Cannasat Therapeutics Reports Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Nov 28, 2008
- Continued early stage formulation development work on CAT 320, a safe and non-habit forming treatment for schizophrenia, anxiety and other mood disorders ... Cannasat's current drug candidates have broad potential therapeutic applications, including the treatment of neuropathic pain, chronic pain, nausea/vomiting, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mood disorders. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Freedom to be sick leaves families feeling chained Nov 28, 2008
That right presents a dilemma for countless caregivers across the country whose loved ones have such severe mental illnesses as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addictions, especially when they also suffer from anosognosia an inability to recognize they are sick ... Vani Jain, manager of policy and community relations at the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, which runs the innovative Justice and Mental Health Program to support parents, says: The No. 1 question we get here is, How do I get... (Globe and Mail)
14 Drugs Identified As Most Urgently Needing Study For Off-label Use Nov 27, 2008
At the top of the list was quetiapine (brand name Seroquel), an antipsychotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997 for treating schizophrenia. Not only did this drug lead all others in its high rate of off-label uses with limited evidence (76 percent of all uses of the drug), it also had features that raised additional concerns, including its high cost at 207 per prescription, heavy marketing and the presence of a "black-box" warning from the FDA, Stafford said. (Science Daily)
The loneliness of the psych ward Nov 27, 2008
It was a bit of freak show kind of thing, says Mr. Robinson, a 24-year-old part-time student in Toronto who has been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder a condition defined by symptoms of both a mood disorder, such as depression, and schizophrenia ... She has been his only regular visitor since he was first hospitalized with schizophrenia at the Clarke in 2003, the beginning of a bout of hospital stays. (Globe and Mail)
Family awarded $36M in 2005 shooting at Glendale Walmart Nov 27, 2008
Graham was one of two men shot by Ed Liu , a ValueOptions patient who has suffered from paranoid schizophrenia for more than 20 years. Liu, 56, of Peoria, has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial for the death of Graham and Anthony Spangler, 18, also of Glendale. (AZCentral -- News)
'Off-Label' Drug Use Is Common Nov 26, 2008
The drug was approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania-associated biopolar disorder at the time of the analysis, but the researchers found that three out of four Seroquel prescriptions were written for other conditions ... "Seroquel has helped millions of people suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and helped many lead more productive lives," Baron notes ... Both are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, but are often prescribed off-label for the treatment of... (CBS News)
Zimbabwe: UN Chief Alarmed At Humanitarian Conditions Nov 26, 2008
La Belle Indifferance a type of involutional Schizophrenia could readily explain Mugabes actions. To make the situation worse the UN Sec.General is not the man of the hour he should be,by. (allAfrica.com)
Recovery Plans and Mental Health Is... Nov 26, 2008
In this section of your recovery plan, you can include the formal diagnosis you have received, eg depression, anxiety and panic attacks, schizophrenia, details of what your trigger situations are or other indications that you are not feeling well and any other information you have about your condition that is important to you. For example, fact sheets downloaded from websites such as. (Suite101.com)
Just how safe is 'off-label' use of drugs? Nov 26, 2008
Nine of the 14 inadequately studied drug uses involve antidepressants or schizophrenia drugs being used for other mental health issues, especially bipolar disorder. That included the most-worrisome drug, quetiapine (sold as Seroquel), which is FDA-approved for schizophrenia but used three times more often for other conditions. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
On stigma, doctors and mental health Nov 26, 2008
Also powerful was a play about what it's like to have schizophrenia, performed by people with schizophrenia. We're please to have Prof. (Globe and Mail)
Germans held Rau for weeks Nov 26, 2008
Ms Rau, a former Qantas stewardess born in Germany, was diagnosed 10 years ago with bipolar disorder and later chronic schizophrenia, and requires regular medication to remain stable. In March 2004 she escaped from the psychiatric unit at Manly Hospital and was later taken into custody by police in the far north Queensland town of Coen because of concerns about her wellbeing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New charity to take aim at mental illness Nov 26, 2008
Like the more established groups, Mental Health Partnerships of Canada will focus on raising money for research through a combination of corporate donations and grassroots projects and, in the process, it hopes to raise the profile of mental illnesses like depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. A national charity and a national army of volunteers are critical if we want to keep mental illness out of the shadows forever, Mr. Kirby said. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Life imitates art: the 'Truman syndrome' Nov 26, 2008
