MUST READ: plan to screen whole population for mental illness . . .

[OneBlueSky]

I think I just fell down the rabbit hole . . . screen the whole population, and decide who will be drugged with Eli Lily's (BIG Bush contributor) latest concoctions . . . arrrggghhh! . . .

Bush plans to screen whole US population for mental illness
by Jeanne Lenzer
www.bmj.com (British Medical Journal)

http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/328/7454/1458

A sweeping mental health initiative will be unveiled by President George W Bush in July. The plan promises to integrate mentally ill patients fully into the community by providing "services in the community, rather than institutions," according to a March 2004 progress report entitled New Freedom Initiative (www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/toc-2004.html). While some praise the plan's goals, others say it protects the profits of drug companies at the expense of the public.

Bush established the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in April 2002 to conduct a "comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system." The commission issued its recommendations in July 2003. Bush instructed more than 25 federal agencies to develop an implementation plan based on those recommendations.

The president's commission found that "despite their prevalence, mental disorders often go undiagnosed" and recommended comprehensive mental health screening for "consumers of all ages," including preschool children. According to the commission, "Each year, young children are expelled from preschools and childcare facilities for severely disruptive behaviours and emotional disorders." Schools, wrote the commission, are in a "key position" to screen the 52 million students and 6 million adults who work at the schools.

The commission also recommended "Linkage with treatment and supports" including "state-of-the-art treatments" using "specific medications for specific conditions." The commission commended the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) as a "model" medication treatment plan that "illustrates an evidence-based practice that results in better consumer outcomes."

- more . . .

http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/328/7454/1458