance
Alliance (DBSA) today announced its opposition to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) recent recommendation to extend black box warnings
on antidepressants that suggest that young adults up to the age of 25 are
at an increased risk of suicide when they take the medications.
DBSA and other mental health advocacy groups have expressed concern
about the impact of extending the warnings to adults, which had previously
been limited to use of antidepressants in children.
"As an organization we have consistently called for research data on
the impact of antidepressants so that patients and their doctors can make
informed decisions," said Gloria Pope, DBSA's director of advocacy and
public policy. "But the recent recommendation to the FDA may have a
chilling effect on the legitimate use of antidepressants by young adults,
ultimately increasing the risk of suicide for people under the age of 25."
Depression affects approximately 34 million adult Americans in the
lifetime. Despite the availability of effective treatments that include
antidepressants, fewer than half of Americans with the illness seek
treatment, often because of stigma and limited access to care.
According to Pope, DBSA strongly urges the FDA to reconsider this
recommendation.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation's
leading patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar
disorder. The organization, which has more than 1,000 support groups
nationwide, fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and
information.
Assisted by a 65-member scientific advisory board comprised of the
leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA
supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and
tolerable treatments, and discover a cure.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
dbsalliance
вторник, 21 июня 2011 г.
New Jersey Law Requiring Postpartum Depression Screening Goes Into Effect
A bill (S 213) signed into law in April by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) that requires health care providers to screen women who recently have given birth for postpartum depression and teach women and their families about the condition took effect Tuesday, the Bergen Record reports. The law, which provides $4.5 million in funding for education and screening, also requires providers to ask pregnant women about their history of depression or postpartum depression before they give birth. In addition, the state Department of Health and Senior Services has created a hotline and produced a brochure, called "Speak Up When You're Down," and a five-minute video for all interactive televisions in patient rooms. "Women should have a minimum of three if not four opportunities for intervention," Michael Petriella, vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center, said. According to the Record, about 80% of women experience some form of "milder depression" during the first two weeks following delivery, and about 15% experience postpartum depression, which is caused by hormonal imbalances and stress (Layton, Bergen Record, 10/11).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
воскресенье, 19 июня 2011 г.
Ambien CR(R) (zolpidem Tartrate Extended-release) CIV Tablets Improved Insomnia And Daily Functioning In Patients With Depressive Disorder
Sanofi-aventis
announced results from a new study that showed Ambien CR(R) (zolpidem
tartrate extended-release) CIV tablets 12.5 mg provided significant
improvement in sleep onset, sleep maintenance and total sleep time over 8
weeks in patients with co-morbid insomnia and major depressive disorder
(MDD) who were administered a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
for depression. Ambien CR also improved sleep-related next-day functioning
measures. This data was presented at the SLEEP 2008 22nd Annual Meeting of
the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).
Thomas Roth, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders and Research Center
at Henry Ford Hospital, states, "The results of this study demonstrate that
Ambien CR can be considered a viable treatment option for the insomnia MDD
patients experience and help them get the good night's sleep they need to
improve their next-day functioning."
Ambien CR Improved Sleep Quality and Sleep Impact on Daily Activities
in MDD Patients
Total sleep time was increased in the Ambien CR group throughout the
study. At Week eight, patients reporting sleeping an average of 101 minutes
more than baseline compared to placebo-treated patients who reported
sleeping an average 64 minutes more (P
Similar improvements in sleep onset, maintenance and total sleep time
and related next-day function were also demonstrated in an earlier study of
Ambien CR in patients with insomnia and co-morbid general anxiety disorder
(GAD). It was the third largest, recently-completed clinical study of
Ambien CR that demonstrated improved measurements of next-day function as
related to improving sleep induction and sleep maintenance symptoms of
insomnia.
About the Study
This was a multi-center, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized,
placebo controlled study in 383 adults ages 21 to 64 with co-morbid
insomnia and MDD. The study evaluated the overall improvement of insomnia,
as measured by total sleep time and in patients treated with Ambien CR and
the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro(R)) 10 mg compared to treatment
with placebo and escitalopram. Patients received Ambien CR 12.5 mg (n=193)
or placebo (n=192) each night and 10 mg of escitalopram each day during the
24-week study.
Researchers assessed treatment efficacy through daily patient-reported
Morning Sleep Questionnaires (MSQ) and during bi-weekly visits for eight
weeks and every fourth week if the patients (depression responders) were
part of an additional 16-week treatment period. The MSQ measured the
primary efficacy outcome of total sleep time in addition to secondary
measurements of sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, number of
awakenings, quality of sleep and sleep-related next-day functioning.
About Insomnia
Insomnia -- difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too
early and not being able to get back to sleep - is one of the most common
sleep problems. Approximately 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by
insomnia each year, which can lead to a range of overall health and medical
implications.
About Ambien CR(R) (zolpidem tartrate extended-release) CIV tablets
Ambien CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by
difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance (as measured by wake
time after sleep onset). Ambien CR is not indicated for the treatment of
MDD or GAD.
Important Safety Information
Ambien CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia. Ambien CR is not
indicated for the treatment of MDD or GAD. Due to its rapid onset of
action, patients should take Ambien CR right before going to bed and when
ready for sleep. Patients should not take Ambien CR unless they are
prepared to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) to avoid residual
effects. Until they know how it will affect their physical or mental
performance upon awakening, patients should not drive or operate hazardous
machinery after taking Ambien Cr or any other sleep medication. Complex
behaviors such as somnambulism, including driving or eating while not fully
awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported in patients who have
taken a sedative hypnotic. Discontinuation of Ambien CR should be strongly
considered for patients reporting such complex behaviors. Rare cases of
angioedema have been reported in patients after taking sedative hypnotics.
