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Massachusetts Fails to Advance Bill Banning Electric Shocking Device Used on Students
The bill would have prohibited all procedures that cause physical pain or deprivations meant to force behavioral change – so-called “aversive therapy” – to persons with disabilities, which includes students at a school for autistic and disabled students. A Massachusetts bill that would have banned an electric shocking device used to control behavior at a […]
New Study Details Abuse of Patients by Staff at Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
Patients report physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, and human rights violations that leave them feeling lonely, humiliated, and powerless. A new study has brought needed attention to the abuse of psychiatric patients by staff in mental health settings, including in the U.S. mental health system. The researchers call for stronger legal protect
New Research Finds Increased Cardiovascular Risks from Taking Even a Single Dose of Someone Else’s Prescription Stimulant
New study addresses the increasing number of students taking stimulant drugs without a prescription, hoping for enhanced cognitive performance, though recent research has not found improvement in cognitive ability or academic performance from using stimulants. In response to the increasing misuse and diversion of stimulants prescribed for so-called attention
New Study Finds Heightened Risk of Suicide Linked to Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization
Researchers find that on average, one suicide occurred for every 64 discharges from forced psychiatric hospitalization, with the suicide rate highest for 25- to 29-year olds and males. The study adds new urgency to eliminating coercive psychiatric practices. A new study from Sweden adds to the growing evidence of a much increased risk of suicide […]
Three Former Employees of the Psychiatric Institute of Washington Criminally Charged in Patient’s Death
Allegations of fraud, neglect and abuse at psychiatric facilities continue, despite costly lawsuits against companies operating the facilities. Citizens Commission on Human Rights advocates reforms to ensure human rights-based mental health treatment. Three former employees of the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) have been indicted on charges of cri
HHS Actions Aim to Curb Use of Psychiatric Drugs for Mental Health Treatment
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced its intention to shift the standard of care toward prevention and a more holistic approach to mental health. In a landmark shift in mental health priorities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) yesterday launched an action plan designed to de-emphasize the prescribing of […]
Family and Friends Confirm Electroshock Recipients’ Reports of Memory Loss and Other Harmful Results
A new study analyzing results of an online survey on electroconvulsive therapy finds that the memory loss and worsened quality of life reported by a large majority of recipients of the procedure were observed by family and friends of recipients as well. An international survey on the outcomes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, or electroshock) finds […]
CCHR Protests at Psychiatric Convention, Condemning Coercive Psychiatric Treatment and Electroshock
Protesters called on psychiatrists to eliminate electroshock and coercive psychiatric practices that include restraints, seclusion, and forced administration of psychiatric drugs, which have been linked to violence. Advocates of human rights in the mental health system joined Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to protest against electroshock and coer
Today’s Mental Health System Presents Far Greater Risks to Women Than Men – Even More So for Pregnant Women and Women of Color
Antidepressants, electroshock, so-called psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and even inpatient stays in psychiatric facilities carry far more risks for women, who are inadequately warned of the risks, research shows. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced efforts to de-emphasize the prescribing of psychiatric drugs for men