Proteus Aims to Boost IQ of Prescription Drugs

How can 'dumb' prescription pills be transformed into clever communicators? Proteus (News - Alert) Biomedical Inc. has an innovative approach: they've developed an ingestible microchip that can be embedded into medications for only a few cents per pill. When activated by stomach fluids, the sensor chips send signals to a personal wireless monitor worn in an adhesive patch like a Band-Aid. The monitor can then send the data, along with other physiological information, to a smart phone or other computerized device. The system hasn't hit the market yet, but Proteus recently announced FDA 510(k) clearance of the adhesive monitor. The ingestible sensors are currently in clinical trials. Proteus has dubbed the system the 'Raisin,' following in the footsteps of other fruit-themed technology pioneers (think Apple (News - Alert) and Blackberry).

Proteus Aims to Boost IQ of Prescription Drugs

Autistic children prescribed medicines for mental illnesses

RISING numbers of Welsh children are being put on psychiatric medication to treat conditions like autism and hyperactivity, figures obtained by the Western Mail reveal.

Autistic children prescribed medicines for mental illnesses

Psychiatric Medication Risk in Children

Psychiatric Medication Risk in ChildrenPsychiatric medicines can have serious side effects in children, including birth defects resulting from their mother’s use of the medication during pregnancy.

Psychiatric Medication Risk in Children

Report Urges More Curbs on Medical Ghostwriting

Should more light be shed on the relationships between drug makers and certain prominent doctors who publish scientific articles about their medicines?

A new Congressional report calls on medical journals, medical schools and even the National Institutes of Health to take additional measures to ensure the integrity of the scientific articles many doctors rely on to make treatment decisions for their patients.

Report Urges More Curbs on Medical Ghostwriting

The DSM5 Field Trial Proposal—An Expensive Waste of Time

Time is running out on DSM5 and the mistakes keep piling up. The latest puzzling misstep is the design for the DSM5 field trials. The APA will conduct a remarkably complex and expensive reliability study to determine whether 2 raters can agree on a diagnosis. It will devote enormous resources to answer a question that once mattered greatly but is now of quite limited interest. Meanwhile, DSM5 will perversely avoid the one question that does really count: ie, what will be its likely impact on the rates of psychiatric diagnosis? At least $2.5 million and 1 year later (or possibly 2, if things get delayed as I expect they will), DSM5 will still be flying completely blind on the safety of its proposals. I will list the 6 seriously disabling limitations of the DSM5 field trials—saving the absolutely fatal flaw for last:

The DSM5 Field Trial Proposal—An Expensive Waste of Time

Is your pediatrician harming your child?

We all make mistakes, but it's the last thing you'd want your doctor to admit to, especially when it comes to our children's health. But there is a new report that shows it's happening more often than you might think.

UPDATE:Pfizer Ends Pediatric Bipolar-Drug Trial Before It Starts

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Pfizer Inc. (PFE) has decided not to proceed with a late-stage clinical trial of its antipsychotic drug Geodon in children with bipolar disorder, a controversial area for the drug.

UPDATE:Pfizer Ends Pediatric Bipolar-Drug Trial Before It Starts

Psychotropic Drug Use in Foster Care System Under Investigation

Psychotropic Drug Use in Foster Care System Under Investigation

The US Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management has asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the prevalence of prescribed psychotropic medications for children in foster care. The estimated cost of prescribed medications, often used in the treatment of emotional and behavioural problems, may run to hundreds of millions of dollars each year in the United States alone. To date, only limited reports are available to determine the actual prevalence of psychotropic medication in foster children. Experts suggest that foster children are four times more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic or antidepressant medication than other children covered under Medicaid. One 2003 study of foster children in Florida indicated that 55 percent of children in the foster care system are being administered psychotropic medication although forty percent of those medicated had no history of a psychiatric evaluation.. Another study has indicated that anti-psychotic medication used has increased 528 from 2000 to 2005. A Texas study from 2004 showed that 34.7 percent of foster children were prescribed at least one psychotropic drug with some children taking five or more.

The Hazards of Psychiatric Diagnosis

"I have a biochemical imbalance."
"My kid is ADD."
"I'm Bipolar."
"I suffer from Clinical Depression."
"I have Panic Disorder."

The Hazards of Psychiatric Diagnosis

Court rules women can't be charged for taking drugs during pregnancy

Court rules women can't be charged for taking drugs during pregnancy

Women cannot be criminally charged for abusing alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a case that has generated national attention.

What Is Childhood Schizophrenia? What Causes Childhood Schizophrenia?

