Psychopharmacology on the net
| Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. http://mentalhealth.about.com |
The internet is a source for almost any sort of information. The reliability of that information is sometimes suspect. Does the source have something to sell you? If so, you can bet that the information will show their product in a favorable light. Drug companies are beginning to host websites. Visit Claritin.com (or allergy-relief.com) to figure out what those weird Claritin commercials are talking about. While these sites present their product in a positive light, some also provide genuine value.
It's not always immediately clear that a site is owned by a drug company, however. One interesting example is The Healthcare HomePage at myhealth.com. The site does clearly state that it is "brought to you by Schering-Plough," but a surfer visiting the site may not immediately make this connection. These sites serve a valuable purpose for the company, and there can be some helpful information there. For a balanced view, visit some of the independent sites as well.
Janssen Pharmaceutica has started a website called mentalwellness.com. It focuses on Schizophrenia and similar disorders. Janssen makes Risperdal® (risperidone), one of the new "atypical antipsychotic" medications. They also sponsor community support programs for people with chronic mental illness.
An independent source of psychopharmacology information is Dr. Bob's Psychopharmacology Tips. This site provides tips which were either posted by members of the Interpsych "psycho-pharm" discussion list. Robert Hsiung, M.D. has developed the site, and he clearly states that this information is intended for both professionals and consumers. Keep in mind that this is a collection of tips sent from one doctor to another on a professional list. There are lots of disagreements here, so be sure to read everything that you find on a particular topic. This site works primarily through a search engine interface.
Depression Central is a site developed by Ivan Goldberg, M.D., which focuses on the pharmacology of depression and related disorders. This site is comprehensive, and it includes a broad range of depression resources. Mental Health Net's Psychopharmacology and Drug References page covers a broad variety of medications with links throughout the net. This section of the site is intended as a professional reference, but it should be helpful for consumers as well.
The Pharmaceutical Information Network is better known as PharmInfoNet. This is a comprehensive site which includes a large drug database. The fine print states that "PharmInfoNet is owned and operated by VirSci Corporation, a company not associated with any pharmaceutical company." A visit to VirSci's site reveals that "VirSci Corporation was formed to help its clients -- medical societies, pharmaceutical companies, medical publishers, and other medical information providers -- bring and market their medical communications online." Some of the information on this site is provided by drug companies, and some appears to be independent.
There is a lot of information out there. Educate yourself about medications, and consider the source. For more information on psychiatric medications be sure to visit the Psych Medications section of this site.
| Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. http://mentalhealth.about.com |
Mental Health Resources Bookstore
Mental Health Search
Previous Features