• Escitalopram is a leading and growing product in Central Nervous system (CNS)
• This agreement reinforces Almirall?s portfolio in Italy and will generate revenues as of this year
• It is estimated that over 38% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder. Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide

Barcelona and Milan, 19 October 2011,-Almirall, SpA and Lundbeck Italia, SpA today announced that they have entered into a co-promotion agreement for escitalopram in Italy under the brand Cipralex?

Escitalopram is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family, indicated in treatment of depression and anxiety disorder.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased with this new collaboration with Lundbeck. It strengthens our Italian portfolio with a leading and growing product and allows us to leverage our CNS capabilities and expertise?, said Javier Garc?a, General Manager Almirall Italy. ?This agreement reinforces Almirall?s position as a solid partner in Italy and will generate revenues as of this year?, he added.

“We are very happy at Lundbeck, says Ralph Fassey, General Manager of the Italian subsidiary, to have from now on with Almirall Italy a very valid and competent partner to co-promote our escitalopram, the already most prescribed antidepressant in our country. The?fruitful and long lasting collaboration between our two companies in Spain induced us to extend the cooperation to another important Mediterranean country such as, Italy.”

About escitalopramEscitalopram is one of the most?effective and tolerable molecules for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It acts increasing the level of?serotonin, a specific neurotransmitter,?whose reduction is involved in the onset of symptoms of these disorders. Escitalopram differs from the other antidepressants of the same class (SSRI) for a unique mechanism of action, responsible for its relevant clinical efficacy.

About depression and anxiety disorderDepression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 lives every year[1].

Depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th?leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs) in 2000. by the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of DALYs calculated for all ages, both sexes. Today, depression is already the 2nd cause of DALYs in the age category 15-44 years for both sexes combined[4].

Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide[2]. It occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

It is estimated that each year 38.2% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder[3]. Adjusted for age and co-morbidity, this corresponds to 164.8 million persons affected. Compared to 2005 (27.4%) this higher estimate is entirely due to the inclusion of 14 new disorders also covering childhood/adolescence as well as the elderly. The estimated higher number of persons affected (2011: 165 m vs. 2005: 82 m) is due to coverage of childhood and old age populations, new disorders and of new EU membership states. The most frequent disorders are anxiety disorders (14.0%), insomnia (7.0%), major depression (6.9%), somatoform (6.3%), alcohol and drug dependence (> 4%), ADHD (5%) in the young, and dementia (1?30%, depending on age).

About AlmirallAlmirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, it researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people?s health and wellbeing.?

Almirall focuses its research resources on therapeutic areas related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), gastrointestinal disorders, psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

Almirall?s products are currently present in over 70 countries while it has direct presence in Europe and Latin America through 12 affiliates.

For further information please visit the website at: almirall.com

About LundbeckLundbeck is an international pharmaceutical company founded by Hans Lundbeck in 1915 specializing in central nervous system disorders, with its headquarter in Copenhagen, Denmark.

It is an integrated company with core competencies in research, development, production, marketing and sales and an international presence in more than 100 markets worldwide and approximately 5900 employees.

Its marketed pharmaceuticals include treatment for Alzheimer?s disease, depression and anxiety, epilepsy, Huntington?s disease, insomnia, Parkinson?s disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

For further information please visit the website at lundbeck.com

While mid-year crime statistics are down 29 percent, compared to the same time period last year, one category of cases has steadily and significantly escalated in Fallbrook over the past three years. Frequently referred to as “5150s,” these cases involve individuals displaying signs of a mental disorder and come under the Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. in 2009, local deputies handled 85 of these cases, and in 2010, 134. with 79 in the first six months of 2011, this year is currently on pace for 158.

“I?m looking into the causes of this upswing,” said Lt. RobertHaley, commander of the Fallbrook Sheriff?s substation. “There are many reasons a person can be having problems like this with the economy down as it is; people are out of work, losing their homes; and many are experiencing severe anxiety and depression.”

Haley said when his deputies respond to a potential 5150 call, the first priority is to determine whether or not the individual appears to be a threat to themselves or others.

“We have to do an assessment,” he said. “We observe the individual?s physical appearance, see if they are clothed appropriately, try to determine if they have been eating properly, and ask them a series of questions, including if they usually take medication or not. We have to be incredibly cautious, because mental illness is a disease and sometimes people don?t know what they are doing.”

While calls have come in to the station regarding individuals seen out in public talking to themselves, Haley said, “Just talking to yourself doesn?t qualify [as a 5150]. further evaluation has to be done.”

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 50 percent of people with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. Haley said the effects of illegal drugs are very evident to law enforcement officers.

“Meth [methamphetamine] is probably the worst [in causing mental problems] from my observation, followed by other stimulants [such as cocaine and ecstasy],” Haley said, adding a disclaimer that he is not a physician and has not conducted any studies on the subject. Haley does, however, have 25 years of law enforcement experience in a culture that is no stranger to drug abuse.

