Mental Disorder News and Research

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Mental health advocacy and provider communities support DPW's decision to close ASH

The mental health advocacy and provider communities in Pennsylvania support the decision by the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to close Allentown State Hospital (ASH), an institution for people who have mental illnesses.

30 Jan 2010

DPW announces closure of Allentown State Hospital to improve mental health service delivery system

Acting Secretary of Public Welfare Harriet Dichter today announced plans to close Allentown State Hospital in Lehigh County by Dec. 31.

29 Jan 2010

Interdisciplinary team evaluates the economic impact of mental illness in Spain

An interdisciplinary team coordinated by researchers from the University of Castilla La Mancha (UCLM) and the Canary Islands Health Service has evaluated the economic impact of mental illness in Spain, and estimated their social cost. According to the study, despite health resources being invested to alleviate the effects of such illnesses, informal care and lost work time places a heavy burden on society.

28 Jan 2010

NJHA honors professionals and organizations for sustainable healthcare

Several individuals and organizations were honored at the 91st Annual Meeting of the New Jersey Hospital Association today at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

23 Jan 2010

New blood test for diagnosing schizophrenia to be launched in 2010

A blood test for diagnosing schizophrenia - the most serious form of mental illness - could be available this year, according to an article in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine.

21 Jan 2010

Intelligent panic disorder treatment by using biofeedback analysis and web technologies

An online treatment system for patients suffering with panic disorder and anxiety problems combine biofeedback therapy with web technologies and allows patients and medical professionals to communicate effectively, according to research published in the International Journal of Business Intelligence and Data Mining.

20 Jan 2010

Telecare Corporation, Eisenhower Medical Center partner to manage a new inpatient geropyschiatric program

Telecare Corporation announced today that it has partnered with Eisenhower Medical Center to manage a new inpatient geropyschiatric program. Eisenhower is a 313-bed hospital serving the Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage and greater Coachella Valley area of California.

13 Jan 2010

Majority of doctors appear to ignore FDA warning to screen high-risk medications

A new study concludes that many doctors appear to have largely ignored a Food and Drug Administration warning to screen users of new antipsychotic drugs for high blood sugar and cholesterol, which poses risks to their health and raises questions about the efficacy of warning protocols in general.

13 Jan 2010

Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger plans health cuts; news outlets report on Medicaid funding issues

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning cuts to health programs and has "warned more would come if the federal government does not increase program reimbursements," ModernHealthcare reports. "His $82.9 billion spending plan for fiscal 2010-11 includes $750 million in cuts to Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Prison medical care would be cut by $811 million under his plan." Schwarzenegger is seeking $1.8 billion more in Medicaid funds by raising California's match to the national average for the program — 57 percent (Vesely, 1/8).

12 Jan 2010

U-M study reveals black men are misdiagnosed with schizophrenia five times higher than any other group

Black men are over-diagnosed with schizophrenia at least five times higher than any other group--a trend that dates back to the 1960s, according to new University of Michigan research.

7 Jan 2010

Perturbing DISC1 gene could help researchers treat mental illness, says study

Scientists have long eyed mutations in a gene known as DISC1 as a possible contributor to schizophrenia and mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. Now, new research led by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that perturbing this gene during prenatal periods, postnatal periods or both may have different effects in mice, leading to separate types of brain alterations and behaviors with resemblance to schizophrenia or mood disorders.

6 Jan 2010

Upcoming PBS series "This Emotional Life" aims to help people improve their lives

On the eve of a new year, as millions of Americans struggle to find more meaning in their lives, Vulcan Productions and NOVA/WGBH have brought together a number of national, public and private organizations around a nationwide, multi-faceted project sparked by the upcoming PBS series, This Emotional Life, premiering January 4-6, 2010 (9 p.m.).

31 Dec 2009

Service dogs for people with disabilities

When disability or illness makes it difficult to open a door, pick up keys or call for help, a service dog might ease these frustrations of daily living.

30 Dec 2009

Health overhaul will keep insurers from dropping people after they become too expensive

The Los Angeles Times reports on some of the provisions in the health care bills will affect individuals because they will regulate how insurers treat people with chronic diseases.

23 Dec 2009

One quarter of Detroit-area Arab Americans reported personal or familial abuse since 9/11

One quarter of Detroit-area Arab Americans reported personal or familial abuse because of race, ethnicity or religion since 9/11, leading to higher odds of adverse health effects, according to a new University of Michigan study.

18 Dec 2009

2010 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research open for nomination

The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research has opened the 2010 call for nominations. The $100,000 Award recognizes individuals whose efforts have made significant transformational contributions towards the improvement of human health. Nomination forms are available at pauljanssenaward.com and will be accepted until February 15, 2010.

18 Dec 2009

The San Francisco Foundation awards $30,000 grant to Conard House

Conard House, a pioneering nonprofit organization developing resources to help people self-manage mental illness since 1960, today announced the award of a $30,000, one-year grant from The San Francisco Foundation to continue implementation of a five-year strategic mental health education initiative -- Community-Supported Self-Management (CSSM), a treatment methodology based on developing clients' confidence and motivation to use their own skills, information and professional services to take effective control over their life.

15 Dec 2009

Psychopharmacology expert calls for more mental health staffing at army bases

The recent shootings at the Ft. Hood, Texas army base, allegedly by an army psychiatrist, have placed much-needed focus on mental health care in the army. In an article published in the December issue of the journal CNS Spectrum, renowned psychopharmacology expert Stephen M. Stahl, MD, PhD, calls for increased mental health staffing at Fort Hood and other army bases.

14 Dec 2009

Survey provides comprehensive look at prevalence of common mental disorders

Only about half of American children and teenagers who have certain mental disorders receive professional services, according to a nationally representative survey funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The survey also provides a comprehensive look at the prevalence of common mental disorders.