AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 1997 TIPSHEET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 1997
Release no. 97-59
Melissa Saunders Katz
(202) 682-6142 /[email protected]
www.psych.org
Journal articles abstracted in this tipsheet are available in their
entirety by calling APAFastFAX at 1-888-267-5400 and
selecting the appropriate document number (numbers listed below).
In the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry:
(Note: All Items Embargoed until December 1, 1997)
ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: WOMEN FARE BETTER THAN MEN
Women taking SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants experience improved desire, psychological arousal, and overall sexual functioning as side effects of the medication. However, orgasm delay, orgasm satisfaction, and overall sexual functioning significantly worsened in men treated with SSRIs, according to a Cornell University study in the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. ["Sexual Functioning in Chronically Depressed Patients Treated with SSRI Antidepressants: A Pilot Study," Lisa Piazza, M.D., et al., p. 1757.] APA FastFAX#6929
CHILD ABUSE LINKED TO MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Research of 12 convicted murderers diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder), showed that every one of the subjects had been severely maltreated or even tortured as children, according to a New York University study in the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. For the first time the link between early severe child abuse and Dissociative Identity Disorder has been documented objectively in a series of adult patients. ["Objective Documentation of Child Abuse and Dissociation in 12 Murderers with Dissociative Identity Disorder," Dorothy Otnow Lewis, M.D.,et. al., p.1703] APAFastFAX#6930
PTSD VIETNAM VETS HAVE POORER QUALITY OF LIFE
The toll of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Vietnam veterans extends far beyond the clinical symptoms of PTSD and greatly reduces their quality of life, according to a University of California study in the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. Physical limitations, not working, compromised physical health, and diminished well-being were experienced by veterans of the Vietnam War with PTSD in this study. ["Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Functioning and Quality of Life Outcomes in a Nationally Representative Sample of Male Vietnam Veterans," Douglas F. Zatzick, M.D., et. al, p. 1690] Please direct all media inquiries to Dr. Zatzick at 916-734-5070 x60061
APAFastFAX# 6931
In the December issue of Psychiatric Services:
(Note: All Items Embargoed until December 1, 1997)
ECT EFFECTIVE AMONG ELDERLY
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective and relatively safe treatment for severe and disabling depression, according to a Massachusetts study in the December issue of Psychiatric Services. ["Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Medicare Population Between 1987 and 1992," p. 1537.] Please direct all media inquiries to Margo L. Rosenbach, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 617-491-7900; fax, 617-491-8044. APAFastFAX#6932
KIDS CAN GET GOOD TREATMENT IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SYSTEMS
Children served in an exemplary public system of care had equally positive outcomes as children treated in traditional community care, according to an Ohio study in the December issue of Psychiatric Services. ["Comparative Outcomes of Emotionally Disturbed Children and Adolescents in a System of Services and Usual Care," p. 1543.] Please direct all media inquiries to Leonard Bickman, Ph.D., Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies, Nashville, at 615-343-1865; fax, 615-322-7049; e-mail, [email protected]. APAFastFAX#6933
The text of this tipsheet (APAFastFAX #6149) and other materials for media
are available in electronic formats:
Newswise -- http://www.newswise.com -- visit SciNews-MedNews
Compuserve's Journalism Forum (go jforum), SciNews-MedNews library (section 17)--search for files with the extension ".APA" (e.g."TIPS1297.APA")
APA's website -- http://www.psych.org -- check out our "News Stand"
Get your news via APAFastFAX! Call 1-888-267-5400 and select the document number to have an item faxed to you. Other APA materials for media are also available through APAFastFAX -- just call for the menu. For more information on these topics or other areas of interest, contact Erin Murphy, APA Media Assistant, (202) 682-6324, e-mail: [email protected].
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society, founded in 1844, whose 42,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders. APA objectives include the advancement and improvement of care for persons with mental illnesses through nationwide public information, education, and awareness programs and materials.
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