Antidepressants little better than placebo ...but placebo responds at 30% ...see B0B Fiddaman blogspot

Placebo Response in Studies of Major DepressionVariable, Substantial, and GrowingB. Timothy Walsh, MD; Stuart N. Seidman, MD; Robyn Sysko, BA; Madelyn Gould, PhD


[+] Author Affiliations

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/287/14/1840

Author Affiliations: Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University (Drs Walsh, Seidman, and Gould), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (Drs Walsh, Seidman, Gould, and Ms Sysko), New York, NY.

AbstractContext Intense debate persists about the need for placebo-controlled groups in clinical trials of medications for major depressive disorder (MDD). There is continuing interest in the development of new medications, but because effective antidepressants are already available, ethical concerns have been raised about the need for placebo groups in new trials.



Objective To determine whether the characteristics of placebo control groups in antidepressant trials have changed over time.



Data Sources and Study Selection We searched MEDLINE and PsychLit for all controlled trials published in English between January 1981 and December 2000 in which adult outpatients with MDD were randomly assigned to receive medication or placebo. Seventy-five trials met our criteria for inclusion.



Data Extraction Data were extracted from the articles by 2 of the authors and discrepancies were resolved via discussion and additional review by a third author.



Data Synthesis The mean (SD) proportion of patients in the placebo group who responded was 29.7% (8.3%) (range, 12.5%-51.8%). Most studies examined more than a single active medication, and, in the active medication group with the greatest response, the mean (SD) proportion of patients responding was 50.1% (9.0%) (range, 31.6%-70.4%). Both the proportion of patients responding to placebo and the proportion responding to medication were significantly positively correlated with the year of publication (for placebo: n = 75; r = 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.61; P<.001; for medication: n = 75; r = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.03-0.46; P = .02). The association between year of publication and response rate was more statistically robust for placebo than medication.



Conclusions The response to placebo in published trials of antidepressant medication for MDD is highly variable and often substantial and has increased significantly in recent years, as has the response to medication. These observations support the view that the inclusion of a placebo group has major scientific importance in trials of new antidepressant medications and indicate that efforts should continue to minimize the risks of such studies so that they may be conducted in an ethically acceptable manner.

Prior Antidepressant Use May Affect Patients' Response to New Drugs — see FIDDAMAN blog

Prior Antidepressant Use May Affect Patients' Response to New Drugs — and Placebo


By Maia Szalavitz
@maiasz
March 20, 2012
+

Having previous experience with antidepressants can change a person's future response to both medications and to placebo, according to a new study. The findings could have implications for clinical trials designed to test new drugs.



For the new study, researchers led by Aimee Hunter, assistant professor of psychiatry at University of California, Los Angeles, studied the brain activity of 89 depressed adults who were enrolled in clinical trials of the antidepressant drug Prozac (fluoxetine) or Effexor (venlafaxine).



During the first week of each trial, all participants took placebo and then after that, they were given either a study drug or placebo. Using a technique called quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), which involves a cap of electrodes placed painlessly on the scalp, researchers measured and mapped the participants' brain activity.



They found differences based on the participants' previous history of antidepressant use — a factor that wasn't taken into account in the trials. "We found that prior history affects the response to placebo," Hunter says. "If they had a prior history of taking antidepressants and were given placebo, the brain changes were indistinguishable from those of the people given medication."







Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/20/a-history-of-antidepressant-use-may-affect-patients-response-to-new-drugs-and-placebo/#ixzz1pgLqxGwo

Suicide rates in young men in England and Wales - with antidepressant statistics to 2004 see FIDDAMAN blog

BMJ 2008;336:539

Suicide Rates in the UK – Trends Over Time - why is male 3 - 4 x times female FIDDAMAN ?

Suicide Rate Northern Ireland 1999-2009 - was massive increase 2004 caused by antidepressants FIDDAMAN ?

Suicide Rate per 100,000 in Northern Ireland 1999-2009

Why do so many young men like Shane Clancy suicide in Ireland FIDDAMAN ? ...were they all on antidepressants?

source -
Suicide Statistics Report 2011 - Samaratins

New Zealand suicide rates by ethnicity - why is Maori by far the highest FIDDAMAN ?