The man profiled in the British journal was diagnosed with schizophrenia and is unable to work. One of Gold's patients planned to commit suicide if he couldn't leave his supposed reality show. (CNN -- Health)
Study Calls for Greater Scrutiny Of 'Off-Label' Drug Use Nov 26, 2008
"Typically, drugs have to pass a number of safety tests, Walton said. "But once they are put on the market, because they have received approval for an on-label indication, they can be used off-label," he said. The new report was published in the Nov. 24 issue of the journal Pharmacotherapy. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are the most prominent classes of drugs on the list, which specifically targets medicines that have high levels of off-label use without good scientific backing. Topping the... (MEDLINEplus)
Horizon Blue Cross Tentatively Settles Suit Over Coverage of Eating Disorders Nov 25, 2008
In both cases, the goal was to get the insurers to treat eating disorders as biologically based mental illnesses (BBMI), such as schizophrenia. That would make eating-disorder patients eligible for months of treatment, compared with what they were getting: a few outpatient visits per calendar year and a few days of inpatient benefits. (Law.com)
Elbridge man pleads insanity in parents' murders Nov 25, 2008
Bianco said medical tests showed Bisesi suffers from delusions and schizophrenia. Records show Bisesi was the victim of an assault in April of 2005 and his mental condition has deteriorated ever since, she said. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Roche Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Memory Pharmaceuticals Nov 25, 2008
Memory Pharmaceuticals develops innovative drug candidates for the treatment of debilitating central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Memory Pharmaceuticals' nicotinic alpha-7 agonist drug candidates in these disease areas are already in partnered programmes with Roche: R3487/MEM 3454 is in phase II clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia; R4996/MEM 63908 is in phase I for Alzheimer's disease ... Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., a... (PR Newswire)
Cannabis upgrade 'very damaging' Nov 25, 2008
The council said cannabis was not as dangerous as other class B substances and evidence suggested only a "probable, but weak, causal link between psychotic illness, including schizophrenia, and cannabis use". Home Secretary Jacqui Smith wants to overrule that recommendation, a move which will be debated in the House of Lords on Tuesday. (BBC News -- UK)
Memory Pharma Accepts $50 Mln Takeover Bid From Roche Nov 25, 2008
TEL AVIV -- Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., the Montvale, N.J., developer of drugs to treat central-nervous-system diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, definitively agreed to be acquired by Roche, the Basel health-care giant, for 61 cents a share, or $50 million. The deal price is four times the 15-cent closing price of Memory's shares on Monday. (Fox News)
J&J helped plan child research institute: report Nov 25, 2008
These included treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents aged 13 to 17 and irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents aged 5 to 16, uses of the drug that were later approved by the FDA.. "We promote our products only for their FDA-approved indications," Russell said in the statement. (Scientific American)
More studies urged for off-label drugs Nov 25, 2008
Seroquel, an antipsychotic approved for treating schizophrenia and short-term manic or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, topped the list. Three out of four times, doctors use the drug off-label, mainly for maintenance therapy for bipolar disease, says senior author Randall Stafford, associate professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. (USA Today)
A specialty relegated to the basement Nov 25, 2008
A 41-year-old Calgary mother who has schizophrenia, Ms. Misurelli developed Type 2 diabetes as a result of the anti-psychotic drugs she takes. Schizophrenia, however, makes the diabetes tough to manage ... Ms. Misurelli, who works for the Calgary chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, was eventually transferred to the psychiatry ward for insulin treatment. (Globe and Mail)
Cannabis 'affecting young minds' Nov 25, 2008
" She said virtually all of the research on both short and longer-term cognitive effects has been conducted on adults. This is a problem as the young, developing brain could be much more vulnerable to its effects, she explained. There is evidence that cannabis not only worsens existing mental health problems but may trigger some conditions Martin BarnesDrugScope chief executive Ms Herts said studies show young people who use cannabis regularly or heavily are at least twice as likely to develop a... (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
Are vitamin supplements actually bad for us? Nov 25, 2008
"A healthy person normally gets 90 per cent of the vitamin D they need from the sun. Unless you are an Eskimo or a Scottish fisherman living 100 years ago where you ate fish every day, then you can't get enough from your diet." A lack of vitamin D has been linked to increased rates of cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression and schizophrenia. Today, top Scottish doctors are meeting to discuss how to deal with the fact that, due to the country's northerly location and consequent... (Independent)
