Consumer Reports Weighs in on Harmful Psych Drugs

Consumer Reports Weighs in on Harmful Psych Drugs

The Consumer Reports magazine of February 2015 has this to say about harmful psych drugs (page 8):

“Did You know that forms you sign when you or a relative enter a medical facility could signal your consent to take whatever drug is prescribed—even antipsychotics that could harm your health or be used to control behavior?

“It’s a nightmare that Marian Hollingsworth experienced firsthand. Her father, admitted to a California hospital for back pain, had a sudden mental decline that only worsened when he was transferred to a nursing home. Physical complications followed; he died less than two months later.

“Only after closely studying her father’s records did Hollingsworth learn that upon admission he had been prescribed the antipsychotics Risperdal and Haldol—along with opioids and tranquilizers—and that many of his symptoms seemed to be complications of those drugs.

“One signature, obtained days after admission, was all that the hospital—and later, the nursing home—needed to dispense the drugs and to add others. Outraged, Hollingsworth filed several complaints with her state health department and contacted the media. The result: A new state policy requiring nursing homes to verify informed consent for antipsychotic drugs used for patients who are being transferred from a hospital.

“Now Hollingsworth has joined Consumer Reports’ nationwide Safe Patient Project. Learn how to protect yourself and those you care for at SafePatientProject.org.”

Click here for more information about the side effects of psychiatric drugs.

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