Figure 1. Provisional suicide rates by ethnicity per 100,000 population between July 2007 and June 2011 (n=2170)


Note: The per 100,000 population rate shown has been calculated following Statistics New Zealand annual population for the 2006 census year.

Ethnic groups have classified in the following groups: Maori, Pacific peoples, Asian, Other (including European, Not Elsewhere classified and New Zealand European).


source - Chief Coroner


Media statement sent on behalf of the Chief Coroner, Judge Neil MacLean.




26 August 2011 - Under embargo until 3pm Friday August 26 2011



The Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean has today released the latest provisional national suicide statistics drawn from information collected by the Ministry of Justice’s database.

This follows on from last year when this type of information was first made publically available by Judge MacLean.

In releasing the information Judge MacLean said that although Coroners were not experts in suicide prevention, the coronial system has a legal responsibility and a pivotal role to play in stimulating discussion on issues that could help the explanation and prevention of suicide in New Zealand.

“The suicide toll is a really concerning commentary on our society, and I believe anything we can do to aid more accurate information can only be for the better.

“I have suggested that there may be room for a gentle opening up of the restrictions on media reporting of suicide, but we need to consider all viewpoints – especially those of families – so we can make informed decisions.

“These statistics clearly show that what we have done in the past is not bringing the toll down so we must look for new solutions,” Judge MacLean said.

Snorting coke in a toilet was so seedy; Ex- Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon - FIDDAMAN blog counterpoint

Snorting coke in a toilet was so seedy; Ex- Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon tells the true story of the mistake that cost him his job.. and made him vow never to take drugs again.



http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Snorting+coke+in+a+toilet+was+so+seedy%3B+Ex-+Blue+Peter+presenter...-a060622950




Richard Bacon (television presenter) (born 1975), English television and radio presenter

, who was sacked for taking cocaine in October, writes movingly for The Mirror on the shame he has brought on himself and his family. He reveals how he has turned his back on drugs as he starts to rebuild his life and career.



THERE was always going to be a time when I would want to break loose from the straightjacket of children's television.



Needless to say, I did not plan such a dramatic exit...



Now, I am adjusting to LABP - Life After Blue Peter - and although I unconditionally regret dabbling with cocaine, I have to look for a fresh career in the land of grown-up
I now realise the value of my parents' advice when they lectured me about the dangers of drugs. They were right. I was wrong.







When I first moved to London two and half years ago I vividly remember my dad, a solicitor, passing on a warning from a journalist friend of his. She had warned him about the "coke scene" in the capital and how easy it was to fall into the trap.



I assured him that he had nothing to worry about. Sorry Mum, sorry Dad.



A week after I was "exposed" it was my mum's 50th birthday and we had a party for her. As soon she saw me she hugged me and broke down in tears.



Almost everyone in the room started crying - myself included. It was an important moment, making me realise that my family would always stand by me .



It is tempting to try to dismiss my use of drugs as a "moment of madness" in the way a politician recently described his own fall from grace, but I regard myself as more accountable than that.



The debate on my activities has tried to suggest the pressures of television or my peers have been to blame. In truth it was neither.



I HAD spent a lot of time in West End bars and clubs and witnessing so many people experimenting with coke and even being offered the odd 'line' somehow made me less disapproving

In the end the whole process is very seedy. Being locked in a grotty toilet cubicle, inhaling violently through my nostrils from the top of a porcelain cistern  cover, is less than enjoyable.



But I forgot about the possible consequences. A few weeks ago though, I was reminded...



It began when I came out of Blue Peter's birthday party at the Natural History Museum - 40 years to the day since the show began.



As I left with Anthea Turner  I noticed two photographers. They started taking pictures of me - and ONLY me. Strange in such superstar company.



I knew I was in trouble, but I didn't know what they knew.



It sounds naive, but I toyed with the idea that they were doing one of those Blue Peter Presenter Out Past His Bedtime type of stories.



The next morning I told my dad about the night's strange events. He was very concerned and said: "Well, you know what you've done? What could it be?' He was stern and worried.



An hour later I contacted my agent and explained the situation. "Could it be something to do with a woman?" he asked. I replied: "I don't think so."



"Now then, have you ever tried any naughty substances?" he said bluntly.



