An Adverse Reaction Unit: Results and Functions
J. V. ANANTH M.B.B.S., D.P.M.1,
T. A. BAN M.D.2,
H. E. LEHMANN M.D.3, , and
F. A. RIZVI 4
1 Chief, Clinical Divisional Unit, Division of Psychopharmacology and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Douglas Hospital, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
2 Director, Division of Psychopharmacology and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Douglas Hospital, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
3 Acting Chairman and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Douglas Hospital, Verdun, Quebec, Canada, Director of Research and Medical Education
4 Douglas Hospital, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
Adverse reactions reported among patients in a 1.552-bed psychiatric hospital during one year are reviewed in detail. Most commonly encountered were neurological, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal reactions. The function of the adverse reaction unit has been extended from epidemiological surveys to various areas of psychopharmacological practice, and the unit is also being utilized increasingly for teaching and for consultation.
