The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approved use of Abilify for maintenance of bipolar disorder in 2005.  But a recent article published in the open access journal PLoS Medicine (Tsai, et al) looks critically at the science behind the decision to approve Abilify.  The results were one blind, randomized trial sponsored by the pharmaceutical company that makes Abilify, Bristol Meyers Squibb.  Article exposes flaws in trial to show we currently do not have enough evidence to know whether or not Abilify is effective in the maintenance of bipolar disorder.  Article also features step-by-step advice for people currently taking Abilify.

Testimony by Susan Resko, Executive Director of The Balanced Mind Foundation, urging the FDA to continue to research effects of Seroquel, Geodon, and Zyprexa in children, require monitoring, limit direct to consumer advertising, and to include parents in the development of medication guidelines.

The Balanced Mind Foundation urges the FDA to ensure that significant funding be devoted to research in the use of psychotropic medications by children and adolescents. The Balanced Mind Foundation further urges that the FDA ensure that children have access to medications for treatment.

An article about proper warnings on medication given to bipolar patients.

Article discusses the decline in depression treatment after FDA warning in 2003 about increased suicidal tendencies in patients taking antidepressants.