"Er, yes..." I confessed.



"Right then," he sighed. "Let's try and find out what's going on

He put me in touch with Stuart Higgins, former editor of The Sun and now a media adviser. Higgins began ringing round.



With nothing to do but wait, I went off shopping with my family, but on the way home, with everyone in the car, Higgins rang.



"It's the News Of The World - COCAINE." Although I should have panicked I tried to concentrate on how to deal with what was about to happen to me - and how to tell my dad.



Initially he was angry. We telephoned Mum straight away and she helped calm him down. Both have since been amazingly supportive.



I IMMEDIATELY drove round to see my boss, editor of Blue Peter, Oliver MacFarlane
.



On the way, some words he had said to me the night before, were ringing in my ears. "I have made, a good choice in picking you for the programme, don't ever let me down."



Sadly, the damage was done. By now I had confessed to the News Of The World.



The grim reality of the whole thing suddenly hit me when I read the headline in the morning: "BLUE PETER GOODY GOODY IS A COCAINE SNORTING Six O'Clock News, News At Ten, Question Time, Newsnight, Have I Got News for You? Chris Evans and every other radio station in the land were on to me.



Naturally there were people keen to ride the publicity tidal wave tidal wave, term properly applied to the crest of a tide as it moves around the earth. The wavelike upstream rush of water caused by the incoming tide in some locations is known as a tidal bore. and I had immediate offers to work - pounds 20,000 for one week's guest presenting on Talk Radio, for example.



Difficult to turn down when you are out of work, but I didn't want to profit from my disgrace.



I suppose that if there is one good thing to come out of all of this it is that I will not be going anywhere near drugs again in my life.



I had always found coke to be a massive anti-climax. With its extremely high cost and its very low effect it soon had me craving craving Psychology A strong desire to consume a particular substance–eg of abuse, or food; craving is a major factor in relapse and/or continued use after withdrawal from a substance of abuse and is both imprecisely defined and difficult to measure. for more just to counteract the terrible depression that quickly sets in.



But you can only put off the depression for so long. It was 12 hours in my case and when I would arrive back at my flat at 8.30 in the morning after a night doing coke I had to face the "come down'.



Lying on my bed, unable to sleep and having spent a fortune in the process I entered a state of paranoia  about what I had just done.



AND the sniffing

2. ! Everyone thought I had a cold.



One of the worst aspects of my actions was the embarrassment I have caused to DARE - a hugely successful anti-drugs initiative based in my home county of Nottinghamshire which had included me in some of its anti-drugs literature. But I am probably in a better position to help them now than I was before because of my first-hand experience and the price I have paid.



I know that I am terminally tarnished as the only Blue Peter presenter to be sacked, but the whole episode is something I have to try to put behind me and make a fresh start.



I will miss Blue Peter.



I never watched it much as a kid, but in recent years I have thought of it as great cult viewing.



(Where else would I have got the chance to ride a motorised  motorized sofa and bathe a dog?)



I am still close to all of the team. They have provided a mountain of support and I will stay in touch.



And I am sure that the next time I stand in front of a TV camera I will glance down at my chest to check for a badge. But I will always remain a big fan.



I owe the programme and the viewers so much. I just hope the new presenter keeps his nose clean.



Richard Bacon has not been paid for this article, but has asked for a donation to be made to the anti-drugs charity, DARE



Richard Bacon



DAY I KNEW IT WAS ALL OVER



RICHARD'S departure from the BBC BBC

in full British Broadcasting Corp.



Publicly financed broadcasting system in Britain. A private company at its founding in 1922, it was replaced by a public corporation under royal charter in 1927. was immediate.



"I got an early phone call summoning me to a meeting with the words: 'It's not good news!'



"I was the first to arrive at the office at Television Centre.



"Ten minutes later the lift doors opened and out walked Lorraine Heggessey  the head of Children's BBC, Oliver MacFarlane, Blue Peter's editor and a woman from personnel who was carrying my contract. We sat down. The atmosphere was very calm and they were genuinely sad about what had happened.



"
. I said that I felt I had to go.



"They asked me to hand over my BBC ID card. Though, contrary to speculation, not my precious Blue Peter badge A Blue Peter badge is a much coveted award for Blue Peter viewers, given to people on the children's television programme for either being on the show or achieving something. , which is safely stored away in my bedside cabinet.