Drug abuse and its resulting effect on the brain have been tracked by mental health agencies. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, some serious mental disorders associated with chronic drug abuse include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

Professionals that provide counseling to individuals afflicted with drug-related mental health issues know only too well the negative effects these chemicals produce.

Marilyn Davies, a licensed marriage and family therapist with offices in Fallbrook and Temecula, has worked with patients in drug rehabilitation programs in the past.

“Those that have used meth, heroin, or crack for extended periods of time just aren?t thinking straight anymore,” said Davies. “It?s a very sad situation.”

Today, Davies focuses primarily on the wellbeing of families, and alcohol and substance abuse involvement presents itself frequently.

“The other issue that comes up with drug abuse is the destruction of family units; drug use is so damaging in so many ways; it affects all the family members because they are stressed out over the substance abuser,” explained Davies.

In many cases, experts have said it?s difficult to determine what came first – the mental disorder or the abuse of drugs.

Some individuals with mental illness take un-prescribed or illegal drugs to alleviate their symptoms – a practice known as self-medicating. One example would be a schizophrenic who uses marijuana in an attempt to control the disorder?s negative symptoms and calm them.

In other cases, mental disorders result from drug abuse. an example of this would be the use of the illegal drug known as ecstasy, which produces long-term reduction in serotonin function in the brain, leading to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

In handling some cases, deputies request assistance from the County of San Diego?s mobile Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), a non-profit organization that operates under the Community Research Foundation and is funded 100 percent by the County?s Health & Human Services Agency.

Developed to provide training and professional support to law enforcement in dealing with individuals with mental afflictions, PERT has 23 licensed clinicians throughout the county.

“Our licensed mental health professionals are dispersed throughout San Diego County; they work alongside uniformed law enforcement officers to respond to mental health crisis calls,” explained Jim Fix, executive director of PERT and a licensed clinical psychologist. when deputies encounter situations involving the mentally ill and feel they need assistance, Fix said, they radio their dispatch and request the closest PERT unit to respond. if one is not immediately available, help is still accessible.

“If there isn?t a team available close by, deputies have the ability to discuss the situation by radio or cell phone and being walked through the situation by one of our mental health professionals,” said Fix. “We try to always provide them with guidance and support.”

PERT clinicians make assessments and provide appropriate referrals and recommendations, with the goal of getting the person the treatment they need and averting further crisis.

Law enforcement officers regularly use the PERT resource and find it valuable.

“PERT is one of the best programs we have in law enforcement to utilize to help people with mental illness – not to just put someone in jail, but a door to open to help a person,” said Captain Gigi McCalla, commander of the Sheriff?s Dept. Lemon Grove station.

For those cases warranting it, Section 5150 permits an officer to involuntarily transport a person to an appropriate facility for up to 72 hours of mental evaluation.

Those taken into custody by Fallbrook deputies are generally taken to either Palomar Medical Center in Escondido or Tri City Hospital in Oceanside, both of which have secure evaluation facilities.

“Deputies take the individual to the emergency room to be admitted,” said Fix. “Then the emergency room staff evaluates whether the person should be admitted for 72 hours. Psychiatric liaisons evaluate the situation and consult with the patient; then they usually speak with the psychiatrist on call. if needed, the individual is admitted to the hospital?s behavioral health unit or one at another facility, or provided with referrals. The hospital makes the decision at that point.”

For members of the public, it can be disconcerting to encounter someone who is exhibiting signs of mental problems.

“If you encounter a person demonstrating some extreme behaviors, it?s best to keep a safe distance; back away; and go to an area where more people are located and get someone to call the Sheriff?s Dept.,” said John McLelland, crime prevention specialist for the Sheriff?s Dept. “I always tell people, when in doubt, call the cops and let them make a determination on the situation.”

Above all, Haley said, his deputies try to do their best to help those experiencing problems.

“We try to treat people with dignity and respect; sometimes they just need medical help,” he said.

When asked if Fallbrook appears to be unique in experiencing an increasing number of these cases, Haley said, “Fallbrook is just a reflection on today?s society in general.” Fix agreed.

“Other agencies are experiencing increases in these cases as well,” said Fix. “This phenomenon isn?t local to Fallbrook, it?s increasing everywhere.”

dementia symptoms In young adults (up to 40 twelvemonths of age) who were previously of normal intelligence, it is real rare to develop dementia without other characteristics of neurological disease, or without features of disease elsewhere in the body. Most cases of progressive cognitive mental disorder in this age group are got by psychiatric illness , dementia symptoms alcoholic beverage or other drugs, or metabolic noise . notwithstanding, certain genetic disorders can cause true neurodegenerative dementedness at this age . these include familial Alzheimer's disease, SCA17 (dominant heritage) ; adrenoleukodystrophy (X linked) ; Gaucher's disease type 3, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Niemann-Pick disease type C, pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, Tay-Sachs disease and Wilson's disease (all recessive allele). Wilson's disease is particularly significant since cognition can meliorate with treatment . dementia symptoms

Tags: dementia, dementia sign, symptoms of dementia

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 17th, 2011 at 10:28 pm and is filed under General. you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

For many years it was found that patients with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, smoke to excess. However, recent research shows that there is a recurring interest in the high prevalence of nicotine dependence in the treatment of schizophrenic symptoms. It was his turn to more and more clear that heavy smokers closely related to mental disorder and found that this may affect the neurobiology of the underlying disease.

