Due to COVID 19 NAMI Family to Family Class is postponed, and All Support Groups are postponed until further notice.
Click Here for NAMI Racine Zoom Support Groups.
Click Here for NAMI Racine Zoom Support Groups.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kenosha County is a non-profit corporation 501 (c) (3) organized in 1983, and an all volunteer organization working to improve the quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. We promote recovery and fight stigma associated with mental illness. ALL of our programs are FREE of charge. We are an ALL volunteer group and we receive NO payment for our service. We rely on the GENEROSITY of others and DONATIONS to fund our programs. For more information about us - click here.
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Advocate for Mental Health during Covid-19 Crisis
As the Senate prepares the third in a series of COVID-19-related relief bills, please urge your Senators to ensure people affected by mental illness can maintain their treatment, get health and mental health coverage, access needed supports, and lift up the nonprofits they depend on, like NAMI. Please contact them now to ensure people with mental illness are helped in their response to COVID-19.
We need you to ask your U.S. Senators to do 4 things:
1. Remove barriers to mental health treatment.
2. Promote coverage for health and mental health care.
3. Ensure safe housing for people with severe mental illness.
4. Support nonprofits’ capacity to serve.
https://nami.quorum.us/action_center/
As the Senate prepares the third in a series of COVID-19-related relief bills, please urge your Senators to ensure people affected by mental illness can maintain their treatment, get health and mental health coverage, access needed supports, and lift up the nonprofits they depend on, like NAMI. Please contact them now to ensure people with mental illness are helped in their response to COVID-19.
We need you to ask your U.S. Senators to do 4 things:
1. Remove barriers to mental health treatment.
2. Promote coverage for health and mental health care.
3. Ensure safe housing for people with severe mental illness.
4. Support nonprofits’ capacity to serve.
https://nami.quorum.us/action_center/
NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
This guide is jam packed with tons of information with links to other resources.
You can download the guide here: www.nami.org/covid-19-guide
In Spanish: www.nami.org/covid-19-guia
If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, you can
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider.
This guide is jam packed with tons of information with links to other resources.
You can download the guide here: www.nami.org/covid-19-guide
In Spanish: www.nami.org/covid-19-guia
If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, you can
- Text COVID19 to 211-211,
- Visit 211Wisconsin.org, or
- Call 211.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider.
Support Groups - POSTPONED
NAMI Kenosha County offers FREE Support groups for individuals coping with a mental illness and their family and friends. We offer three different groups: Peer (Adolescent, Adult) and Family/Friends. We provide support for ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Click on the tabs below for more information or visit our Support page.
For Spanish speaking folks in crisis situation, please call NAMI National Hotline @ 800-950-6264 to speak with someone in Spanish.
NAMI Kenosha County offers FREE Support groups for individuals coping with a mental illness and their family and friends. We offer three different groups: Peer (Adolescent, Adult) and Family/Friends. We provide support for ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Click on the tabs below for more information or visit our Support page.
For Spanish speaking folks in crisis situation, please call NAMI National Hotline @ 800-950-6264 to speak with someone in Spanish.
NAMI Connections Peer Support Group - Bridges
Every Saturday from 11-noon at Bridges Community Center (5718 7th Avenue,
Kenosha, Wi. 53140)
NAMI - Kenosha - City
Bimonthly support groups are held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. There are two groups: Family & Friends Support, and Peer Support (anyone coping with a mental illness (adults).
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com.
Every Saturday from 11-noon at Bridges Community Center (5718 7th Avenue,
Kenosha, Wi. 53140)
NAMI - Kenosha - City
Bimonthly support groups are held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. There are two groups: Family & Friends Support, and Peer Support (anyone coping with a mental illness (adults).
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com.
NAMI - Kenosha - City
Bimonthly support groups are held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. There are two groups: Family & Friends Support, and Peer Support (anyone coping with a mental illness (adults).
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com.
NAMI - Kenosha - County
Bimonthly Family & Friends Support Group are held at the Kenosha County Center Building monthly on the second Thursday (morning) of each month.
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email jedeleo9010@gmail.com.
Bimonthly support groups are held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. There are two groups: Family & Friends Support, and Peer Support (anyone coping with a mental illness (adults).
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com.
NAMI - Kenosha - County
Bimonthly Family & Friends Support Group are held at the Kenosha County Center Building monthly on the second Thursday (morning) of each month.
For more information call 262-652-3606 or email jedeleo9010@gmail.com.
NAMI/Active Minds Connections Peer Support Group for Students
Listen, share, and relate to your peers struggling with mental illness
2019 dates: Sept 16, 30, Oct 14, 28 and Nov 11.
