Article archive / February 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 6. Source pages: 15.
The National Association of Professional Psychology Providers (NAPPP) has launched a national public education effort to “restore psychotherapy as the first line treatment for behavioral disorders” and to help stop physicians from prescribing medications for behavioral disorders proven to be “ineffective, costly and harmful,” according to the January 6th press release.
“Physicians are treating patients complaining of behavioral disorders with medications doctors know, or should know, are no more effective than sugar pills,” said Dr. John Caccavale, Executive Director of NAPPP. “Every day, physicians, who are untrained and lack the expertise to diagnose possible mental health problems, are prescribing drugs, which do not work, for conditions patients may not even have. We are failing patients in need of quality mental health services.”
The “Truth in Drugs Campaign” calls on doctors, patients, family members and community organizations to unite behind new standards of patient care so that millions of Americans receive the mental health services they need and deserve.
“Poor outcomes associated with inappropriate psychotropic prescribing regimens are based on compromised science generated by drug manufacturers. Drug companies spend vast sums on advertising to convince consumers these drugs are the answer to their problems and provide perks and financial incentives for physicians to prescribe them,” added Dr. Caccavale. “Psychotropic medications should only be considered after a patient has been fully evaluated and diagnosed by a doctoral level specialist in behavioral health and has failed to significantly improve from non medication intervention,” he noted.
NAPPP invites individuals and organizations to “unite behind our principles to assure that youth and adults receive the best and most appropriate care possible.” For more information about the Truth in Drugs Campaign and how to become involved, visit www.truthindrugs.com and the The NAPPP Website.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.