"As we said our farewells they said that they hoped the story would die quickly. It didn't..."

COPYRIGHT 1998 MGN LTD

No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.

Copyright 1998 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Clinaptica™ App for iPad Matches Antidepressants To Patients More Effectively, ...see B0B FIDDAMAN blog

Clinaptica™ App for iPad Matches Antidepressants To Patients More Effectively, According to Developer


PRWeb Share
Monday, March 19th 2012.

Search VSM: Advanced Doctors using the method say that patient responses to simple questions assist them in prescribing medications to relieve depression



Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 19, 2012



Scaled Psychiatric Systems, Inc. has announced the release of its expert system – the Clinaptica™ Depression Consultant. The company says the interactive app, available for $4.95 at the App Store, goes beyond any previous system for people with depressive disorders: it recommends antidepressant therapies specific to different patient characteristics.



Dr. Rakesh Patel, an Arizona physician who has used an online version of the system since 2006, says that the treatment recommendations have been "spot on almost every time I use it" and advises other health professionals to utilize it routinely "for these types of symptoms." In a multi-site study presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting in 2009, Dr. Richard Metzner and co-investigator Dr. Andrew Ho reported that a sample of patients newly treated for depression under the system’s guidance recovered at twice the expected rate.



According to the company, the app uses a patented method based on 20 years of research by Dr. Metzner, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA. The method’s software generates suggestions for individualizing new or ongoing antidepressant treatment with various classes of medication. By answering simple on-screen questions, patients provide data which the app processes into recommendations and color-coded results for the physician. This output can then be saved, printed and shared wirelessly between patients and professionals and used for tracking progress under HIPAA privacy guidelines. Approximately 3,000 patients have been treated by health professionals using the online version.



Despite positive evidence that he and others have presented, Dr. Metzner says many patients have been discouraged by reports that portray antidepressants as little more effective than placebo. He emphasizes that when antidepressants are dispensed selectively rather than indiscriminately as in most research studies, they offer tangible improvements in well-being and recovery. He anticipates that the Clinaptica™ app will widely expand the benefits of selective antidepressant therapy. Acccording to Apple, it has already been downloaded from App Stores in 18 countries on 6 continents.



About Scaled Psychiatric Systems, Inc.

The company was founded in 2009 to implement digital age measurement-based care strategies for health professionals treating individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. SPS is independently funded and has no financial interest in any prescribed treatments.





For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/3/prweb9290222.htm

Adverse Drug Reaction Delusion - Influence of the Media on Reporting Medical Events - FIDDAMAN blog

Prospective Study of the Influence of the Media on Reporting Medical Events


Martha M. Meinzinger, BS1,3

William S. Barry, MD, MPH, Director2

1 Senior Drug Experience Specialist, The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan

2 Drug Experience, The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan

↵3 Worldwide Pharmacovigilance Unit, The Upjohn Company, 7000 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Abstract

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system functions to collect worldwide voluntarily/spontaneously reported medical events that occur in association with the use of a pharmaceutical product from physicians, pharmacists, patients, etc. While publicity surrounding a drug has frequently been considered to directly affect the number of medical events or adverse reactions reported, the effect has usually not been documented. The Upjohn Company prospectively studied the impact of the media on the reporting of Halcion® Tablets (triazolam) medical events during the first quarter of 1989. A survey of the number of medical event reports received before and after the product was discussed on a national television program revealed that reports increased dramatically (nearly doubled) as a direct and indirect effect of the program

Atypical sufferer of ADRD - Adverse Drug Reaction Delusion

Toran Henry - narrative of events - mothers domestic crisis 2004 affected Toran - FIDDAMAN failed to mention

St Patrick was a fraud, just like FIDDAMAN let's pretend saint was runaway tax collector turned slave trader

Legend has it St Patrick came to Ireland in the fifth century to spread the word of Christ – and banish snakes from its shores.


But as St Patrick's Day is celebrated today, it seems the patron saint's motives for leaving Roman Britain may have been less selfless than previously thought.

Researchers claim that St Patrick actually fled to Ireland to avoid becoming a tax collector. Once there, however, it is claimed he took up an even more dubious occupation – as a slave trader.