Patients who develop andioedema should not be rechallenged.
Sedative/hypnotic drugs should be administered with caution to patients
exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression. Suicidal tendencies may be
present in such patients and protective measures may be required.
Intentional overdosage is more common in this group of patients; therefore,
the least amount of drug that is feasible should be prescribed for the
patient at any one time. The most commonly observed adverse effects in
controlled clinical trials were headache, somnolence and dizziness.
For full prescribing information, please visit AmbienCR
About Sanofi Aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts.
These statements include financial projections and estimates and their
underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions
and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and
services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking
statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates,"
"believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions.
Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are
cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to
various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and
generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual
results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.
These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the
public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including
those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other than as required by applicable
law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking information or statements.
Sanofi Aventis
sanofi-aventis
announced results from a new study that showed Ambien CR(R) (zolpidem
tartrate extended-release) CIV tablets 12.5 mg provided significant
improvement in sleep onset, sleep maintenance and total sleep time over 8
weeks in patients with co-morbid insomnia and major depressive disorder
(MDD) who were administered a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
for depression. Ambien CR also improved sleep-related next-day functioning
measures. This data was presented at the SLEEP 2008 22nd Annual Meeting of
the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).
Thomas Roth, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders and Research Center
at Henry Ford Hospital, states, "The results of this study demonstrate that
Ambien CR can be considered a viable treatment option for the insomnia MDD
patients experience and help them get the good night's sleep they need to
improve their next-day functioning."
Ambien CR Improved Sleep Quality and Sleep Impact on Daily Activities
in MDD Patients
Total sleep time was increased in the Ambien CR group throughout the
study. At Week eight, patients reporting sleeping an average of 101 minutes
more than baseline compared to placebo-treated patients who reported
sleeping an average 64 minutes more (P
Similar improvements in sleep onset, maintenance and total sleep time
and related next-day function were also demonstrated in an earlier study of
Ambien CR in patients with insomnia and co-morbid general anxiety disorder
(GAD). It was the third largest, recently-completed clinical study of
Ambien CR that demonstrated improved measurements of next-day function as
related to improving sleep induction and sleep maintenance symptoms of
insomnia.
About the Study
This was a multi-center, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized,
placebo controlled study in 383 adults ages 21 to 64 with co-morbid
insomnia and MDD. The study evaluated the overall improvement of insomnia,
as measured by total sleep time and in patients treated with Ambien CR and
the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro(R)) 10 mg compared to treatment
with placebo and escitalopram. Patients received Ambien CR 12.5 mg (n=193)
or placebo (n=192) each night and 10 mg of escitalopram each day during the
24-week study.
Researchers assessed treatment efficacy through daily patient-reported
Morning Sleep Questionnaires (MSQ) and during bi-weekly visits for eight
weeks and every fourth week if the patients (depression responders) were
part of an additional 16-week treatment period. The MSQ measured the
primary efficacy outcome of total sleep time in addition to secondary
measurements of sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, number of
awakenings, quality of sleep and sleep-related next-day functioning.
About Insomnia
Insomnia -- difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too
early and not being able to get back to sleep - is one of the most common
sleep problems. Approximately 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by
insomnia each year, which can lead to a range of overall health and medical
implications.
About Ambien CR(R) (zolpidem tartrate extended-release) CIV tablets
Ambien CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by
difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance (as measured by wake
time after sleep onset). Ambien CR is not indicated for the treatment of
MDD or GAD.
Important Safety Information
Ambien CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia. Ambien CR is not
indicated for the treatment of MDD or GAD. Due to its rapid onset of
action, patients should take Ambien CR right before going to bed and when
ready for sleep. Patients should not take Ambien CR unless they are
prepared to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) to avoid residual
effects. Until they know how it will affect their physical or mental
performance upon awakening, patients should not drive or operate hazardous
machinery after taking Ambien Cr or any other sleep medication. Complex
behaviors such as somnambulism, including driving or eating while not fully
awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported in patients who have
taken a sedative hypnotic. Discontinuation of Ambien CR should be strongly
considered for patients reporting such complex behaviors. Rare cases of
angioedema have been reported in patients after taking sedative hypnotics.
Patients who develop andioedema should not be rechallenged.
Sedative/hypnotic drugs should be administered with caution to patients
exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression. Suicidal tendencies may be
present in such patients and protective measures may be required.
Intentional overdosage is more common in this group of patients; therefore,
the least amount of drug that is feasible should be prescribed for the
patient at any one time. The most commonly observed adverse effects in
controlled clinical trials were headache, somnolence and dizziness.
For full prescribing information, please visit AmbienCR
About Sanofi Aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts.
These statements include financial projections and estimates and their
underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions
and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and
services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking
statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates,"
"believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions.
Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are
cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to
various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and
generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual
results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.
These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the
public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including
those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other than as required by applicable
law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking information or statements.
Sanofi Aventis
sanofi-aventis
пятница, 17 июня 2011 г.
Depression More Pervasive Among Back Pain Sufferers, A Study By Spine-Health.Com Reveals
A study by Spine-health, the leading health information website for consumers with chronic pain and back pain, reveals that depression may be much higher in back pain sufferers than previously thought.
A Spine-health user poll conducted in June 2007 showed that 61% of people with chronic back pain also suffer from depression (n = 642). Previous clinical evidence estimated the incidence of depression in the chronic pain population at around 20% to 30%. In the general population, the incidence of major depression is around 5%. Depression is treated with a wide range of options, including lifestyle changes, support groups, professional counseling, and anti-depressants such as Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin.
