Search Site
Menu

Psychiatric Guidelines Questioned for Conflict of Interest

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass) have uncovered blatant conflicts of interest associated with clinicians responsible for formulating the Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. The guideline is the primary resource for clinicians who treat patients with depression. Such treatment often includes prescription anti-depressants.

The UMass study showed that all of the medical and psychiatric professionals who developed the guidelines — published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) — had financial ties to drug companies that manufacture antidepressants. The problem is that the APA recommends psychotropic drugs as a first-line treatment for all levels of depression. But treatment with drugs for mild depression is not the recommended treatment according to research.

There is considerable literature questioning the use and efficacy of psychotropic drugs to treat mild depression. With the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) about to hit the bookstores on May 22, there is new concern that psychotropic drugs are being over-prescribed. The DSM is the dictionary of human suffering, defining mental disorders and emotional illnesses. Ten percent of Americans currently take some form of anti-depressant. Seventy-two percent of anti-depressant prescriptions are written without a diagnosis of depression.

Anti-depressants are not benign medications, but include significant side effects that include:

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Weight gain
  • Intestinal irregularities
  • The possibility of suicidal thoughts and tendencies

It is due legal system that holds the drug companies accountable as much as due congress.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Feinberg & Alban, P.C. fervently protects your rights
  • The Boston firm of Feinberg & Alban, P.C. specializes its practice in the area of personal injury.

    The attorneys serve the entire state of Massachusetts in addition to affiliating with lawyers in other states to handle cases outside of Massachusetts.

  • $7.7 Million Award for Feinberg & Alban Client in Personal Injury Trial

    Boston Attorneys Win Highest Injury Verdict in Massachusetts in 2011 & 2012.

Client Reviews
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Colleen Santora Has been amazing throughout this whole process. I am 100% satisfied with how she has been there and represented me.

    Read more

    Nicholas Lugo

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I worked with Perry Feinberg, as my personal injury attorney for an auto accident, Perry was very responsive, and available to answer all my questions. They are good at communicating with you and keep you informed. I’m finally able to put this acc...

    Read more

    Veronica Pleitez

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Some of the best lawyers I have ever had very caring and friendly they helped me and my family tremendously, I would 100 percent recommend them and not look any further they will get the job done.

    Read more

    Brandon Welliver

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Colleen Santora and Robert Feinberg at Feinberg and Alban treated my husband and I like family. Their concern for us felt personal and genuine. Colleen and Rob always kept on the details of my case fighting for me and guiding me along during a stress...

    Read more

    Marchant

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Colleen was excellent to work with- great communication from start to finish. Highly recommend!

    Read more

    Paige Duane

See all reviews
Awards & Affiliations
Contact us

Quick Contact Form