Opinion

APA: Decision to review industry funding came before outside attention

LETTER — Posted Sept. 1, 2008

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Regarding "Psychiatrists scrutinize APA's revenues from drug industry" (Article, Aug. 18): Thank you for your article on the American Psychiatric Assn.'s review of industry funding of psychiatric programs. This is an important issue for the whole field of medicine. We are all re-examining long-standing assumptions and traditions. We appreciate AMNews reporter Kevin O'Reilly's thoughtful look at the topic.

One statement in the article could leave the wrong impression with readers. The article says the American Psychiatric Assn.'s work group review of industry funding comes on the heels of media and congressional scrutiny. This leaves the impression our actions were in response to outside scrutiny.

Actually, the APA board of trustees voted to create this committee in March, long before a member of Congress asked the APA to share information on industry funding and long before his inquiries on individual psychiatrists were publicized.

The APA is pleased that we have taken the lead in examining industry support.

We have historically worked with industry when our goals are compatible: reducing stigma and ensuring access to effective treatments. Our mission is to prevent and relieve the human suffering caused by mental illnesses.

Nada L. Stotland, MD, president, American Psychiatric Assn.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/09/01/edlt0901.htm.

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