Public · Hosted by Active Minds at UW-Parkside
Room MOLN 216
12 noon to 1pm
Active Minds is a student-led organization that meets weekly to change the conversation about mental health. We have guest speakers, awareness campaigns and fun!
Facebook Event page: www.facebook.com/pg/parksideactiveminds/events/?ref=page_internal
Listen, share, and relate to your peers struggling with mental illness
2019 dates: Sept 16, 30, Oct 14, 28 and Nov 11.
Public · Hosted by Active Minds at UW-Parkside
Room MOLN 216
12 noon to 1pm
Active Minds is a student-led organization that meets weekly to change the conversation about mental health. We have guest speakers, awareness campaigns and fun!
Facebook Event page: www.facebook.com/pg/parksideactiveminds/events/?ref=page_internal
PTSD Support for Veterans
Click below to learn about a new 12 Step program for Veterans with PTSD.
12_step_ptsd_program_for_veterans.pdf
Click below to learn about a new 12 Step program for Veterans with PTSD.
12_step_ptsd_program_for_veterans.pdf
Crisis Intervention Partners Class (CIP)
We completed our 22nd CIP class on March 10 & 11 at the Kenosha County Center building with 47 complete students; making our total since 2010 at 1,015 students at no cost to the community!
CIP is a 2-day class that teaches skills to handle individuals with mental illness in or near crisis. Ideal for social workers, teachers, emergency room staff, security personnel, correctional officers and group home staff.
We completed our 22nd CIP class on March 10 & 11 at the Kenosha County Center building with 47 complete students; making our total since 2010 at 1,015 students at no cost to the community!
CIP is a 2-day class that teaches skills to handle individuals with mental illness in or near crisis. Ideal for social workers, teachers, emergency room staff, security personnel, correctional officers and group home staff.
How to Manage an Employee with Depression (Harvard Business Review)
Many employers take an ad hoc approach to handling depression among employees. Many managers become aware of mental health issues only when they investigate why a team member is performing poorly. A better scenario would be if employees felt empowered to report a mental health problem and ask for a reasonable accommodation so that their manager can intervene to minimize the damage to the organization and help the employees return as quickly as possible to full health.
Here is a guide for managers on how to negotiate work arrangements for individuals with depression.
hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-manage-an-employee-with-depression
Many employers take an ad hoc approach to handling depression among employees. Many managers become aware of mental health issues only when they investigate why a team member is performing poorly. A better scenario would be if employees felt empowered to report a mental health problem and ask for a reasonable accommodation so that their manager can intervene to minimize the damage to the organization and help the employees return as quickly as possible to full health.
Here is a guide for managers on how to negotiate work arrangements for individuals with depression.
hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-manage-an-employee-with-depression
Is an Antidepressant Right for You? Ask Your Brain Waves
EEGs successfully picked out which depressed individuals got better on the drug Zoloft
People getting treated for depression often have to suffer through months of trial-and-error testing of different drugs to see which of them—if any—will help. For a long time, scientists and clinicians have hoped for a biological means of diagnosing depression or predicting which patients will do better on a given treatment. A new study takes a step toward the latter kind of prediction by finding a distinctive signature with the noninvasive technique of electroencephalography (EEG) to test who will benefit from one common antidepressant.
Read the full article here: www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-an-antidepressant-right-for-you-ask-your-brain-waves/
EEGs successfully picked out which depressed individuals got better on the drug Zoloft
People getting treated for depression often have to suffer through months of trial-and-error testing of different drugs to see which of them—if any—will help. For a long time, scientists and clinicians have hoped for a biological means of diagnosing depression or predicting which patients will do better on a given treatment. A new study takes a step toward the latter kind of prediction by finding a distinctive signature with the noninvasive technique of electroencephalography (EEG) to test who will benefit from one common antidepressant.
Read the full article here: www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-an-antidepressant-right-for-you-ask-your-brain-waves/
Harvard Health Letter: Quick-start guide to mental health professionals
Learn about the different kinds of experts and how they can help you.
February, 2020
Where should you turn when you suspect that you have a mental health condition: a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or some other type of mental health professional? It's tough to figure out what kind of clinician can best help you sort out your problems and provide the care you need. Click here to learn more.
Learn about the different kinds of experts and how they can help you.
February, 2020
Where should you turn when you suspect that you have a mental health condition: a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or some other type of mental health professional? It's tough to figure out what kind of clinician can best help you sort out your problems and provide the care you need. Click here to learn more.