Patrick's father was a Decurion, a Roman official responsible for tax collection in Britain. But he used a bail-out clause in Roman law that allowed him to leave his post by joining the clergy on the condition the job was passed to his son.

Dr Roy Flechner, an expert in ancient and medieval history from Cambridge University, claims that Patrick, alarmed at the prospect of taking on the unpopular job, decided to emigrate.

As well as collecting tax (with any shortfall coming from the Decurion's own pocket), duties included road maintenance and the recruitment of soldiers.

'In the troubled era in which Patrick lived, which saw the demise and eventual collapse of Roman government in Britain in 410AD, discharging the obligations of a Decurion, especially tax-collecting, would not only have been difficult but also very risky,' said Dr Flechner, whose research is based on a new analysis of St Patrick's writings.

Patrick was forced to find a way of retaining some of the family estate – in the shape of slaves – to pay for his new life in Ireland.


Dr Flechner said Patrick may have become a slave trader because it was the only way he could transfer his wealth from England, as Ireland did not have a monetary economy at the time.


Slaves were a highly valued commodity and Patrick's writings mention that his family owned several.

Dr Flechner said: 'It may seem strange that a Christian cleric of Patrick's stature would own slaves, but in late antiquity and the early middle ages the church was a major slave owner.

St Patrick's Day is celebrated the world over. Here drinkers give a cheers at McSorley's pub in New York, in the U.S.

'The only objections to slavery were cases in which Christian slaves were owned by non-Christians.'

Dr Flechner claimed that the traditional legend of St Patrick's arrival in Ireland was invented by the man himself because that is how he wanted to be remembered.

He also questioned the part of the legend that says before his arrival as a missionary St Patrick spent six years as a young slave in Ireland himself. 'The probability that Patrick managed to cross from his alleged place of captivity in western Ireland back to Britain undetected, at a time when transportation was extremely complicated, is highly unlikely,' he said.

'None of this is to say that Patrick was not a bishop or that he did not engage in missionary activity, but his primary motives for moving to Ireland were most likely to escape the poisoned chalice of his inherited position in Roman Britain





Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116153/Is-legend-St-Patrick-just-bit-blarney-He-runaway-tax-collector-turned-slave-trader-says-expert.html#ixzz1pMSZjVy8


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116153/Is-legend-St-Patrick-just-bit-blarney-He-runaway-tax-collector-turned-slave-trader-says-expert.html#ixzz1pMSQKKUF

Glaxosmithkline to Generate Power from Tidal Energy .. what will self-appointed watchdog FIDDAMAN do?

http://www.offshorewind.biz/2012/03/14/uk-glaxosmithkline-to-generate-power-from-tidal-energy/

Glaxosmithkline (GSK) has submitted its application to the Scottish Government for a marine generation license to generate power from 15 tidal turbines placed either side of the South Esk bridge.



This is another step the company made upon pursuing efforts towards generating its own marine energy for its local factory as part of its carbon reduction program.



The company won a tidal energy contract from the Crown Estate in December which gives GSK permission to lease part of the riverbed for the project.



A GSK spokesman explained there are several steps in the process and in case the marine generation license is granted, a further application will have to be made to Angus Council.



Apart from marine turbines, the project comprises installation of an onshore sub-station to relay electricity to the Cobden Street site.

Toran Henry was bright young man who had a lot of anger and suffered from depression mother says - FIDDAMAN

"My son was a very bright, very beautiful, young man who had a lot of anger and suffered from depression."

Toran Henry mum blamed "teachers and student bullying" & " mental health unit treating her son for depression " - FIDDAMAN

A top Auckland school and mental health authorities are under fire for failing to help a troubled teenager.


http://tvnz.co.nz/content/1670198/4202557.xhtml

Toran Henry, 17, died suddenly after he was beaten up in a fight videoed by Takapuna Grammar students.



Henry's mother found him dead in the garage of his home and is demanding answers from the school and Waitemata District Health Board.



Maria Bradshaw claims teachers and student bullying, and the mental health unit treating her son for depression, let him down.






"The pain is indescribable," Bradshaw says. "On the 13th of May this year when my beautiful son would have been 18 years old what will I have to celebrate," she asks.