"The fact that many people with chronic back pain also suffer from depression is no surprise," said William Deardorff, PhD, ABPP, a clinical psychologist and Medical Advisor for Spine-health. "Continuous pain drains a person physically, mentally and emotionally, and can make everyday activities difficult or impossible. What is surprising is the percentage of people self-reporting that they are depressed, which implies: (1) that depression may be under-diagnosed in the chronic back pain population and (2) that all medical professionals treating a chronic back pain patient, including surgeons, should be on the lookout for signs of depression."
To address this issue, Spine-health is making more resources available to its chronic pain visitors and practitioners that deal with depression. "We have created a Chronic Pain Health Hub which is a resource center that addresses issues like depression," said Stephanie Burke, Spine-health's President and Co-Founder, "and we are proactively adding tools and access to our unique patient-driven resources, like our award-winning message boards, which provide a critical support network of peers for people with chronic pain." In the coming weeks, Spine-health will introduce additional resources that address depression and other important mental health issues.
About Spine-health
Spine-health is a respected health information resource that serves over 7 million visitors annually. The site's strict editorial standards and medical review process have made it a favorite of consumers, physicians, researchers and more. Spine-health publishes health and lifestyle articles about back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, pain management, medications, surgery, fitness, weight loss, depression, insomnia & more. Spine-health also features award-winning message boards, a pain blog, and advice columns.
spine-health
View drug information on Cymbalta; Effexor; Lexapro.
A Spine-health user poll conducted in June 2007 showed that 61% of people with chronic back pain also suffer from depression (n = 642). Previous clinical evidence estimated the incidence of depression in the chronic pain population at around 20% to 30%. In the general population, the incidence of major depression is around 5%. Depression is treated with a wide range of options, including lifestyle changes, support groups, professional counseling, and anti-depressants such as Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin.
"The fact that many people with chronic back pain also suffer from depression is no surprise," said William Deardorff, PhD, ABPP, a clinical psychologist and Medical Advisor for Spine-health. "Continuous pain drains a person physically, mentally and emotionally, and can make everyday activities difficult or impossible. What is surprising is the percentage of people self-reporting that they are depressed, which implies: (1) that depression may be under-diagnosed in the chronic back pain population and (2) that all medical professionals treating a chronic back pain patient, including surgeons, should be on the lookout for signs of depression."
To address this issue, Spine-health is making more resources available to its chronic pain visitors and practitioners that deal with depression. "We have created a Chronic Pain Health Hub which is a resource center that addresses issues like depression," said Stephanie Burke, Spine-health's President and Co-Founder, "and we are proactively adding tools and access to our unique patient-driven resources, like our award-winning message boards, which provide a critical support network of peers for people with chronic pain." In the coming weeks, Spine-health will introduce additional resources that address depression and other important mental health issues.
About Spine-health
Spine-health is a respected health information resource that serves over 7 million visitors annually. The site's strict editorial standards and medical review process have made it a favorite of consumers, physicians, researchers and more. Spine-health publishes health and lifestyle articles about back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, pain management, medications, surgery, fitness, weight loss, depression, insomnia & more. Spine-health also features award-winning message boards, a pain blog, and advice columns.
spine-health
View drug information on Cymbalta; Effexor; Lexapro.
среда, 15 июня 2011 г.
21,000 Victorians Suffer From Work-Related Depression
Almost one in six cases of depression among working Victorians are caused by job stress. This means more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression are caused by job stress each year, a new University of Melbourne study shows.
Stressful working conditions in this study were defined as a combination of high job demands and low control over how the job gets done (or 'job strain').
The study, led by Associate Professor Tony LaMontagne from the McCaughey Centre: VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne with research partners from Monash and British Columbia universities is published this month in the international journal BMC Public Health.
It estimates that:
More working women than men experience job stress, and job stress is more likely in lower skilled occupations;
Job stress exposure patterns were then combined with previous research showing that job stress doubles the risk of depression to estimate the proportion of depression caused by job stress among working people;
Nearly one in five (17 per cent) working women suffering depression can attribute their condition to job stress and more than one in eight (13 per cent) working men with depression have problems due to job stress;
This translates to 21,437 working Victorians suffering from preventable depression caused by job stress;
By comparison, 30-times fewer workers receive workers' compensation for stress-related mental disorders, suggesting that workers' compensation statistics grossly under-represent the true extent of the problem.
National Depression Initiative beyondblue estimates that at least one in five Australians will experience depression or another mental illness at some stage in their lives.
Researchers analysed job stress data collected from a 2003 survey of 1100 Victorian workers.
Numbers of prevalent depression cases among working Victorians were estimated from the National Mental Health survey and workers' compensation statistics were obtained from a national database.
Associate Professor LaMontagne said women and those in lower-skilled occupations are more likely to experience job stress, and so bear a greater share of job stress-related depression.
"This represents a substantial and inequitably distributed public health problem," Associate Professor LaMontagne said.
"The burden of mental illness in the general population follows a similar demographic pattern, suggesting that job stress is a substantial contributor to mental health inequalities," he said.
Associate Professor LaMontagne said that solutions are available to address this problem.
"The evidence shows that improving job control, moderating demands, and providing more support from supervisors and co-workers makes a difference,'' he says. "Our hope is that a better understanding of the scale of this problem will lead to more support for employees, particularly for lower-skilled workers and working women."
VicHealth CEO, Todd Harper said the study shows that workplaces need to do more to prevent workplace related mental health problems.
"Given so many people spend a large part of their day at work, we need to find the best ways workplaces can promote good health rather than cause health problems," Mr Harper said.
"Workplaces provide an important setting to prevent illness through strategies to reduce stress, as well as programs that address nutrition, physical inactivity and smoking," Mr Harper added.
The study was funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), the National Heart Foundation, the National Health and Medical Research Council, Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Michael Smith Foundation (Canada).