Mental illness myths debunked Nov 24, 2008
In the 1970s, he suffered from schizophrenia and was homeless for 2-1/2 years. Until his death in 1998, he gave inspirational talks on his battle against paranoid schizophrenia. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Oh, What A Feeling! Regaining Ability To Interpret Emotions After Severe Brain Injury Nov 23, 2008
Regaining Ability To Interpret Emotions After Severe Brain Injury. Regaining Ability To Interpret Emotions After Severe Brain Injury. (Science Daily)
Schizophrenia study puts patients in charge Nov 23, 2008
Finding stable housing, as depicted in this line drawing from the book Hearing [our] Voices, is a key challenge for people with schizophrenia ... Finding stable housing, as depicted in this line drawing from the book Hearing [our] Voices, is a key challenge for people with schizophrenia ... The revelation prompted the University of Calgary communications professor to spearhead a groundbreaking study that took a unique look at the struggles faced by people diagnosed with schizophrenia: it put the... (Stoney Creek News)
Stress Hinders Rats' Decision-making Abilities Nov 22, 2008
Stress is known to contribute to a number of psychopathologies in humans including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and drug-use relapse. Neuroscientists also know that stress affects cognition, and believe research exploring how it relates to learning, memory and decision making will help them understand potential problems stressed people experience in their daily lives. (Science Daily)
Brain Compound 'Throws Gasoline Onto The Fire' Of Schizophrenia Nov 22, 2008
21, 2008) New research has traced elevated levels of a specific compound in the brain to problem-solving deficits in patients with schizophrenia ... Though schizophrenia is commonly characterized by hallucinations and delusions, patients also have problems with what is known as cognitive flexibility or executive decision-making ... Bruno and colleagues have combined advanced animal modeling of schizophrenia-related chemical changes in the brain with the observation that the production of too... (Science Daily)
Link Between Nicotine Addiction And Autism Found Nov 22, 2008
This work is partially funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, and by an OSU Medical Center Research Day Travel Award. Coauthors of the study are Stephanie Amici and Susan McKay of Ohio State s Department of Pharmacology; Shi-Bin Cheng, Xiao-Qin Ren, Magdalen Treuil and Jay Rao of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans; and Jon Lindstrom of the University of Pennsylvania. (Science Daily)
Virginia Film Office announces screenwriting winners Nov 22, 2008
Charlie Fields suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and believes his wife is conspiring with a bioterrorist. He thinks the villan, Mr. Duke, heads a secret organization bent on controlling the world and that Duke is conducting experiments on his children. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Who is your nation builder? Nov 22, 2008
Or Michael Kirby, the former Liberal senator who is one of Canada's greatest public policy entrepreneurs, chairman of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and organizer of a new national charity to raise research money for illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. Then there's Carol Huynh, the wrestler from Hazelton, B.C., who won Canada's first gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. (Globe and Mail)
Something's crook at $25 for a chook Nov 22, 2008
"[Humans] have a really curious moral schizophrenia about animals," he said. "One of the reasons we have dogs and cats and furry animals is because it makes us feel better about our attitude towards animals.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Lilly Loses Ontario Appeal Court Ruling to Limit Damages in Zyprexa Suit Nov 22, 2008
Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- lost its bid at Ontario's highest court to limit potential damages in a lawsuit filed by Canadian patients who claimed they developed diabetes after using its Zyprexa schizophrenia drug ... Lilly, the world's biggest maker of psychiatric medicines, is accused of failing to warn that the Zyprexa schizophrenia treatment may cause diabetes. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
O Canada at school. Over 800,000 families deal with childhood mental illness, often without help.">Raising a child with a mental illness Nov 22, 2008
Over 800,000 families deal with childhood mental illness, often without help (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Ability to quit smoking may depend on ADHD symptoms, Columbia researchers find Nov 22, 2008
Columbia Psychiatry is ranked among the best departments and psychiatric research facilities in the nation and has contributed greatly to the understanding of and current treatment for psychiatric disorders including depression, suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders, and childhood psychiatric disorders. Located at the New York State Psychiatric Institute on the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center campus in the Washington Heights community of Upper... (EurekAlert!)