Childhood schizophrenia, also known as childhood-onset schizophrenia or early-onset schizophrenia is basically the same as schizophrenia in adults, but its onset occurs earlier in life. In some cases the patient may be ten years old, or even younger. Childhood schizophrenia can have a serious impact on the child’s ability to function properly.

What Is Childhood Schizophrenia? What Causes Childhood Schizophrenia?

Too many children are being prescribed drugs

As an educator, I am concerned about the overuse of drugs, such as Ritalin, for two main reasons:

Too many children are being prescribed drugs

Psychotropic Drug Abuse in Foster Care Costs Government Billions

Seven-year-old Gabriel Meyers didn't want soup for lunch one Thursday in April, 2009. When his 23-year-old foster brother sent Gabriel to his room for dumping his soup in the trash, Gabriel threatened to kill himself. He kicked his toys around his room, then locked himself in the bathroom.

Psychotropic Drug Abuse in Foster Care Costs Government Billions

Concerns over treating kids with Ritalin

With 5% of New Zealand children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are new concerns over whether or not the drug Ritalin is still the best method of treatment.

Concerns over treating kids with Ritalin

Consumer 10.0: Smoke shrouds recalls of children's drugs

U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns seemed to be getting angry last week, and I was beginning to understand why.

Consumer 10.0: Smoke shrouds recalls of children's drugs

Report links bullying and suicide

A new study by charity Beatbullying links bullying with suicide in teenagers, Georgia tells her story

Psychologist Says Antidepressants Are Just Placebos

Psychologist Says Antidepressants Are Just Placebos

I will dutifully report on yet another professional’s opinion about the research literature on antidepressants. This time the “antidepressant is just a placebo effect” argument comes from a psychologist.

New rules ensure kids in Oregon foster care get right psychiatric drugs, but not too many

Justin Snegirev mostly remembers feeling nauseous, tired and alone during the more than seven years he spent in state foster care.

New rules ensure kids in Oregon foster care get right psychiatric drugs, but not too many

Mental Illness in Children: Misdiagnosed and misunderstood

The typical lament Becky Turner hears from parents all the time goes something like this: "What does he have to be depressed about? He's only seven."

Mental Illness in Children: Misdiagnosed and misunderstood

Teen Screen doesn’t work

In response to “Suicide up out in the country” (DI, June 11): If the Teen Screen program that was implemented in the 2006-07 school year works, then why has the suicide rate gone up? The purpose of Teen Screen is to get more troubled kids on psychiatric drugs; the program unnecessarily refers teenagers to psychiatrists who prescribe them medications for handling depression. However, psychiatric drugs lead to worse problems than suicides: Check the facts related to the Columbine School mass murders and the many other instances since. The perpetrators were using medications at the time or had at least been on drugs prior to the shootings.

Teen Screen doesn’t work

Medication and Kids: A Growth Industry

Children have become the new growth industry for prescription drug makers. A study released last month by the pharmacy benefit manager Medco found that 26% of kids under 19—almost 30% of those aged 10 to 19—are now taking prescription medications for a chronic condition. Meanwhile, spending on prescription drugs for children increased by almost 11% last year, the largest increase experienced by all segments of the market, including the elderly. Although asthma drugs are the still the most commonly prescribed therapeutics, kids are increasingly being prescribed drugs that are decidedly uncommon for such young patients: atypical anti-psychotics, diabetes drugs, anti-hypertensives, cholesterol medications and heartburn drugs—expensive therapeutics that in the past were rarely used outside of adult populations.

Medication and Kids: A Growth Industry

Drugging pre-school children: A crime against childhood

It's not a Ponzi scheme, but once again, no one is listening and the red flags are everywhere. This time the victims are our very young, innocent children in the millions.

Drugging pre-school children: A crime against childhood

Johnson & Johnson Accused of Stonewalling Recall Probe

The head of a Congressional committee probing Johnson & Johnson’s recent recall of children’s medicines says the drug maker hasn’t been cooperating with his panel’s investigation. Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said the panel may have to take a more aggressive stance that could include issuing subpoenas.

Johnson & Johnson Accused of Stonewalling Recall Probe

Garretson firm obtains patent to foster vaccine

A Garretson biotechnology firm was issued a patent recently for work it is doing to develop a vaccine that can be used for a number of applications including to help stem obesity and fight Type II diabetes.

Garretson firm obtains patent to foster vaccine

Seizure Medication, Depakote, Cause of Several Birth Defects

Seizure Medication, Depakote, Cause of Several Birth Defects

Depakote, one of the most popularly prescribed seizure medications, has been directly connected to the increased risk of several birth defects when taken by pregnant women. While the drug has been linked to increased risks for spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal canal and backbone of the fetus does not close properly before birth, new research connects the drug to 6 additional birth defects.