This latest study follows a major report by Associate Professor Anthony La Montagne in 2006,
Workplace Stress in Victoria - Developing a Systems Approach.
Stressful working conditions in this study were defined as a combination of high job demands and low control over how the job gets done (or 'job strain').
The study, led by Associate Professor Tony LaMontagne from the McCaughey Centre: VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne with research partners from Monash and British Columbia universities is published this month in the international journal BMC Public Health.
It estimates that:
More working women than men experience job stress, and job stress is more likely in lower skilled occupations;
Job stress exposure patterns were then combined with previous research showing that job stress doubles the risk of depression to estimate the proportion of depression caused by job stress among working people;
Nearly one in five (17 per cent) working women suffering depression can attribute their condition to job stress and more than one in eight (13 per cent) working men with depression have problems due to job stress;
This translates to 21,437 working Victorians suffering from preventable depression caused by job stress;
By comparison, 30-times fewer workers receive workers' compensation for stress-related mental disorders, suggesting that workers' compensation statistics grossly under-represent the true extent of the problem.
National Depression Initiative beyondblue estimates that at least one in five Australians will experience depression or another mental illness at some stage in their lives.
Researchers analysed job stress data collected from a 2003 survey of 1100 Victorian workers.
Numbers of prevalent depression cases among working Victorians were estimated from the National Mental Health survey and workers' compensation statistics were obtained from a national database.
Associate Professor LaMontagne said women and those in lower-skilled occupations are more likely to experience job stress, and so bear a greater share of job stress-related depression.
"This represents a substantial and inequitably distributed public health problem," Associate Professor LaMontagne said.
"The burden of mental illness in the general population follows a similar demographic pattern, suggesting that job stress is a substantial contributor to mental health inequalities," he said.
Associate Professor LaMontagne said that solutions are available to address this problem.
"The evidence shows that improving job control, moderating demands, and providing more support from supervisors and co-workers makes a difference,'' he says. "Our hope is that a better understanding of the scale of this problem will lead to more support for employees, particularly for lower-skilled workers and working women."
VicHealth CEO, Todd Harper said the study shows that workplaces need to do more to prevent workplace related mental health problems.
"Given so many people spend a large part of their day at work, we need to find the best ways workplaces can promote good health rather than cause health problems," Mr Harper said.
"Workplaces provide an important setting to prevent illness through strategies to reduce stress, as well as programs that address nutrition, physical inactivity and smoking," Mr Harper added.
The study was funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), the National Heart Foundation, the National Health and Medical Research Council, Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Michael Smith Foundation (Canada).
This latest study follows a major report by Associate Professor Anthony La Montagne in 2006,
Workplace Stress in Victoria - Developing a Systems Approach.
понедельник, 13 июня 2011 г.
Having A Baby Isn't Blissful For All New Mothers
For many women, the lovely images of life with a new baby don't jive with their reality. Instead of feeling happy, they feel overwhelmed.
University of New Hampshire researcher Kathleen Kendall-Tackett says there are a myriad of treatments available to new mothers experiencing postpartum depression. She is the author of a new monograph, "Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Depression in New Mothers" (2008, Hale Publishing).
May 2008 has been designated "Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders Awareness Month" by New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch.
Postpartum mood, anxiety and thought disorders -- often referred to simply as postpartum depression -- affect 10 percent to 20 percent of pregnant and postpartum women as well as their children and partners. Kendall-Tackett's research shows that in high-risk populations, that percentage can be as high as 40 percent to 50 percent.
"The consequences of postpartum depression are simply too serious to ignore. We can't just hope that it will resolve or go away on its own," Kendall-Tackett says. "Depression is also potentially quite harmful for babies. Children of depressed mothers have more social, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties than their counterparts with non-depressed mothers."
There are a wide range of non-drug treatments that are effective even with major depression. And all are compatible with breastfeeding. In her new monograph, Kendall-Tackett reviews evidence supporting:
-- Omega-3 fatty acids
-- Bright light therapy
-- Exercise
-- Social support
-- Psychotherapy
-- St. John's Wort
"Depression in new mothers needs to be treated promptly. For mothers who refuse antidepressants or for whom antidepressants may be inappropriate, we have more evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical options than ever before," Kendall-Tackett says. "And because all of these choices are compatible with breastfeeding, mothers are never forced to choose between their mental health and breastfeeding their babies a choice no mother should have to make."
Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist at the University of New Hampshire and researcher at the UNH Family Research Lab. She chairs the New Hampshire Breastfeeding Taskforce and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Her current research interests include the impact of maternal depression and the psychological aspects of breastfeeding.
University of New Hampshire
8 Garrison Ave. Schofield House
Durham, NH 03824
United States
unh
University of New Hampshire researcher Kathleen Kendall-Tackett says there are a myriad of treatments available to new mothers experiencing postpartum depression. She is the author of a new monograph, "Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Depression in New Mothers" (2008, Hale Publishing).
May 2008 has been designated "Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders Awareness Month" by New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch.
Postpartum mood, anxiety and thought disorders -- often referred to simply as postpartum depression -- affect 10 percent to 20 percent of pregnant and postpartum women as well as their children and partners. Kendall-Tackett's research shows that in high-risk populations, that percentage can be as high as 40 percent to 50 percent.
"The consequences of postpartum depression are simply too serious to ignore. We can't just hope that it will resolve or go away on its own," Kendall-Tackett says. "Depression is also potentially quite harmful for babies. Children of depressed mothers have more social, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties than their counterparts with non-depressed mothers."
