That Was 2007, Part 2

Here's the second installment of my year-end wrap up. So much happened in mental health news this year that I broke it into two posts. 2007 was that busy of a year. The first part is here and now for the second.

July

News of hundreds of deaths related to atypical anti-psychotics in Australia.

I go off the last of my bipolar meds, Lamictal, at my doctor's urging.

Then, I run into Lamictal withdrawal, previously unknown to me, my doctor and apparently the FDA.

August

Somehow, this blog winds up involved in the case of Rita Pal, a British psychiatrist.

September

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder in kinds and teens is up 4,000 percent.

Much doubt is cast upon a study of suicide rates and anti-depressant use.

The FDA adverse events database reveals that Zyprexa, Risperdal, Clozaril and Paxil have killed thousands of Americans.

A Dallas musician was killed after an adverse reaction to Chantix.

BMS settles allegations of payoffs and other wrongdoing with the feds for $515 million. Some of the allegations involved Abilify.

October

News that a new generation of anti-psychotics have not improved outcomes for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Many readers continue to comment on problems with Lamictal withdrawal.

November

I ask speculatively if depression is even a mental illness. That leads to this site's longest comment thread ever.

Anti-depressants implicated in the death of an Australian newscaster.

The CATIE study establishes that anti-psychotic use in dementia is not medically warranted.

The very ugly Megan Meier/MySpace case first appears.

Soon after studies appear casting doubt on treatment and outcomes for ADHD kids, New York Times columnist Judith Warner goes to bat for researchers and Big Pharma.

Just how ugly the use of anti-psychotics is in nursing homes in Florida is revealed.

The State of Arkansas sues the maker of Risperdal and alleges that the drug was defective when it was put on the market.

Hundreds of reports of suicide and suicidality related to Chantix are revealed.

December

I give a lecture in Florida.

The Wall Street Journal goes after anti-psychotic use in nursing homes in New York State.

After yet another mass murder, it appears that the young male shooter was on anti-depressants.

Google screws me over and I lash out at the company.

After years of doing well, my doctor refuses to undiagnose my bipolar disorder. I reflect upon the moment.

Two British psychiatrists rip apart the rise in bipolar disorder.

A huge public backlash erupts around the so-called Ransom Notes campaign.

News that Lilly's claims that its anti-depressant Cymbalta treats pain are apparently wildly overstated.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at December 27, 2007 12:01 AM
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