Pfizer gets FDA warning letter for failing to report drug side-effect reports

Pfizer gets FDA warning letter for failing to report drug side-effect reports

Federal regulators have warned Pfizer Inc. for failing to promptly report complaints with its drugs that may have involved serious injury.

Grassley Probes Nemeroff And University Of Miami

The Charles Nemeroff affair encompasses more people all the time. Now, the University of Miami Medical School has become ensnared in the ongoing probe launched by US Senator Chuck Grassley, who investigated Nemeroff as part of an inquiry into undisclosed financial conflicts of interest among academic researchers who receive federal grants.

Grassley Probes Nemeroff And University Of Miami

ADD in Children

ADD in Children

ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are being over diagnosed. Many Dr’s are diagnosing children as early as 3 years old. Parents and caregivers need to take notice of this. Starting a child on any type of drug at that age can be extremely harmful to them now and in the future. Studies show that children who are exposed to drugs at a young age are more likely to become addicted to other drugs as they get older.

Are You Normal or Finally Diagnosed?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a list that can be abused to the detriment of patients and benefit of drug companies.

Are You Normal or Finally Diagnosed?

Growing numbers of children on medication

Here’s just one statistic that Danbury school psychologist Charles Manos worries about: 42 percent of all kids in foster care are taking three or more mood-altering drugs.

Growing numbers of children on medication

Mix-Up Complicates Child's Cancer Surgery

When a little boy needed brain surgery, his family learned he didn't have insurance because of a paperwork mistake.

A guide to psychiatric medications that increase suicide risks

This type of intoxication is called "involuntary," because the patient has been following doctor's orders while simultaneously and unknowingly worsening their condition. Most people have been accustomed to following doctors' orders unquestioningly. Also, patients experiencing an altered state of mind are not always able to ask the most important questions about their medications or clearly convey the reaction they are experiencing.

A guide to psychiatric medications that increase suicide risks

Drugging Our Children Side Effects

Antidepressants during pregnancy cause alarming 68 percent increased risk of miscarriage

Back in 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that exposure to the antidepressant paroxetine (sold as Paxil, Paxil CR, and Pexeva) in the first trimester of pregnancy might increase the risk for birth defects, especially heart problems. Did this halt the widespread prescribing of paroxetine and other antidepressants for pregnant women? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Antidepressants during pregnancy cause alarming 68 percent increased risk of miscarriage

New Drug Not Effective In Preventing Stroke In Anemic Children

Hydroxyurea, a new drug, does not seem to be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke in children with sickle cell anemia and iron overload.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), US, said it was giving up a major trial as there was no evidence that the drug could be any better than the existing treatment.

New Drug Not Effective In Preventing Stroke In Anemic Children

Diagnosis of boy's autism pits doctors vs. schools

A frustrated teacher and a child struggling with autism have combined for a tumultuous year for the Brunos.

Diagnosis of boy's autism pits doctors vs. schools

BBC - Louis Theroux Americas Medicated Kids (2010) PDTV XviD MP3-MVGroup

Faced with the challenging behaviour of their kids, more and more parents in America are turning to psychoactive medication to help them cope, even though the drugs, and sometimes the diagnoses, remain controversial. Louis travels to one of America's leading children's psychiatric treatment centres, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to get to know the diagnosed children and hoping to understand what drives parents to put their kids on drugs.

BBC - Louis Theroux Americas Medicated Kids (2010) PDTV XviD MP3-MVGroup

Effects of Adhd Drugs on Children – Parents on High Alert

One of the alarming effects of medications for ADHD children is that beginning after the terrible path of addiction. Children who have used Ritalin (a drug most commonly prescribed ADHD) may be predisposed to street drugs such as cocaine, crack, amphetamines and methamphetamines in general. This should mot surprising, since the main ingredients of these drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidate. Both drugs act on the central nervous system of the brain. They have shown that addiction.

Effects of Adhd Drugs on Children – Parents on High Alert

Meeting the Drug Industry

It was 95 degrees with 99 percent humidity. The Gulf had the biggest oil spill in US history. And attendees to last week's American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in New Orleans had to brave 200 protestors chanting "no drugging kids for money" and "no conflicts of interest" to get into the convention hall.

Meeting the Drug Industry

UPDATE 1-Roche drug combats children's brain tumors

An experimental drug being developed by Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX) showed promising results in a small, early stage trial involving children with medulloblastoma, the most common type of malignant brain tumor in children.