There are a wide range of non-drug treatments that are effective even with major depression. And all are compatible with breastfeeding. In her new monograph, Kendall-Tackett reviews evidence supporting:
-- Omega-3 fatty acids
-- Bright light therapy
-- Exercise
-- Social support
-- Psychotherapy
-- St. John's Wort
"Depression in new mothers needs to be treated promptly. For mothers who refuse antidepressants or for whom antidepressants may be inappropriate, we have more evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical options than ever before," Kendall-Tackett says. "And because all of these choices are compatible with breastfeeding, mothers are never forced to choose between their mental health and breastfeeding their babies a choice no mother should have to make."
Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist at the University of New Hampshire and researcher at the UNH Family Research Lab. She chairs the New Hampshire Breastfeeding Taskforce and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Her current research interests include the impact of maternal depression and the psychological aspects of breastfeeding.
University of New Hampshire
8 Garrison Ave. Schofield House
Durham, NH 03824
United States
unh
суббота, 11 июня 2011 г.
How Depression May Affect Diabetes
In this German prospective representative study of patients with type 2 diabetes, baseline depression predicted problems with medication adherence, problems with health-related behaviors, and unsatisfactory glycemic control at follow-up.
Findings regarding the degree to which depression may exert a negative impact on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes are inconsistent. A group of German investigators therefore aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between depression, behavioral factors, and glycemic control. In a prospective component of a nationally representative sample, 866 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ?‰?18 years completed a standardized assessment including a laboratory screening, questionnaires, and diagnostic measures. Subsequent to baseline (t0), patients were tracked over a period of 12 months (t1). Depression was assessed according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Glycemic control was determined by levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c); a level of ?‰?7% was judged as unsatisfactory. Regression analyses were performed to analyze the prospective relationship between depression, medication adherence, diabetes-related health behavior, and HbA1c. Patients with depression at t0 revealed increased rates of medication nonadherence (adjusted OR: 2.67; CI: 1.38 - 5.15) at t1. Depression (adjusted regression coefficient: ?? = 0.96; p = 0.001) and subthreshold depression (?? = 1.01; p < 0.001) at t0 also predicted increased problems with diabetes-related health behavior at t1. Adjusted ORs for poor glycemic control (HbA1c ?‰?7%) at t1 were also increased for patients with baseline depression (2.01; CI: 1.10 - 3.69). However, problems with medication adherence as well as problems with diabetes-related health behavior at t0 did not predict poor glycemic control at t1. In a prospective representative study of patients with type 2 diabetes, baseline depression predicted problems with medication adherence, problems with health-related behaviors, and unsatisfactory glycemic control at follow-up.
Findings regarding the degree to which depression may exert a negative impact on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes are inconsistent. A group of German investigators therefore aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between depression, behavioral factors, and glycemic control. In a prospective component of a nationally representative sample, 866 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ?‰?18 years completed a standardized assessment including a laboratory screening, questionnaires, and diagnostic measures. Subsequent to baseline (t0), patients were tracked over a period of 12 months (t1). Depression was assessed according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Glycemic control was determined by levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c); a level of ?‰?7% was judged as unsatisfactory. Regression analyses were performed to analyze the prospective relationship between depression, medication adherence, diabetes-related health behavior, and HbA1c. Patients with depression at t0 revealed increased rates of medication nonadherence (adjusted OR: 2.67; CI: 1.38 - 5.15) at t1. Depression (adjusted regression coefficient: ?? = 0.96; p = 0.001) and subthreshold depression (?? = 1.01; p < 0.001) at t0 also predicted increased problems with diabetes-related health behavior at t1. Adjusted ORs for poor glycemic control (HbA1c ?‰?7%) at t1 were also increased for patients with baseline depression (2.01; CI: 1.10 - 3.69). However, problems with medication adherence as well as problems with diabetes-related health behavior at t0 did not predict poor glycemic control at t1. In a prospective representative study of patients with type 2 diabetes, baseline depression predicted problems with medication adherence, problems with health-related behaviors, and unsatisfactory glycemic control at follow-up.
четверг, 9 июня 2011 г.
Why Physicians Have Difficulties Recognizing Depression In The Elderly?
Depression in the elderly is frequently unrecognized by physicians. This study attempts to understand why. Studies that examined the unassisted (clinical) ability of general practitioners (GPs; primary care physicians) to identify depression were divided into those of older adults, younger adults and mixed populations.
Data were extracted by 3 reviewers independently and pooled using a Bayesian meta-analysis. 31 valid studies that examined both sensitivity and specificity (or rule-in and rule-out accuracy) were identified, involving 52,513 individuals. Twelve studies recruited older individuals, 12 recruited younger adults and 7 recruited both younger and older adults (mixed populations). In the most robust studies the point prevalence of depression in late life was 13.2% (95% CI = 7.9 - 19.6). GPs were able to correctly identify 47.3% of the late-life depressions and 78.6% of the non-cases (71.0% overall accuracy).
In younger adults GPs were able to identify 39.7% of the mid-life depressions and 85.1% of the non-depressed (77.8% overall accuracy). In mixed aged groups GPs were able to correctly identify 46.6% of the depressed individuals and 86.2% of the non-depressed (79.6% overall accuracy). The overall fraction correctly identified was significantly lower in older compared with younger adults. Correcting for differences in prevalence showed a statistically lower rule-in performance for older compared with younger adults.
There was no difference in ability to identify non-depressed (healthy) individuals by age. In clinical practice GPs appear to be less successful in identifying depression in older people than in younger adults, however there have been few head-to-head studies stratified by age from one centre.
Sources: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, AlphaGalileo Foundation.
Data were extracted by 3 reviewers independently and pooled using a Bayesian meta-analysis. 31 valid studies that examined both sensitivity and specificity (or rule-in and rule-out accuracy) were identified, involving 52,513 individuals. Twelve studies recruited older individuals, 12 recruited younger adults and 7 recruited both younger and older adults (mixed populations). In the most robust studies the point prevalence of depression in late life was 13.2% (95% CI = 7.9 - 19.6). GPs were able to correctly identify 47.3% of the late-life depressions and 78.6% of the non-cases (71.0% overall accuracy).