Career center axed by budget cuts Nov 21, 2008
A service of Dedham-based Riverside Career Services support for those with mental illness, ranging from schizophrenia to bipolar disorder, includes connecting clients with colleges, job training programs and employers, while offering individual support that continues even after a client gets a job. Providing personal support. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Scientists Reshape Future Of Drug Discovery With Next Generation Man-Made Molecules Nov 21, 2008
20, 2008) Scientists in Leeds have devised a new way to create the next generation of man-made molecules in a breakthrough that could revolutionize drug development. Creating new drugs to combat disease and illness requires the completion of a complex 3D jigsaw. (Science Daily)
Compound Tied to Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia Nov 21, 2008
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Elevated brain levels of a compound called kynurenic acid are associated with problem-solving deficits in people with schizophrenia, according to U.S. researchers. Drugs that suppress kynurenic acid might be used in conjunction with antipsychotic drugs to treat cognitive impairments, the most resistant symptoms in schizophrenia patients, the researchers said ... Increased levels of kynurenic acid exacerbate an existing problem in people with schizophrenia,... (MEDLINEplus)
Aptos Woman Arraigned For Daughter's Death Nov 20, 2008
Outside court, Richard Sullens, Virgils husband of three months, declined to talk to KSBW, but he has said that he blames Virgil's behavior on the multiple medications she was prescribed to control her schizophrenia. The prosecutor declined to discuss specifics of the case, including if mental illness or drug use played a role in the killing. (KSBW 8, CA)
Personalized medicine is goal of Eli Lilly Nov 20, 2008
The company engages in the development, manufacturing and sale of pharmaceutical products, including neuroscience products, such as Zyprexa for treatment of schizophrenia, and endocrinology products, such as Humalog and Humulin for treatment of diabetes. Large pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly are facing significant challenges due to a lack of late-stage drugs that are nearing federal approval. (AZCentral -- Business)
Vanda Pharmaceuticals takes another shot Nov 20, 2008
will get a second try at winning federal approval for its most advanced drug candidate, a schizophrenia treatment that got rejected the first time around this summer ... At that time, the agency said iloperidone was not approvable, and that it needed further drug trials to show that it worked significantly better than other marketed schizophrenia drugs -- a decision that shocked company officials who described it as out of line with the FDA s past pronouncements. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
The Devil, They Say Nov 20, 2008
It's the Schizophrenia, Stupid. Dear It's the Schizophrenia,For Thanksgiving, please exorcise these people from your life. (Slate)
Who's who in Baz's line-up Nov 19, 2008
Nicole's dad, the psychologist Antony Kidman, hosted the Prime Minister's wife, Therese Rein, at a fund-raiser for schizophrenia research yesterday ... Ms Rein gave a moving speech about the effects of schizophrenia on patients' families before dashing off to another engagement and the Kidman clan weren't far behind her. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Have you left the gas on? Nov 19, 2008
The programmes explored major disorders including Depression, Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Eating Disorders. All of them are serious illnesses that have the power to devastate the lives of those affected by them. (BBC News -- UK)
Protein Can Nurture Or Devastate Brain Cells, Depending On Its 'Friends,' Researchers Find Nov 19, 2008
Neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug addiction involve similar brain pathways as the ones studied and implicated in the "Mr. Hyde" aspect of Cdk5, Dr. Bibb said. Dr. Bibb also used new technology to reach deeper inside the brain and explore regions beyond those typically examined in conjunction with neurodegenerative diseases. (Science Daily)
Killer dad calls for inquest Nov 19, 2008
Peter Lindsay, Chau's lawyer, said the facts of the trial show his client was being treated for his schizophrenia by a family doctor who did not have much experience with managing the disease. "It's ironic that the treatment he's received after the tragedy has been much better than the treatment he got before," Lindsay said. (Toronto Sun)
Stanley and public need protection Nov 19, 2008
From my own personal experience with a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia and on medications for 45 years of her life, I, too, am concerned that Stanley as well as the public needs to be protected. If Stanley has his medications administered to him with 100 percent confidence that he swallowed the meds, or better yet has the meds injected into his body if possible, Mr. Stanley can probably be 99. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
'Discrimination eats away at you - and increases your chance of mental illness' Nov 19, 2008
Read: How Jesse Bigelow emerged from schizophrenia. Learn: How deep-brain implants are being used to treat depression. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Elsewhere, friend's pain ends in peace Nov 19, 2008
Wiggins is the 65-year-old man with schizophrenia whose odyssey from a psychiatric hospital to a group home in Zebulon I've charted for nearly five years. He died peacefully Monday after a struggle with lung cancer. (News & Observer)
Medicine Mistake Kills Disabled Patient At Rainier School Nov 18, 2008
It's commonly known that patients with that disorder are not supposed to have a schizophrenia preventative called clozapine. Its main side effects are seizures and convulsions. (KIRO TV, WA)