Bradshaw is searching for answers after she came home to find her 17-year-old son dead in the garage.



"My son was a very bright, very beautiful, young man who had a lot of anger and suffered from depression."




A day earlier he had been involved in a fight outside Takapuna Grammar - an incident filmed by students and sparking claims some of them were involved in an unofficial fight club.



"I have been told today that the principal knew that my son's beating had been videoed and he told the children to remove the video from their phones," Bradshaw says.



Students told ONE News teachers used to watch the fights.



Henry's mother says it was not just students but also teachers who bullied him and she says the school did little to stop it.



Another parent withdrew her son from Takapuna Grammar because of similar problems.



"It's two years now that my son has been gone from that school and to hear what happened to him didn't surprise me," Sharlene Pirikahu told ONE News.



Bradshaw is also accusing the district health board of irresponsible behaviour.



"They told him he could stop taking Prozac on Friday morning and drink with his friends over the weekend. The combination of alcohol, Prozac and adolescence can be lethal."



Henry's friends now know that all too well. They told ONE News he was "insanely smart, had a lot of potential and always knew how to make people laugh". One girl said he was "the person you could talk to when you were feeling down".



The school's board of trustees has issued a statement saying it will appoint an independent assessor with a legal background to lead the investigation. And Education minister Chris Carter is in full support of an investigation into bullying.



The death has been referred to the police who will investigate on behalf of the coroner.



Bradshaw has put a moving tribute to her son on YouTube.

Toran Henry - Takapuna Grammar School Independent Enquiry - FIDDAMAN blog ** EXCLUSIVE

http://www.takapuna.school.nz/uploaded/Independent_Enquiry.pdf

depressed Toran Henry seen by "Waitemata District Health Board’s mental health unit" "for two years" - FIDDAMAN

North Shore police commander Les Paterson is cautioning against drawing links to an alleged "fight club" at Takapuna Grammar or making any preliminary assumptions about the death of 17-year-old Toran Henry.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/339967/Expert-police-team-probes-teen-death

Mr Paterson says he has appointed a "small team of very experienced investigators to the case".



Inquiries are being carried out by police, Takapuna Grammar and the Waitemata District Health Board.



The teenager died 12 days ago, a day after being involved in a fight that was allegedly filmed by a group of students.



No one else is being sought in connection with the death and the matter has been referred to coroner Murray Jamieson.



Toran’s mother, Maria Bradshaw, has denounced the school for not taking appropriate action in response to the alleged assault.



She said they should have contacted her or the police.



But Mr Paterson says he would like to separate Toran’s death from the issue of a "fight club".



He also reminds people that police can’t do anything unless someone approaches them about a problem.



"Anything to do with that is to do with the school, and they have plenty of powers to deal with it."



Toran was being seen by Waitemata District Health Board’s mental health unit for adolescents to help him deal with depression.





"We extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family," says Helen Wood, general manager of the board’s mental health services.



"News of this death has been very upsetting to the team who worked and cared for the client for two years. We have offered support and counselling to help the family through this difficult time," she says.



Ms Wood says the board does not feel it is appropriate to discuss Toran’s care without letting the proper processes conclude, including the coroner’s inquiry.



A statement supplied to the North Shore Times by principal Simon Lamb and board of trustees chairwoman Jan Hill, says:



"Takapuna Grammar School, its students and wider community are mourning the sudden loss of Toran Henry. The situation is tremendously sad and the circumstances are extremely delicate.



"There have been some serious allegations made about the school’s processes in supporting Toran during his time at the school.



"The board will appoint an independent person over the next few days to lead an investigation into the school’s processes.



"We will be inviting anyone who believes they can contribute to this investigation to do so. This is the only way that we can truly address the allegations which have been raised.



"We remain greatly concerned about our students who are coming to terms with this tragic loss."



Toran’s neighbour, Sharlene Pirikahu, and Education Minister Chris Carter have both raised concerns over bullying.



But Takapuna Grammar pupils have rebutted suggestions of a bullying problem at the school. They said they would hate to see the school’s reputation maligned.

