Reports in a medical journal claim that Merck & Co. paid outside scientists to be listed as authors of articles written by ghostwriters. The articles included research on Vioxx. This drug was withdrawn from the market in 2004 because of heart and stroke risks. The new reports also say that Merck tried to minimize the death risk in two studies related to Vioxx and Alzheimer’s disease. But Merck told the Associated Press that the new reports were false and misleading. It said the listed authors were closely involved in the research. Merck said the Alzheimer’s articles were accurate. The company also said the new reports were biased because their authors had consulted for people who sued Merck over Vioxx. The reports were published April 16 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Mixed results in tests of medications for the treatment of ADHD have led to interest in neurofeedback as a possible alternative, but research into its effectiveness has not been conclusive so far.
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Research into the genetic origins of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder suggests that, while distinct, the two mental illnesses are more alike than different.
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Adolescents who engage in risky behavior online, such as talking with strangers in chat rooms, are more likely to be victims of online harassment or sexual solicitation.
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An experimental internet-based program aims to helping people overcome insomnia using interactive elements and individualized advice.
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A question about drinking that primary care physicians can ask patients may help identify people with alcohol problems, which tend to be underdiagnosed.
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A study found that some mental health patients who were given a choice of different types of treatment for depression, and who received their first preference, had a better overall working relationship with their therapist.
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The American Heart Association, acknowledging a correlation between heart disease and depression, is recommending that doctors treating patients with heart disease should ask questions to screen for possible signs of depression.
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The drug tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer, may also be effective in treating mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
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