I didn't think to copy the email before I deleted it, but apparently:
America has the highest rates of psychiatric perscriptions.
The growing part of the drug market is preteens.
Some other interesting stuff that for some reason I didn't copy down because I guess I don't think on Saturdays.
Anyway, this is somehow all related to the structure of modern America.
Students for Equal Health presents:
"Is America Driving You Crazy?"
A look at mental health in the United States
Presented by Stephen Bezruchka, MD, MPH
Senior Lecturer
Department of Health Services
School of Public Health and Community Medicine
October 16, 2006
7pm Kane Hall Rm. 130
Event Description: The United States of America has the most mental illness of all countries studied as well as the most serious mental illness. We have highest rates of prescriptions for anti-depressants and the growth market is in using these drugs for pre-school age kids.
We have the most mental illness treatment facilities. Almost a quarter of college students attending counseling centers were on psychiatric medicines in 2003-4, up from 9% in 1994
Is the system working? Why does America have such a lead in mental illness? Bezruchka will review the studies on mental illness in society and show that the way we have structured our country to give ever more to the rich while instilling hope among the poor that some will trickle down is in large part responsible for this crazy state of affairs. The medicine we need is social and economic justice, and it needs to be taken early in life to be effective.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Stephen Bezruchka has been a faculty member in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington since 1993. He has spent over 10 years in Nepal working in various health programs and teaching in remote regions. Currently he works as an emergency room physician in several hospitals around the Seattle area. He received the School's Outstanding Teacher Award in 2002 and works with the Population Health Forum to help people understand the impact of social and economic policies on the health of societies.