UPDATE 1-Roche drug combats children's brain tumors

1 in 5 Teens Abuses Prescription Drugs

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control finds that one in five high school students have taken a prescription drug that they didn't get from a doctor. We talk to a local expert about this disturbing trend.

Help Available For Child Storm Phobias

Ever get a little uneasy when storms are in the area? That's natural -- but for some, especially children, it's extreme.

Medicating Children: A “Whistleblower’s” Lawsuit Raises a Novel Legal Question

In the past few years, a number of pharmaceutical companies have admitted to federal charges that they illegally marketed psychiatric medications for non-approved uses, with the companies paying large sums to settle the cases. Now, a legal complaint filed by the Law Project for Psychiatric Rights in an Alaskan federal court is raising a related question. When healthcare providers bill Medicaid for prescriptions of psychiatric drugs to children for non-approved uses, are they committing Medicaid fraud?

Medicating Children: A “Whistleblower’s” Lawsuit Raises a Novel Legal Question

Attention Deficit Disorder tied to maternal education

A new study of more than a million children has found strong links between receiving medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and limited maternal education, single parent families and welfare benefits.

Attention Deficit Disorder tied to maternal education

ADHD children more likely to be poor

ADHD children more likely to be poor

Poor, less educated mothers were more likely to have children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Swedish researchers say.

Medicating Children: A “Whistleblower’s” Lawsuit Raises a Novel Legal Question

In the past few years, a number of pharmaceutical companies have admitted to federal charges that they illegally marketed psychiatric medications for non-approved uses, with the companies paying large sums to settle the cases. Now, a legal complaint filed by the Law Project for Psychiatric Rights in an Alaskan federal court is raising a related question. When healthcare providers bill Medicaid for prescriptions of psychiatric drugs to children for non-approved uses, are they committing Medicaid fraud?

Medicating Children: A “Whistleblower’s” Lawsuit Raises a Novel Legal Question

No Free Pens But Pharma Influence Still Felt at Psychiatric Meeting

No Free Pens But Pharma Influence Still Felt at Psychiatric Meeting

It was 95 degrees with 99 percent humidity. The Gulf had the biggest oil spill in US history. And attendees to this week’s American Psychiatric Convention (APA) annual meeting in New Orleans had to brave 200 protestors chanting “no drugging kids for money” and “no conflicts of interest” to get into the convention hall.

Psychiatric Group Faces Scrutiny Over Drug Industry Ties

Psychiatric Group Faces Scrutiny Over Drug Industry Ties

It seemed an ideal marriage, a scientific partnership that would attack mental illness from all sides. Psychiatrists would bring to the union their expertise and clinical experience, drug makers would provide their products and the money to run rigorous studies, and patients would get better medications, faster.

Increasing the Age at Onset for ADHD?

To the Editor: In their commentary, published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal, Christian Kieling, M.D., et al. (1) presented the rationale for a DSM–5 proposal to increase the required age at onset for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from age 7 years to 12 years. Unfortunately, the commentary did not include a risk/benefit analysis. The authors focus only on the benefit of reducing false negatives and ignore the considerable risk that eliminating this age of onset gatekeeper will result in a flood of new false positives for a diagnosis that may already be quite overinclusive.

Increasing the Age at Onset for ADHD?

My Psychiatric Medicines Caused Terrible Problems

I was a MD/PhD student at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. The CNS Gene Therapy Center, where I was a PhD student, closed so I returned to the clinical years of medical school trying to complete my PhD thesis and learn clinical medicine.

The pressure of doing both degrees at the same time was stressful and I was seeing the school psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Bipolar Disorder and placed me on Lithium and Zyprexa. I was told they would help me think more clearly and get everything I needed to get done on time. Ultimately, what happened is that these medications caused me to be very tired, gain weight, have a tremmor and other neurocognitive problems. The medical school evaluators during my final semester of medical school held the effects of the medications against me, and the University is now not allowing me the opportunity to finish my training.

My Psychiatric Medicines Caused Terrible Problems

Drug for severly asthmatic children 'available in Scotland but not England'

Drug for severly asthmatic children 'available in Scotland but not England'

A drug which can radically reduce the number of attacks suffered by severely asthmatic children will not be available on the NHS in England after the Government’s drug rationing body ruled it was too expensive.

Prescription Drug Use Soaring Among U.S. Children

Prescription drug use among youngsters in the United States is growing at nearly four times the rate as among the overall population. A new report shows that nearly a quarter of insured children and almost one third of adolescents ages 10 to 19 took at least one prescription medicine to treat a chronic condition last year.

Prescription Drug Use Soaring Among U.S. Children