In younger adults GPs were able to identify 39.7% of the mid-life depressions and 85.1% of the non-depressed (77.8% overall accuracy). In mixed aged groups GPs were able to correctly identify 46.6% of the depressed individuals and 86.2% of the non-depressed (79.6% overall accuracy). The overall fraction correctly identified was significantly lower in older compared with younger adults. Correcting for differences in prevalence showed a statistically lower rule-in performance for older compared with younger adults.
There was no difference in ability to identify non-depressed (healthy) individuals by age. In clinical practice GPs appear to be less successful in identifying depression in older people than in younger adults, however there have been few head-to-head studies stratified by age from one centre.
Sources: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, AlphaGalileo Foundation.
вторник, 7 июня 2011 г.
National Office For Suicide Prevention's Annual Forum And Launch Of 2008 Annual Report, Ireland
Minister Moloney acknowledges the dedication of individuals and organisations committed to tackling suicide
Mr. John Moloney, T.D. Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, today, Wednesday 2nd September 2009, launched the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP)Annual Report 2008. The Minister was attending the NOSP's Annual Forum 'Suicide Prevention - Working Together' at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin.
The Forum showcased suicide prevention initiatives with over sixty organisations presenting projects and evaluations of their respective initiatives. The Minister said "The dedication of individuals and organisations throughout the country committed to tackling suicide is heartening". He added "I am delighted that the theme for the conference is 'Working Together' because a concerted effort is key to preventing the tragic loss of life by suicide. By working together we can make a difference and reduce the devastating effects suicide has on individuals and on communities".
NOSP's Annual Report for 2008 reports on progress on the implementation of Actions in 'Reach Out' - the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention. Initiatives progressed in 2008 include the publication of a 'Report on Bereavement Services' and the subsequent development of guidelines for 'Developing a Quality Framework for Suicide Bereavement Services'; the establishment of a health/education interdepartmental group to develop a standardised approach to mental health work in schools; the commencement of a pilot study, developed in consultation with the Coroners Society of Ireland to address information about risk factors associated with suicide and also issues around support following death by suicide". The Minister welcomed the development of a number of technology based initiatives aimed at young people.
The Minster also acknowledged the strains many people may be experiencing for the first time in coping with a very difficult economic environment. He welcomed two very worthwhile initiatives launched recently which the Minister said "highlight the practical things we can do to protect our mental health during these tough economic times. The HSE produced an information booklet called "Suicide Prevention in the Workplace" which provides organisations and workplaces with practical guidance on how staff can respond to and support persons who are at risk of suicidal behaviour. In addition, information leaflets and wallet cards entitled 'Looking after your mental health during tough economic times' were produced and distributed widely. The resources outline information on the impact unemployment and financial difficulties can have on mental health and wellbeing, how people can look after their mental health, signs of common mental health problems and importantly, available support services".
Source
Department of Health & Children, Ireland
Mr. John Moloney, T.D. Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, today, Wednesday 2nd September 2009, launched the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP)Annual Report 2008. The Minister was attending the NOSP's Annual Forum 'Suicide Prevention - Working Together' at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin.
The Forum showcased suicide prevention initiatives with over sixty organisations presenting projects and evaluations of their respective initiatives. The Minister said "The dedication of individuals and organisations throughout the country committed to tackling suicide is heartening". He added "I am delighted that the theme for the conference is 'Working Together' because a concerted effort is key to preventing the tragic loss of life by suicide. By working together we can make a difference and reduce the devastating effects suicide has on individuals and on communities".
NOSP's Annual Report for 2008 reports on progress on the implementation of Actions in 'Reach Out' - the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention. Initiatives progressed in 2008 include the publication of a 'Report on Bereavement Services' and the subsequent development of guidelines for 'Developing a Quality Framework for Suicide Bereavement Services'; the establishment of a health/education interdepartmental group to develop a standardised approach to mental health work in schools; the commencement of a pilot study, developed in consultation with the Coroners Society of Ireland to address information about risk factors associated with suicide and also issues around support following death by suicide". The Minister welcomed the development of a number of technology based initiatives aimed at young people.
The Minster also acknowledged the strains many people may be experiencing for the first time in coping with a very difficult economic environment. He welcomed two very worthwhile initiatives launched recently which the Minister said "highlight the practical things we can do to protect our mental health during these tough economic times. The HSE produced an information booklet called "Suicide Prevention in the Workplace" which provides organisations and workplaces with practical guidance on how staff can respond to and support persons who are at risk of suicidal behaviour. In addition, information leaflets and wallet cards entitled 'Looking after your mental health during tough economic times' were produced and distributed widely. The resources outline information on the impact unemployment and financial difficulties can have on mental health and wellbeing, how people can look after their mental health, signs of common mental health problems and importantly, available support services".
Source
Department of Health & Children, Ireland
воскресенье, 5 июня 2011 г.
New Study Reveals Wide Variations In Depression Diagnoses Among Ethnic Groups
Whites experiencing depression are far more likely to be diagnosed by a physician than other ethnic groups, according to a new Consumer Health Sciences (CHS) study presented today at the 14th Annual ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomic and Outcomes Research) Conference in Orlando, Florida. The study reveals that 76% of whites with self-reported depression symptoms are officially diagnosed, compared to just 58.7% of blacks, 62.7% of Hispanics and 47.4% of Asians.
Findings also show strong differences among ethnic groups in the prevalence of depression among the four ethnic groups studied. Of the 53.8 million Americans reporting they suffer from depression -- a quarter of the US population -- 25.8% are white, 19.8% are black, 27.6% are Hispanic and 16.1% are Asian. (Respondents who were not among the four ethnic groups being examined were excluded from the study.)
