"We ask that the media please correct the currently published report. Saroeun Phan has been struggling with schizophrenia and depression for several years and has sought medical attention numerous times. She has been taking medication prescribed to her by physicians. It is not certain whether she has been properly taking her medication these past couple of months."
SSRI Stories note: At low doses the new atypical antipsychotics act like antidepressants (on serotonergic receptors) and it is not until higher doses that they act on the dopaminergic receptors associated with psychosis. In this case the family is not sure she was taking the medications correctly. She could have been in and out of withdrawal. Withdrawal can often be more dangerous than continuing on a medication. It is important to withdraw extremely slowly from these antidepressants, usually over a period of a year or more, under the supervision of a qualified specialist. Withdrawal is sometimes more severe than the original symptoms or problems.
Statement released by family of grandmother who shot and killed family and self
- September 24th, 2010 10:58 pm PT SEATTLE, WASH. – The family of Saroeun Phan is struggling to cope with the horrific event that took place Thursday. Sixty-year-old Phan shot and killed three family members and herself. It appears she may have intended to kill four others who were in the house at the time of the shooting.
Her family is now faced with making plans to bury four of their loved ones. Scroll down for information if you'd like to make a donation to help the family with funeral and medical expenses.
The family said there have been false media reports and issued the following statement:
STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE FAMILIES
Yesterday afternoon's horrible event cost us four family members. They will surely be missed by all of us.
We ask that the media please correct the currently published report. Saroeun Phan has been struggling with schizophrenia and depression for several years and has sought medical attention numerous times. She has been taking medication prescribed to her by physicians. It is not certain whether she has been properly taking her medication these past couple of months.
It is tough enough to grieve with the loss of family members, it's even harder dealing with false reports. No arguments or fights took place the night before and no ill-will existed in the household. This has truly been an unforeseen, tragic event.
Our family would like to request solitude as we mourn the loved ones we lost. Thank you to all who have sent and continue to send their love, care & prayers. We will certainly need our friends in the coming weeks & months.
Donations for funeral & medical expenses
If you wish to contribute monetarily to costs of funeral & medical expenses, we have set up a benevolent account at BECU. That information is below. Deposits can be made at any BECU accepting deposits, by mail or electronically (for BECU Members only).
'Phan/Harm Memorial Fund'
Acct # 3586082948BECU
PO BOX 34044
SEATTLE, WA 98124-1044BECU Members can call: (800) 233-2328
Thankfully,