Psychiatric drug side effects are little understood and rarely researched. Trainee doctors and nurses are not well informed about adverse drug reactions, prevention, recognition or treatment. Sufferers of such adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are often over prescribed psychotropic drugs instead of having the drug causing the mental health disturbance withdrawn. In the case of drugs for indigestion and Dianette prescribed for acne, withdrawal of the drug resolves the depression and anxiety side effects. For some people withdrawing from drugs that cause dependence, causes further ill health.

At the conference there will be a session on Coming Off medicines and dealing with withdrawal problems.

APRIL charity (Adverse Psychiatric Reactions Information Link) has been collecting and collating information from the public about psychiatric adverse drug reactions for 10 years. This conference will be our third and visiting speakers are among the leaders in the field of adverse drug reactions.

• Professor Munir Pirmohamed (Liverpool University) is leading the field in pharmacogenetics.
• Anaesthetist Anita Holdcroft (Imperial College London) will share knowledge of gender issues relating to ADRs in anaesthetics.
• Professor David Healy (University of Wales) is an expert on the risk of suicide due to SSRI and similar antidepressants.
• Professor Heather Ashton (Newcastle University)ran a withdrawal clinic for benzodiazepine and Z drugs.
• Dr Simon Maxwell will speak about the startling research showing doctors are unprepared for prescribing and plans for improving medical education
• A ‘Coming Off Medicines’ session will be supported by psychologist Dr Bob Johnson, psychiatrist Dr Joanna Moncrieff and other speakers mentioned.
• Dr Andrew Herxheimer (Emeritus Professor Cochrane Collaboration) and Charles Medawar (Social Audit) have analyzed the suicide ADR reports for Seroxat/Paxil (paroxetine) and influenced changes in patient information.

This is a rare opportunity for health professionals and the public to attend an independent conference regarding the serious public health problem of iatrogenic illness.

The registration form is available on the web site www.april.org.uk

There is room for over 600 delegates at the Friends House Euston London. The fee is £125 or £25 concessionary fee. The venue is opposite Euston station. Doctors, nurses, all health professionals concerned about patient safety carers and service users will benefit from attending. CME accreditation is being applied for.