Mental Health in the Headlines: Week of July 27, 2009
Mental Health in the Headlines offers summaries of the latest news and views in the mental health field. Coverage of news items in this publication does not represent Mental Health America's support for or opposition to the stories summarized or the views they express.
*DID YOU KNOW?
A parent's death more than quadruples the risk for depression for children, adolescents, and young adults...more
*HEALTH REFORM UPDATE
Pelosi Vows to Pass Health Reform Bill
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is vowing to pass health reform legislation in the House, possibly before Congress heads home for its summer recess. But fiscally conservative Democrats remained less optimistic. Although the Senate will not vote on its plan until after Labor Day, an agreement by members of the Senate Finance Committee on paying for an overhaul could help smooth progress in both the House and Senate. (The Washington Post, 7/27/09)
Obama Says He Supports Mental Health Services as Part of Reform
In answer to a question at a town hall meeting in Cleveland last week, President Obama said: “I’ve long been a supporter of mental health services as part of a (health reform) package, and I think that's important.” He also said there needs to be greater incentives for prevention and wellness services so people are encouraged to use them. (The Los Angeles Times, 7/23/09)
Patrick Kennedy Praises Coverage of Mental Health, Substance Use
U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), a key architect of mental health parity legislation, praises the House health care plan for expanding mental health parity protections to all plans covered under the legislation and mandating mental health and substance use benefits. Kennedy also worked to ensure that mental health and substance use screening are covered. He wants to add to the bill mental health and substance use training for all health care providers and loan repayment assistance and grants for mental health providers. (The Huffington Post, 7/22/09)
Health Bill Amendment Adds SAMHSA to Wellness Strategy
An amendment included to the House health reform bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration before issuing a new national prevention and wellness strategy. The provision was offered by U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio). (MHH Reporting, 7/21/09)
*TODAY’S NEWS
NIMH Launches Schizophrenia Research Project
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is launching a large-scale research project to explore whether using early and aggressive treatment, individually targeted and integrating a variety of different therapeutic approaches, will reduce the symptoms and prevent the gradual deterioration of functioning that is characteristic of chronic schizophrenia. The project is being funded by NIMH with additional support from money included in the stimulus bill passed by Congress early this year. "This new initiative will help us determine whether intervention that is started early, incorporates diverse treatment and rehabilitation approaches, and is sustained over time, can make it possible for more people with schizophrenia to return successfully to work and school," said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D. (MHH Reporting, 7/21/09)
Cho’s Mental Health Records Found
The mental health records of Cho Seung-hui have been found, two years after he massacred 32 people at Virginia Tech University. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said the records would be released as soon as possible. Lawyers in a civil lawsuit found the records in the possession of a former worker at the counseling center. The governor said taking confidential records from the counseling center was illegal and state police were investigating how the records disappeared. (Associated Press, 7/22/09)
Latest Research
Parent’s Death Quadruples Risk for Depression for Children: A parent's death more than quadruples the risk for depression for children, adolescents, and young adults, new research shows. Depression also affects 10 percent of bereaved youth compared to two percent of nonbereaved youth. Those who continue to be depressed at 9 months are likely to continue to suffer from depression during the second year after the loss, according to the study, which is published in the July issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. Investigators say these data point to an important "window of opportunity" in the period soon after a parent's death when appropriate intervention might be most effective at preventing long-term depression in young people who have suffered the loss of a parent. (Medscape, 7/23/09)
Teen Drinking Linked To Behavioral Problems: Teens who drink heavily are more likely than their peers to have behavioral and attention problems and suffer from anxiety and depression, new research finds. A team led by researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that boys who drank frequently were more likely to report conduct problems, while girls who drank frequently reported attention and conduct problems, along with depression and anxiety. The study, which was published in the online journal Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, was based on a survey of nearly 9000 Norwegian teenagers aged 13-19. (Sciencedaily, 7/27/09)
Doctors watch brains change in schizophrenic patients: A study conducted by Dr. John Csernansky and his colleagues at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine may allow doctors to better diagnose schizophrenia through the use of MRI’s. The 350 participants in the study, which was launched in 1997 and is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, include people with schizophrenia and some without mental illness because, Csernansky said, "even normal patients' brains change." Doctors scan the participants' brains every two years. Researchers also hope this technique will erase stigma by highlighting that schizophrenia is very much a brain disease. (Chicago Tribune, 7/22/09)
*Mental Health America MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
There is some concern that a delay in action on health care reform could cause a loss of momentum, said Kirsten Beronio, senior director of government affairs at Mental Health America. Mental Health America has spent a great deal of time on prevention issues and is pleased that the House bill specifies that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration be directly involved in discussion of a national prevention and wellness strategy. Mental Health Weekly, “Mental health groups see delay in reform vote as possible impediment to progress,” July 27, 2009
Depression can affect a child or teen's appetite, sleep cycle, concentration, self-esteem, and relationships. It is not a child or teen being “difficult” on purpose, nor is it something the young person can “just snap out of.” Depression is a medical issue that must be addressed. Mental Health America lists major symptoms and signs of childhood and adolescent depression, including: Frequent physical complaints (commonly headaches or stomachaches); Persistent irritable or foul mood, outbursts of anger, yelling, or crying; and Lack of interest in peer or other social relationships, among others. Aberdeen News, “Childhood, adolescent depression demand attention,” July 24, 2009
Stay Up to Date With More News, Views and Tools
- Survey reveals obstacles to health care for people who have schizophrenia
- New report reveals link between states’ depression status and access to treatment
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Mental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by Mental Health America. Mental Health America's Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Steve Vetzner, senior director, Media Relation and Sarah Jones, communications coordinator.
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