Maria Bradshaw says "children suffering mental illness" like Toran Henry "should not punished for being naughty" - FIDDAMAN blog

A report has concluded there was little more Takapuna Grammar could have done for a student who died a day after being beaten up at the school.


http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10514989

Seventeen-year-old Toran Henry was found dead in the garage of his home in March this year.



The day before he died he was beaten up at the school while other students filmed the incident on their mobile phones.



The school commissioned an independent report after criticism from Toran's mother about the way it handled his mental health issues.



Board of Trustees chairman Jan Mill says it is reassuring the report found the school acted in good faith and its performance was up to scratch.



She says Takapuna Grammar acknowledges there are some improvements to be made.



She says Toran's death is tremendously sad and it has been a difficult time for the school.



The school also found there was evidence and frustration and desperation at times, but the allegation that the school wanted to get rid of the teenager in 2008 is not justified.



It said the tragic death has scarred the Takapuna Grammar community and the various allegations levelled against the school "often without knowledge of the detailed facts" have not helped students come to terms with Toran's death.



But Toran's mother Maria Bradshaw has rejected the report's findings.



Ms Bradshaw examined the report last night.



She claims it is full of errors, omissions and failures of reasoning.



Ms Bradshaw says she will not stop fighting for her son until the truth comes out.



She says children suffering mental illness should not punished for being naughty and it is a major failing of the education system that it happens

humiliated Toran Henry spent a "year struggling with depression" mother Maria Bradshaw stated - see FIDDAMAN blog

Friends have established a memorial shrine in the garage where Toran Henry died. Photo / Dean PurcellThree separate investigations are under way following the death of a Takapuna Grammar student who died a day after being beaten up at the school.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10501092

Board of trustees chairwoman Jan Hill said an investigator with a legal background would be appointed this week to head the inquiry into the school's processes following the death of 17-year-old Toran Henry.



Ms Hill said Toran's death was a "serious matter" that would get the board's full attention.



"We will be inviting anyone who believes they can contribute to this investigation to do so. This is the only way we can truly address the allegations which have been raised."



The Waitemata District Health Board and the police are also investigating the incident, which happened at Toran's home 12 days ago.



His death - which has been referred to the coroner - came just hours after a series of phone conversations with mental health case workers that reportedly left the teen distressed.



Toran was involved in a fight at the school the day before he died, and students are understood to have filmed the incident.



North Shore police area commander Les Paterson said he had assigned a small team of very experienced investigators to the case and would be "keeping an eye on developments".



But Toran's mother, Maria Bradshaw, and his friends yesterday criticised authorities.



Ms Bradshaw said her son had spent the past year struggling with depression and was last year referred to Waitemata's adolescent mental health unit, Marinoto.




She said the school rejected him and suggested he go elsewhere to complete credits that were needed for a university course.





Ms Bradshaw said that while the videotaped bullying incident would have left him "humiliated", she does not believe it caused Toran's death.



On the day he died, he had several conversations with his case workers about the incident, and became upset after one told him he would be reported to the police if he retaliated against the boy who had beaten him.



Two hours later, Ms Bradshaw found Toran dead in the garage.



Toran's friends - who have established a garage shrine in his honour - claim the school bullied and harassed him and was too quick to give up on problem students.




"He couldn't do anything," said Jason Taylor, 18. "He had tried so hard. If they just gave him extra attention he would have been out of that school in a month. There's no doubt in my mind if that had happened he would still be here."



The friends said they had become more like a family than mates in the past two weeks. They saw that camaraderie as their best defence against depression and its repercussions.



But one Takapuna Grammar student who contacted the Herald last night said she was unaware of a bullying problem at the school and was amazed by the claims surrounding Toran's death.



"[Toran] and his friends weren't angels. I feel the deepest sadness and sympathy for his friends and family, but please do not make this about my school. I'm proud to attend TGS and do not want its reputation tainted."



The student also played down the significance of a "fight club" that supposedly existed at the school.



"I have seen it once, the day Toran came. It was controlled and had rules - it was in no way brutal.



"Boxing gloves were used, no one was ever hurt, safety was a priority and at the end of the fight all grudges were forgotten and the participants would shake hands and hug."



Toran's friends also said the alleged "fight club" did not exist to any great extent and had "nothing to do" with his death.