"Although the differences in prevalence are significant, the wide variations in diagnosis rates are particularly critical and alarming, since patients must be diagnosed to be treated," says Michael Fronstin, Chief Operating Officer of CHS. "While we are unsure of the cultural or socio-economic drivers behind those variations, it is clear that steps must be taken to provide both patient and physician education programs that support increased diagnoses and more timely therapy for minority patients.
"One of the issues the research uncovered is that patients don't associate depression symptoms with the actual condition. We must provide the tools and training for medical providers and patients to be able to discuss depression, as well as its specific symptoms, in culturally relevant terms that ensure those who are suffering get the help they need."
Reporting Symptoms Does Not Mean Recognizing Depression
The CHS study assessed depression by asking respondents if, over the last month, they have often experienced being down, depressed or hopeless and/or having little interest or pleasure in doing things. The results show a clear disconnect between patients reporting depression symptoms and recognizing the underlying condition.
Of those who do not self report having depression, 11.5% of whites, 12.5% of blacks, 13% of Hispanics and 12.7% of Asians indicate they are suffering from one of the depression symptoms. In addition, 10.1% of whites, 11.5% of blacks, 12.9% of Hispanics and 11.2% of Asians not self-reporting depression are, in fact, experiencing both symptoms.
"While recommendations have been made at the policy level to increase access to care and treatment for minority patients, that's just part of the solution," says Fronstin. "We also must raise both physician and patient awareness of the importance of talking openly about symptoms."
About the National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS)
The study's results were drawn from the 2008 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), a nationally representative, self-administered survey conducted annually via the Internet. Topics covered include the health status, attitudes and outcomes among adults 18 or older.
CHS, a Kantar Health company, conducts NHWS annually in the US, Europe and Asia. The survey is the largest self-reported patient database in the healthcare industry.
Findings also show strong differences among ethnic groups in the prevalence of depression among the four ethnic groups studied. Of the 53.8 million Americans reporting they suffer from depression -- a quarter of the US population -- 25.8% are white, 19.8% are black, 27.6% are Hispanic and 16.1% are Asian. (Respondents who were not among the four ethnic groups being examined were excluded from the study.)
"Although the differences in prevalence are significant, the wide variations in diagnosis rates are particularly critical and alarming, since patients must be diagnosed to be treated," says Michael Fronstin, Chief Operating Officer of CHS. "While we are unsure of the cultural or socio-economic drivers behind those variations, it is clear that steps must be taken to provide both patient and physician education programs that support increased diagnoses and more timely therapy for minority patients.
"One of the issues the research uncovered is that patients don't associate depression symptoms with the actual condition. We must provide the tools and training for medical providers and patients to be able to discuss depression, as well as its specific symptoms, in culturally relevant terms that ensure those who are suffering get the help they need."
Reporting Symptoms Does Not Mean Recognizing Depression
The CHS study assessed depression by asking respondents if, over the last month, they have often experienced being down, depressed or hopeless and/or having little interest or pleasure in doing things. The results show a clear disconnect between patients reporting depression symptoms and recognizing the underlying condition.
Of those who do not self report having depression, 11.5% of whites, 12.5% of blacks, 13% of Hispanics and 12.7% of Asians indicate they are suffering from one of the depression symptoms. In addition, 10.1% of whites, 11.5% of blacks, 12.9% of Hispanics and 11.2% of Asians not self-reporting depression are, in fact, experiencing both symptoms.
"While recommendations have been made at the policy level to increase access to care and treatment for minority patients, that's just part of the solution," says Fronstin. "We also must raise both physician and patient awareness of the importance of talking openly about symptoms."
About the National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS)
The study's results were drawn from the 2008 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), a nationally representative, self-administered survey conducted annually via the Internet. Topics covered include the health status, attitudes and outcomes among adults 18 or older.
CHS, a Kantar Health company, conducts NHWS annually in the US, Europe and Asia. The survey is the largest self-reported patient database in the healthcare industry.
пятница, 3 июня 2011 г.
Adolescents Who Witness Domestic Violence Between Their Parents Are Significantly More Likely To Suffer From Depression, Study Shows
Adolescents who witness domestic violence between their parents are significantly more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression. In a study of adolescents in the Philippines conducted by Michelle Hindin, PhD, a researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Socorro Gultiano, PhD, of the University of San Carlos in the Philippines, nearly half of all young people reported witnessing parental domestic violence. One in ten of the male adolescents and one in five of the female adolescents reported wishing they were dead occasionally or most of the time in the four weeks preceding the survey.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Adolescent mental health issues are relatively understudied, particularly in the developing world, where over one billion 10- to 19-year-olds live. This study is among the first conducted in the developing world to explore adolescent mental health and its association with parental domestic violence. Its findings will appear in the April 2006 edition of the American Journal of Public Health.
"We found that young women reported the most depressive symptoms when they recalled that a parent needed medical attention as a result of domestic violence. Young men reported the most symptoms when they recalled mutual violence between their parents," said Hindin, an assistant professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Population and Family Health Sciences.
For the study, Hindin and Gultiano used data from 2,051 young men and women aged 17 to 19, collected from the 2002 Cebu Longitudinal Health Nutrition Survey. In face-to-face interviews, the young people were asked whether they had witnessed domestic violence or experienced any depressive symptoms during the previous month. Depressive symptoms included headaches, poor digestion, worry, loneliness, trouble sleeping and thoughts about death or taking one's own life.
"Mental health and domestic violence are increasing public health concerns. Interventions that prevent domestic violence may also help prevent the severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents," said Hindin.