• Judge orders new test for shooting suspect Nov 18, 2008
Since February, Delling has been in the custody of Idaho Health and Welfare, getting treatment for paranoid schizophrenia. Twice this year, 4th District Judge Deborah Bail has deemed Delling unfit to take part in his criminal trial. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Missing Man Sought By Sheriff's Deputies Nov 18, 2008
Deputies said he suffers from schizophrenia and depression. He has disappeared before, but normally returns the next day. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Patients wait days for beds Nov 17, 2008
Advertisements Ruth Sheehan, Staff Writer Imagine this:A man with schizophrenia has gone off his meds. He's also high on cocaine and acting psychotic. (News & Observer)
Support groups Nov 17, 2008
- Schizophrenics Anonymous a six-step support program for adults who have schizophrenia or related illnesses, meets Thursdays, from 4 to 5 p.m., Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 1101 Peach St. Call Kevin W. at 452-4462. - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome support group forming. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Memory Pharmaceuticals to Present at the Lazard Capital Markets 5th Annual Healthcare Conference Nov 15, 2008
Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., a biopharmaceutical company, is focused on developing innovative drugs for the treatment of debilitating CNS disorders, many of which exhibit significant impairment of memory and other cognitive functions, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. For additional information, please visit our website at. (PR Newswire)
Breakthrough In Cell-type Analysis Offers New Ways To Study Development And Disease Nov 15, 2008
Greengard, Vincent Astor Professor and head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, says about half of the research in his lab now employs the new technique to study the biochemical basis of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, as well as the still-mysterious ways in which psychoactive drugs fight schizophrenia and depression. TRAP should fundamentally change biochemical studies of the brain and the speed at which they yield results, he says. (Science Daily)
Wyeth latest drugmaker to narrow focus of research Nov 14, 2008
The six areas of focus now are vaccines; cancer; inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and severe asthma; metabolic conditions including diabetes and obesity; musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and spinal fractures; and neuroscience, including treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, depression, schizophrenia and chronic pain. "We believe that we need more depth within these areas and more broadening within a focused disease area to ... identify unique targets... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Appeals Court says man held in mental hospital after 1985 slayings is not a threat Nov 14, 2008
In recent years, Stanley has been given greater freedom as his schizophrenia has been managed with medication. He was moved to an unlocked, minimum security unit at Mendota in 2006 and has been allowed to work part-time in the community and take classes at a local technical college. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Court of Appeals ruling for Bryan Stanley case Nov 14, 2008
Stanley experienced active symptoms of psychosis from schizophrenia which resulted in four psychiatric hospitalizations from 1981 to 1983 ... Dr. Smail testified that Stanley s schizophrenia is in remission, and stated that in my judgment he is ready for a next step which is a community placement. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
LSUHSC research identifies key contributor to Alzheimer's disease process Nov 14, 2008
The Neuroscience Center has established, through the faculty associated with the Center, research and clinical programs directed toward Alzheimer's disease, pain, Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, epilepsy, depression, blinding eye diseases, schizophrenia, and developmental and hearing disorders. . (EurekAlert!)
Baldwin Twp. planners vote against mental health facility Nov 13, 2008
Mercy officials have said the program would serve patients who suffer from such chronic mental illnesses as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Residents of Baldwin Township have turned out in large numbers for recent commissioner and planning commission meetings to oppose the facility. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Brainstorm at Roche Spurs Pursuit of Valium-Like Approach to New Therapies Nov 13, 2008
The company has signed licensing deals with Johnson & Johnson and to make schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease medicines, and Addex's first pill, a treatment for migraine and heartburn, may be introduced in 2012 ... Addex's initial focus on brain disorders stemmed from Mutel's time at Basel, Switzerland-based , where he searched for compounds to regulate the activity of glutamate, a chemical linked to schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease ... Roche has several compounds in animal and human... (Bloomberg)
Cannabis 'affecting young minds' Nov 12, 2008
" She said virtually all of the research on both short and longer-term cognitive effects has been conducted on adults. This is a problem as the young, developing brain could be much more vulnerable to its effects, she explained. There is evidence that cannabis not only worsens existing mental health problems but may trigger some conditions Martin BarnesDrugScope chief executive Ms Herts said studies show young people who use cannabis regularly or heavily are at least twice as likely to develop a... (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
Fighting for veterans Nov 12, 2008
It was called soldier s heart, schizophrenia, or shell shock. The therapy back then was a lot of medication. (Braintree Forum, MA)