Education Minister Chris Carter said he was concerned bullying might have contributed to the tragic events and had "strongly encouraged" a thorough investigation by Takapuna Grammar.



"Every school must ensure a safe environment for its students."



The Director of Mental Health, Dr David Chaplow, said the Ministry of Health had called for an internal inquiry and would determine the next steps after the investigation was completed.



Waitemata District Health Board is also investigating and extended "sincere condolences and sympathy" to Toran's family.

before Scientology got a hold on her Toran Henry mother blamed school bullies - FIDDAMAN blog

Queen Street march for Toran Henry


Filed under: Boys / Youth / Education,General — Mike @ 10:33 pm

What follows is a verbatim copy of a letter sent by Toran’s mother to Polly Gillespie at the ZM radio station. I feel it deserves as much attention as it can possibly receive, so please read on and consider going along if you are able to do so.

http://menz.org.nz/2008/queen-street-march-for-toran-henry/

From: Maria Bradshaw

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:50 AM

To: Polly Gillespie

Subject: Toran Henry



Hi Polly



I’m Maria Bradshaw, the mother of the 17 year old boy Toran Henry who committed suicide nearly 4 weeks ago.



You may have seen in the news that I found my baby hanging in our garage after he had been let down by his school and told by mental health services that he should take prozac and could drink alcohol in the weekends.

Its a long story and much more has to come out about it. The most reliable information about it has been in the Sunday News over the past few weeks.



Polly, I am a single Mum. Toran is my only child and the only child I will ever have. I have raised my beautiful boy alone for 17 years and 10 months. There are no words to describe how I feel about him – I simply adore him and have devoted my life to him. I know how much you love your children Polly but you cannot in your worst nightmares imagine how it feels, not only to have your child suddenly disappear from the world but to have found him hanging in what was a totally preventable death.



There is currently an inquiry into the way he was treated by his school but even though I am his mother, I have no right to a copy of the report that will be produced from the inquiry. The school have been allowed to do an internal inquiry and I am not even listed as a stakeholder in the inquiry. Similarly, youth mental health services have been allowed to conduct an internal inquiry which is not allowed to investigate the actions or competence of those who dealt with my son. Even the coroners inquiry is only allowed to make recommendations but not to hold acccountable those who killed my baby.



To say my life has been destroyed, that I live in hell is such an understatement the words are meaningless. I have loved and nurtured my treasured son for nearly 18 years and his loss is quite simply unbearable. Can you imagine being asked if you want your adored child buried or cremated and having to choose a coffin for him?



I dont know if you are aware of how many children have died under the care of youth mental health services or that a report was recently released showing 42% of children are bullied by teachers at school. The government keeps allowing these agencies to conduct confidential, internal inquiries and our children keep dying.



It will be Toran’s birthday on 13 May. He was born at 11.54am. There is a planned march down Queen street at 11.54am on 13 May. The march is to commemorate Toran’s birthday but more than that, it is to tell the government that we are sick of internal inquiries that do nothing to prevent the horrific rate of child deaths under the care of mental health services.



My son will never have children. I will never be a grandmother. On the day my son died, I realised the simple truth that the meaning of life is to watch your children and grandchildren grow up. Nothing else matters – my career, my house, money in the bank – all meaningless without my baby to share it with. His wardrobe is full of the toys he had as a small child. I was saving them for my grandchildren so I could tell them “this was your daddy’s teddy when he was little.” Now they sit there with no place to go.



The march is not just for Toran but for all our children, our grandchildren, our neices and nephews. It is a call for an independent inquiry into what we are doing to our children in NZ.



If you want more information about Toran please search on his name in youtube and watch the DVD I made for his funeral called Toran Henry from Mum and the one his friends made for him called RIP Toran Henry. For information on the march, please look at www.toran.co.nz



His bebo page, which has nearly 26,000 hits will show you how loved he is.

I am writing to you to ask if you would publicise the march. My son was a bright, happy little boy, just as im sure your children are. I would never in my worst nightmare have thought this would happen to me and to my beautiful Toran. I dont ask you to do this for Toran (although I bet you wont be able to watch his youtube video without crying) but for your children and the children of your friends.



Please Polly, help me get the word out about Toran’s birthday march. We need to make it a big event to make the government listen.



Thank you so much.



Maria



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