July 12/08 - American Psychiatric Association Faces Scrutiny for Drug Company Ties Who We Are
Psychiatric Medication Awareness Group (PMAG) is a small group of British Columbia citizens concerned about the increasing use of psychiatric drugs in B.C. and Canada, and the potential harm associated with these drugs. PMAG is also concerned about the dramatic increase in the prescribing of psychiatric drugs to the general population in Canada, particularly to women. This massive health crisis has been largely ignored, and its social and human costs are inadequately researched and largely unquantified.
PMAG believes that every citizen should be well-informed about every psychiatric medication they are advised to take, so that they can make responsible decisions about their own health. Informed and empowered citizens are able to take charge of their own lives.
PMAG provides information to psychiatric medication users and their families about the potential risks of psychiatric drugs (including dependence, addiction and the potential for long-term—and in some cases permanent—side-effects), about withdrawing safely from psychiatric medications (including benzodiazepines, sleeping pills and SSRIs) and about recovery. We also educate health professionals and the public about the risks of psychiatric medications.
PMAG advocates for a comprehensive strategy to address the problems associated with benzodiazepine and other psychiatric drug prescribing and use. This strategy consists of education, research and treatment elements.
Unlike many other groups who speak about psychiatric or other prescription drugs, PMAG accepts no funding of any type from the drug industry. We believe that those representing the interests of the consumer should not accept drug company funding.
PMAG Does Not Provide Individual Advice
PLEASE NOTE: PMAG does not provide individual advice or respond to individual requests for assistance with discontinuation of psychiatric medications or other related issues. We strongly recommend that people consult a physician who is informed about the risks of psychiatric drugs and drug withdrawal. Those who cannot find a physician to assist them are advised to contact the nearest provincial or state mental health & addictions service—or the local Health department—and request a referral to a physician or counsellor who is very familiar with slow methods of tapering off prescription drugs (such as the Ashton protocol). Doing so raises awareness in the health care system about the urgent need for appropriate assistance and support for prescription drug issues.
DISCLAIMER
The Psychiatric Medication Awareness Group web site is for informational purposes only. Do not use the information contained on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. The information on this web site is not intended to take the place of medical advice, treatment, evaluation or diagnosis by a qualified professional who is fully informed about the potential risks, adverse effects and safe methods for withdrawal from psychiatric drugs. PMAG is not responsible for the content of web sites, books or other materials that we provide links to.
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