#510 Health News Update

For many months, there has been controversy over the safety and effectiveness of popular antidepressants for children and teenagers. A study in this week’s JAMA (August 18, 2004) shows that Prozac works for adolescents, especially in combination with cognitive-behavior therapy. Dr. John March discusses the study with us. When the heart suddenly stops, a shock delivered with a defibrillator can get it going again. Volunteers with minimal medical training can use defibrillators in public places to save thousands of lives. Dr. Joseph Ornato tells us about the Public Access Defibrillation Trial. We also take listener calls on prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and home remedies. Guests: John March, MD, Dept. of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center; Joseph Ornato, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center