Reply From WI DHS

State of Wisconsin
Department of Health Services

February 14, 2011

Mr. William R. Benedict
Madison, WI 53704-5107

Dear Mr. Benedict:

Thanks you for your letter and your interest in informing the Wisconsin on Mental Health about Robert Whitaker’s book, “Anatomy of an Epidemic.” You noted that the book outlined the research regarding the long-term impact, cost and repercussion of reliance on prescription drugs to treat mental illness.

You note in your letter that you believe that the Council members, who include patients and family members, would be the best to review the findings of Mr. Whitaker’s book because they have the fewest conflicts of interest. At this point, the Council has not yet recommended to the Department further action or additional consideration of the book’s findings.

I agree with you that our Department should use every means possible to become more efficient and effective and use the latest data and research to promote the most cost-effective treatment approaches that will improve outcomes for people who have a mental illness. I appreciate the information that you have provided and thank you for binging this to my attention.

Sincerely,

Dennis G. Smith
Secretary