As a longtime member and life fellow of APA, I was shocked and ashamed by the insensitive manner in which the annual list of deaths of APA members appeared in the May 19 issue.

Instead of devoting an entire page with a dignified and appropriate border, the list began on page 10, sharing space with prescribing information for a new sedative. An insert in full color came next. The list was continued on page 11.

It is obvious that those responsible for this shoddy makeup of Psychiatric News are primarily concerned with cutting costs and increasing revenues. Dignity, style, and good taste seem to be secondary considerations resulting in an inferior product.

As psychiatrists, we should all be more sensitive to the way in which we report the deaths of our members. Psychiatric News can and should do better!

Zigmond M. Lebensohn, M.D.

Washington, D.C.