"Associations Between Witnessing Parental Domestic Violence and Experiencing Depressive Symptoms in Filipino Adolescents" was written by Michelle J. Hindin, PhD, and Socorro Gultiano, PhD.
Funding for the study was provided by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Fogarty International.
For public health news throughout the day, visit: jhsph/publichealthnews.
Contact: Tim Parsons
paffairsjhsph
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Adolescent mental health issues are relatively understudied, particularly in the developing world, where over one billion 10- to 19-year-olds live. This study is among the first conducted in the developing world to explore adolescent mental health and its association with parental domestic violence. Its findings will appear in the April 2006 edition of the American Journal of Public Health.
"We found that young women reported the most depressive symptoms when they recalled that a parent needed medical attention as a result of domestic violence. Young men reported the most symptoms when they recalled mutual violence between their parents," said Hindin, an assistant professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Population and Family Health Sciences.
For the study, Hindin and Gultiano used data from 2,051 young men and women aged 17 to 19, collected from the 2002 Cebu Longitudinal Health Nutrition Survey. In face-to-face interviews, the young people were asked whether they had witnessed domestic violence or experienced any depressive symptoms during the previous month. Depressive symptoms included headaches, poor digestion, worry, loneliness, trouble sleeping and thoughts about death or taking one's own life.
"Mental health and domestic violence are increasing public health concerns. Interventions that prevent domestic violence may also help prevent the severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents," said Hindin.
"Associations Between Witnessing Parental Domestic Violence and Experiencing Depressive Symptoms in Filipino Adolescents" was written by Michelle J. Hindin, PhD, and Socorro Gultiano, PhD.
Funding for the study was provided by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Fogarty International.
For public health news throughout the day, visit: jhsph/publichealthnews.
Contact: Tim Parsons
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Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
среда, 1 июня 2011 г.
Potential New Depression Treatment From Study Of Stress And Nerve Cells Survival In Rats
A single, socially stressful situation can kill off new nerve cells in the brain region that processes learning, memory, and emotion, and possibly contribute to depression, new animal research shows.
Researchers found that in young rats, the stress of encountering aggressive, older rats did not stop the generation of new nerve cells - the first step in the process of neurogenesis. But stress did prevent the cells, located in the hippocampus, from surviving, leaving fewer new neurons for processing feelings and emotions. The hippocampus is one of two regions of the brain that continues to develop new nerve cells throughout life, in both rats and humans. The reduction of neurogenesis could be one cause of depression, says senior author Daniel Peterson, PhD, of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, near Chicago. His team reports their findings in The Journal of Neuroscience.
"This is strong evidence that the effects of social stress on neurogenesis occur after a delay of 24 hours or more, providing a possible time window for treatment after acute episodes of stress," says Henriette van Praag, PhD, of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
When Peterson and his research team put a young rat in a cage with two older rats for 20 minutes, the resident rats quickly pinned down and, in many cases, bit the intruder. The team reported that intruder rats were fearful and acted depressed around the bigger, more mature animals and had stress hormone levels six times as high as young rats that didn't experience a stressful encounter.
Examining the rats' brains under a microscope, the scientists discovered that even with high levels of stress hormones, the young, stressed rats generated as many new cells as their unstressed counterparts. Previous research had led some to think that hormone levels played a role in blocking the generation of new cells or caused them to die early on. But a week after the encounter, the team found that only a third of the cells generated under stress had survived. Long-term survival of nerve cells was also compromised: When Peterson's team marked newborn cells in the hippocampus, subjected rats to stress a week later, then examined brain tissue at the end of a month, they counted a third fewer fully developed nerve cells.
"The next step is to understand how stress reduced this survival," says Peterson. "We want to determine if anti-depressant medications might be able to keep these vulnerable new neurons alive."
The work was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health.
The Journal of Neuroscience is published by the Society for Neuroscience, an organization of more than 36,500 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.
Contact: Sara Harris
Society for Neuroscience
Researchers found that in young rats, the stress of encountering aggressive, older rats did not stop the generation of new nerve cells - the first step in the process of neurogenesis. But stress did prevent the cells, located in the hippocampus, from surviving, leaving fewer new neurons for processing feelings and emotions. The hippocampus is one of two regions of the brain that continues to develop new nerve cells throughout life, in both rats and humans. The reduction of neurogenesis could be one cause of depression, says senior author Daniel Peterson, PhD, of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, near Chicago. His team reports their findings in The Journal of Neuroscience.
"This is strong evidence that the effects of social stress on neurogenesis occur after a delay of 24 hours or more, providing a possible time window for treatment after acute episodes of stress," says Henriette van Praag, PhD, of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
When Peterson and his research team put a young rat in a cage with two older rats for 20 minutes, the resident rats quickly pinned down and, in many cases, bit the intruder. The team reported that intruder rats were fearful and acted depressed around the bigger, more mature animals and had stress hormone levels six times as high as young rats that didn't experience a stressful encounter.
Examining the rats' brains under a microscope, the scientists discovered that even with high levels of stress hormones, the young, stressed rats generated as many new cells as their unstressed counterparts. Previous research had led some to think that hormone levels played a role in blocking the generation of new cells or caused them to die early on. But a week after the encounter, the team found that only a third of the cells generated under stress had survived. Long-term survival of nerve cells was also compromised: When Peterson's team marked newborn cells in the hippocampus, subjected rats to stress a week later, then examined brain tissue at the end of a month, they counted a third fewer fully developed nerve cells.
"The next step is to understand how stress reduced this survival," says Peterson. "We want to determine if anti-depressant medications might be able to keep these vulnerable new neurons alive."
The work was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health.
The Journal of Neuroscience is published by the Society for Neuroscience, an organization of more than 36,500 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.
Contact: Sara Harris
Society for Neuroscience
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