NIMH Releases Latest Landmark Schizophrenia Treatment Research
More Research and Open Access to ALL Treatments Creates Best Rates of Recovery
Contact: Heather Cobb, (703) 797-2588 or hcobb@mentalhealthamerica.net
Jason Halal, (703) 797-1943 or jhalal@mentalhealthamerica.net
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 2, 2007) - The American Journal of Psychiatry in its March issue published the latest phase of the National Institute of Mental Health's landmark research that compares schizophrenia treatments. Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) upholds what consumers and advocates have long known: schizophrenia is a highly individualized disease that requires specialized, tailored treatment plans. The findings also demonstrate just how much more additional research is needed.
"We have far to go in uncovering the nuanced treatment needs of individuals living with schizophrenia," said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "There is no single treatment strategy that will work for everyone. Medication alone is rarely the answer and there is no sequence of treatment that will work for all people."
The latest CATIE findings include (available at http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/current.dtl):
Medication is only one part of a strategy to help a person recover from schizophrenia.
- While found to be a viable treatment option, Perphenazine is not a silver bullet treatment for people living with schizophrenia.
- Individuals need access to a full range of treatments in order to work with their mental health provider to determine the best treatment option.
- A long road lies ahead in targeting treatments and supports for each unique individual living with schizophrenia.
"Until more research is available, policymakers cannot introduce or support policies that imply that any ‘best' agent or treatment exists for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses," said Shern. "The side effects are far too serious and the consequences and costs of ineffective treatments are too damaging to risk."
As states and health care payors digest CATIE findings, Mental Health America and its national network of affiliates will educate people living with mental illnesses, providers, policymakers and others about the findings and their implications for treatment of people with mental illnesses.
Note to Reporters: For more information on CATIE and other NIMH-sponsored research, visit http://www1.nmha.org/research/catie .
Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.
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