Author Archives: cchrstl

Black History Month: African Americans Warned of Long History of Psychiatrists and Psychologists’ Racism and Its Legacy in Today’s Mental Health System

Scientific research shows Blacks are more likely than Whites to be labeled with a mental disorder related to disruptive, defiant, or psychotic behavior, to be involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility, and to be physically, mechanically, or chemically restrained, and for a longer time. Continue reading

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CCHR Renews Call for Ban on Restraint and Seclusion After New Report of School Districts Ignoring Reporting Requirements

The number of schoolchildren subjected to restraint or seclusion is unknown.  No federal law bans the practices, which are disproportionately used on disabled students and students of color and have resulted in children’s broken bones and death. Continue reading

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CCHR Says FDA Must Correct Widespread Misinformation: Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Are Not Short and Mild for Many Patients

Recent research and antidepressant users’ lived experience show that antidepressant withdrawal symptoms may be severe and long-lasting. Patients and their prescribers need accurate information on withdrawal risks and tapering guidance from the FDA. Continue reading

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CCHR Calls Out Psychiatric Association’s Nondisclosure of Conflicts of Interest Among Psychiatrists Who Revised “Psychiatric Bible”

Citizens Commission on Human Rights says American Psychiatric Association’s unwillingness to provide full disclosure of pharmaceutical companies’ payments to psychiatrists involved in developing the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders prevented public scrutiny of industry influence. Continue reading

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Benzodiazepine Use Linked to Miscarriage; Stopping the Drugs After Long-Term Use Increased Risk of Fatality, New Research Finds

Mental health watchdog CCHR presses for DEA reclassification of benzodiazepines due to risks of physical dependency and addiction. Continue reading

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CCHR Urges Doctors to Heed New Study Indicating Placebo Effect, Not Antidepressant, Improved Teens’ Depression

Teens guessing they were taking an antidepressant led to substantial improvement, while actual treatment with the drug did not, researchers found. Continue reading

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CCHR Renews Call for Laws to Prohibit Restraining Children with Drugs After Use in Psychiatric Facilities Rose 141%

Young, male, Black, and economically disadvantaged children were disproportionately restrained with antipsychotic drugs. Continue reading

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Holiday Blues? Research Finds Alternatives That Avoid Questionable Benefit and Known Side Effects of Antidepressants

Research validates the effectiveness of trusted social connections, exercise, proper diet, enough sleep and other non-drug approaches for handling depression. Continue reading

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Under International Pressure, Psychiatrists Forced to Confront Ending Coercive Mental Health Practices

New evidence of the extent of and harm from involuntary mental health treatment emerges, as efforts continue to minimize or end the coercion. Continue reading

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Despite Claims of Safety, Electroshock Caused Memory Loss in Majority of Teens in New Study, CCHR Warns

Researcher says study failed to show the safety or efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy. Continue reading

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