Author Archives: Brian

I have written elsewhere on this site that I do not have a medical background. Consequently, I refrain from giving any advice linked to antidepressants. For those seeking advice or information about psychiatric medication, one of the most informative sites Continue reading “The Doctor Big Pharma Can’t Shut Up” (by Tamara Straus)→

I discovered recently that I have a disorder. According to the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as DSM-5, I might even have two of them. Having studied summarised versions of Continue reading I have a disorder (or two)→

According to the Times Educational Supplement last year, more teachers are killing themselves – and many more suffering from mental illness – because of the combined stresses of classroom inspections, changing targets, ever-moving “goalposts” and increased workloads. Statistics showed that Continue reading Teachers, Stress and Antidepressants→

  Melanie Beswick (above) was 32 when she took a job as a finance officer at her local Citizens Advice Bureau in Portsmouth. She was married, with two young daughters, aged 4 and 7, and had been suffering from post-natal Continue reading Melanie, victim of a flawed system→

Mr Geraint Williams (Coroner for Worcestershire)   In March 2003, an inquest was held after the sudden death of 56-year-old retired headteacher Colin Whitfield in Brecon (Wales). The inquest heard evidence from Mr Whitfield’s wife, Kathryn, that her husband of Continue reading Coroner’s Progress 3 (Geraint Williams)→

This is Part 4, the final part of a chronological series of inquest reports, each of which contains a significant statement from the presiding coroner. In some of the inquests here, we see coroners who, quite blatantly, ignore first-hand or expert Continue reading What the coroners say: Part 4 (2009-2012)→

Beachy Head is a chalk headland in Southern England, close to the town of Eastbourne in the county of East Sussex. The cliff there is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, rising to 162 metres above sea level. Its Continue reading Beachy Head Stories→

This is Part 3 of a chronological series of inquest reports, each of which contains a significant statement from the presiding coroner. In this selection, there is plenty of proactivity emanating from Cumbria, which, unfortunately, was to prove to be Continue reading What the coroners say: Part 3 (2006-2008)→

This is Part 2 of a chronological series of inquest reports, each of which contains a significant statement from the presiding coroner. This selection includes an extraordinary incident where, after delivering a verdict, the coroner goes on to change his Continue reading What the coroners say: Part 2 (2004-2005)→

Twice within a week I have heard somebody who has been brought on to a radio programme in the rôle of “expert” make statements suggesting that it is difficult or even impossible for patients on SSRIs to take a fatal Continue reading Yes, you CAN overdose on SSRIs→

This is the first of a chronological series of inquest reports, each of which contains a significant statement from the presiding coroner. This particular selection of inquests must be set in context: BBC TV programme Panorama broadcast a high-profile investigation Continue reading What the coroners say: Part 1 (2003)→

Last week, the Irish Examiner published an article which exposed the prescribing habits of Irish doctors when it comes to treating mild depression. Journalism student Niamh Drohan (below) posed as a student at a college in Waterford and visited seven Continue reading Niamh, the Waterford Seven & Dr Kelly→

In May 2012, an article in People magazine reported that between January 2007 and February 2012, 79 people in the Bridgend area of South Wales had taken their own lives by hanging. Most of the victims were young adults, but Continue reading Bridgend: the antidepressant factor→

(updated April 2015) Donna Oettinger was 41. She had a 3 year old son Zachary (Zaki) whom she adored. A few days ago, Donna walked with Zachary to Riddlesdown Station, Croydon, held hands with her little boy and jumped in Continue reading In Memory of Donna and Zaki→

  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the location, Congleton is a small market town in south-east Cheshire, about 25 miles south of Manchester. Earlier this week, inquests of two Congleton residents were heard in nearby Macclesfield on Continue reading One town, two tragedies→

Mr William Armstrong (Coroner for Norfolk) Norfolk Coroner William Armstrong is retiring at the end of September 2013. Mr Armstrong has been something of a pro-active coroner during his time in office, noted for his empathy and support for grieving Continue reading Coroner’s Progress 2 (William Armstrong)→

  The most widely reported inquest in recent years was that of the well-known and popular international football player and manager Gary Speed (above), who hanged himself at home in November 2011. At the inquest, we were told that Mr Speed was Continue reading Toxicology: Missing in Action→

Last week, most of the UK national newspapers published the story of a 48 year old university professor who could not get to sleep one night last August. Instead, he got out of bed and walked out of his house Continue reading The professor’s graffiti spree→

Mr Ian Smith (Coroner for South and East Cumbria) It is accepted that, for those who are prescribed antidepressants, the most dangerous times are at the outset, or when the dosage is changed or stopped. Ian Smith not only recognised Continue reading Coroner’s Progress 1 (Ian Smith)→

While a lot of emphasis is rightly put on the rising suicide figures among the young, adverse reactions to antidepressants can affect people of all ages. The youngest victim on my database thus far is a 10 year-old boy who Continue reading Suicide and the elderly→

Below is an example of a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Citalopram from the UK in 2010. I have displayed the front and back side by side. Together, they fit on to a piece of A4 paper. Click on the leaflet to enlarge Continue reading The Patient Information Leaflet→