This study of depression treatment in the wake of FDA warnings regarding suicide in children taking antidepressants found that the frequency of depression diagnoses decreased and continues to decrease.  Substitute care did not compensate in non-adult groups and the authors conclude that the spillover effects of the FDA warnings were non-transitory, substantial, and diffuse in a large population.   

Libby, A. M., H. D. Orton, et al. (2009). Persisting decline in depression treatment after FDA warnings. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 66(6), 633-9. http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/66/6/633

Authors: Anne M. Libby, Heather D. Orton, Robert J. Valuck.

This article reviews the literature for evidence regarding outcomes for severely mentally ill patients hospitalized in general hospitals for non-psychiatric conditions.  The study concluded that nurses play a pivotal role with the mentally ill population but struggle to do so.  The authors suggest research to determine the best methods for promoting knowledge, positive attitudes and self-confidence in caring for patients with psychiatric co-morbidity among nurses.  

Zolnierek, C. D. (2009). Non-psychiatric hospitalization of people with mental illness: systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 65(8), 1570-1583. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19493137 

This study found that, after years of increased use of antidepressants, a trend reversal began in the early 2000s which included decreasing rates of adequate antidepressant treatment.  The downward trend preceded FDA black-box warnings institute in 2004.   

Harman, J. S., M. J. Edlund, et al. (2009). Trends in antidepressant utilization from 2001 to 2004. Psychiatr Serv. 60(5), 611-6. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.60.5.611 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/60/5/611 

Authors: Jeffrey S. Harman, Mark J. Edlund, John C. Fortne.

This study found that significant variation across states in both the rates of mental illness among nursing home admissions and estimated rates of admission among people with mental illness.  The study also found that newly admitted individuals with mental illness were younger and more likely to become long-stay residents than non-mentally ill individuals.  The authors suggest that state-level mental health and nursing home factors may influence the likelihood of long-term nursing home use for people with mental illnesses.

Grabowski, D. C., K. A. Aschbrenner, et al. (2009). Mental illness in nursing homes: variations across States. Health Affairs, 28(3), 689-700. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.689 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/689

Authors: David C. Grabowski, Kelly A. Aschbrenner, Zhanlian Feng, Vincent Mor.

This study found that, after the FDA required a black-box warning on antidepressants outlining the possible suicide risk in children, antidepressant use declined sharply over all age groups--including but not limited to children.  The authors conclude that risk communications strategies must be re-considered to ensure intended results. 

Busch, S. H., & Barry, C. L. (2009). Pediatric antidepressant use after the black-box warning. Health Affairs, 28(3), 724-33. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.724 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/724

Authors: Susan H. Busch, Colleen L. Barry.

This article uses several recent comparative effectiveness studies to illustrate the value of such research for mental health treatment.   

Wang, P. S., C. M. Ulbricht, et al. (2009). Improving mental health treatments through comparative effectiveness research. Health Affairs, 28(3), 783-91. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.783 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/783

Authors: Philip S. Wang, Christine M. Ulbricht, Michael Schoenbaum.