In people with schizophrenia, smoking rate between two and four times higher esteem. most schizophrenics who smoke more cigarettes per day and take the smoke of strong brands that smokers used to.

Numerous studies and theories developed to explain why smoking, most people with this mental illness. Experts estimate that nicotine acts as a form of self-medication for people with schizophrenia, which causes many positive effects, although the negative effects of smoking on health in the long run.

Smokers with schizophrenia report that the practice reduces their symptoms. this was demonstrated by various studies that smoking directly to a reduction in negative symptoms of mental illness, lack of motivation, anxiety and social withdrawal confirmed linked. Experts in schizophrenia believe that this effect is caused by increasing the ability of nicotine to a level of dopamine in the brain regions in awareness and interaction with the environment of those affected.

Clozapine is a kind of atypical antipsychotics, that a reduction in negative symptoms seem to produce in a similar manner. on the other hand, there is no evidence that nicotine has an effect on positive symptoms of schizophrenia involves an abnormality in the content of the person with the idea. furthermore, if nicotine in smokers with mental illness away there is no increase in these symptoms.

Reduction of drug side effects schizophrenia is one of the reasons for excessive smoking schizophrenics. Stiffness and strength of the movement are examples of unpleasant side effects of neuroleptics. in addition, nicotine has been found to work against the harmful effects of antipsychotics on certain types of mental functions. A study of schizophrenic patients, a typical antipsychotic drug haloperidol has been found that drugs called nicotine patch fewer unpleasant side effects may be affected.

Areas of the brain in working memory, attention span involved, and motivation have a large number of receptors for nicotine molecule. Research and studies show that nicotine is the development of these functions, both in smokers with schizophrenia and Non smoking with psychiatric disorders. But people with schizophrenic symptoms generally show greater improvement than the general population. It can also genetic differences that identify the extent to which a person can be influenced by the higher intake of nicotine.

In view of these negative effects of nicotine on a person’s health, including increased risk of heart disease and cancer, experts believe that there is an urgent need for treatments that offer the benefits of nicotine without the threats to health in the long run.

People suffering from Schizophrenia will experience both positive and negative symptoms, typical characteristics of the mental disorder. This article seeks to discuss both symptoms in more detail.

Positive symptoms define all symptoms which are more specific to Schizophrenic patients and are not normally experienced by healthy individuals. These signs point to losing touch with the real world. Positive symptoms can be either severe or mild which are unnoticeable by people around. Positive systems include delusions, illusions, hallucinations and having nebulous thinking.

Negative symptoms define all symptoms that can occur in any healthy individual in response to certain emotional or physical setback. Negative symptoms are not blatantly noticeable and are hard to identify. Here is a list of the different negative Schizophrenia symptoms:

1. Dullness in the mood and voice of a person: the person may speak in a monotonous fashion without any expressions on the face or any movement of the face.

2. Depression and loss of pleasure in day to day life: the person loses interest in any activity, feels hopeless, helpless, miserable and pathetic, experiences guilt, and has constant self depreciation thoughts in his mind. such a person does not feel enthusiastic or interested in anything in spite of rewards, recognitions or encouragement.

3. Lack concentration during the day to day activities: the person is not motivated, undergoes loss of enthusiasm and loses concentration in many activities.

4. Emotional imbalance and social withdrawal: the person experiences lack of emotion and loses connection with his loved ones. the person is unable to respond to any external emotional stimuli. He is likely to show emotions at the wrong time, for example, crying at a wedding and laughing at a funeral. He likes to spend time alone and will choose not to talk to anyone even when he is encouraged to do so.

5. Failure to articulate: When the frontal lobe of the brain is damaged, a Schizophrenia patient will not be able to communicate and process thoughts properly.

6. Incompetence in planning, organizing and following instructions: the person is unable to perform planning or organize things in an orderly manner. He will find it challenging to organize and express his thoughts when communicating to people. Hence it becomes very difficult for a normal individual to understand a Schizophrenic patient who sounds very confusing, illogical and unclear in certain situations. Schizophrenic patients can also face difficulty in following instructions to perform straightforward tasks.

7. Loss of appetite: the person has loss of appetite and does not feel like eating even if he has not had any food for long and his body requires it.

8. Lack of personal hygiene: the person becomes very lazy and seems like he cannot take care of himself. He even neglects his day to day tasks like bathing and maintaining personal hygiene.

9. Violent behaviors: Generally, this symptom is observed only in Schizophrenic patients who have been short tempered or who have committed crimes in the past. in cases of Schizophrenia patients, these violent behaviors worsen.

10. Talking about self destruction: the person might talk about committing suicide. When such incident happens, the patient must be taken seriously and medical attention is needed immediately.