What Schizophrenia Does to Families
A mother, a son, an unraveling mind — and a mental health system that can’t keep up
The Washington Post Magazine, By Abigail Jones, JANUARY 13, 2020
"The onset is so cruel,” says Steven Hyman, director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He’s referring to the fact that schizophrenia typically strikes in the teens and 20s. “Family and society are just finishing their incredible fiscal, emotional, cognitive investment in the production of a wonderful person, and that person is snatched away.”
what_schizophrenia_does_to_families_the_washington_post_magazine_january_2020.docx
www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/01/13/what-schizophrenia-does-families-why-mental-health-system-cant-keep-up/?arc404=true
A mother, a son, an unraveling mind — and a mental health system that can’t keep up
The Washington Post Magazine, By Abigail Jones, JANUARY 13, 2020
"The onset is so cruel,” says Steven Hyman, director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He’s referring to the fact that schizophrenia typically strikes in the teens and 20s. “Family and society are just finishing their incredible fiscal, emotional, cognitive investment in the production of a wonderful person, and that person is snatched away.”
what_schizophrenia_does_to_families_the_washington_post_magazine_january_2020.docx
www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/01/13/what-schizophrenia-does-families-why-mental-health-system-cant-keep-up/?arc404=true
Marketing Psychiatric Drugs to Jailers and Judges
Drug companies are courting jails and judges through sophisticated marketing efforts.
Read the full story from The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/pharmaceutical-companies-are-marketing-drugs-jailers/604264/
"...The relationship between drug companies and the criminal-justice system seems to have intensified: free samples to detention facilities; comped lunches during which jail and prison doctors learn about medications; and payments to physicians to tout certain medications at conferences for criminal-justice professionals, including those without health-care licenses such as sheriffs and drug-court judges. At recent conferences about correctional health care, Merck, Gilead, AbbVie, and other big pharmaceutical companies have staged “product theaters” or “education luncheons” that show how their products could help treat inmates. The criminal-justice system isn’t just a lucrative market because of current inmates; it also introduces incarcerated people to medication that they might continue using after they’re released."
"...Dr. Joseph Penn, the director of mental-health services for the Correctional Managed Care division of the University of Texas Medical Branch, which oversees treatment in many of the state’s jails and prisons, says drug companies have awakened to the potential market behind bars. “No other country incarcerates as many people as we do, and they realized, ‘Hey, that’s a whole market we haven’t tapped,’” Penn said..."
"...these marketing efforts have raised worries among criminal-justice advocates that drug companies could influence both the prescribing habits of correctional doctors and the choices of non-health-care professionals such as sheriffs and drug-court judges..."
Drug companies are courting jails and judges through sophisticated marketing efforts.
Read the full story from The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/pharmaceutical-companies-are-marketing-drugs-jailers/604264/
"...The relationship between drug companies and the criminal-justice system seems to have intensified: free samples to detention facilities; comped lunches during which jail and prison doctors learn about medications; and payments to physicians to tout certain medications at conferences for criminal-justice professionals, including those without health-care licenses such as sheriffs and drug-court judges. At recent conferences about correctional health care, Merck, Gilead, AbbVie, and other big pharmaceutical companies have staged “product theaters” or “education luncheons” that show how their products could help treat inmates. The criminal-justice system isn’t just a lucrative market because of current inmates; it also introduces incarcerated people to medication that they might continue using after they’re released."
"...Dr. Joseph Penn, the director of mental-health services for the Correctional Managed Care division of the University of Texas Medical Branch, which oversees treatment in many of the state’s jails and prisons, says drug companies have awakened to the potential market behind bars. “No other country incarcerates as many people as we do, and they realized, ‘Hey, that’s a whole market we haven’t tapped,’” Penn said..."
"...these marketing efforts have raised worries among criminal-justice advocates that drug companies could influence both the prescribing habits of correctional doctors and the choices of non-health-care professionals such as sheriffs and drug-court judges..."
9 Surprising Symptoms of Childhood Anxiety
Read the full story at The Mighty
themighty.com/2019/12/physical-symptoms-childhood-anxiety/
Children with anxiety may experience some physical symptoms we typically associate with physical illnesses — like stomachaches and headaches, for example. It’s important to be aware of these physical signs of childhood anxiety because more and more children are affected by anxiety every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S. alone, over 4.4 million children between ages 3 and 17 have diagnosed anxiety.
Read the full story at The Mighty
themighty.com/2019/12/physical-symptoms-childhood-anxiety/
Children with anxiety may experience some physical symptoms we typically associate with physical illnesses — like stomachaches and headaches, for example. It’s important to be aware of these physical signs of childhood anxiety because more and more children are affected by anxiety every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S. alone, over 4.4 million children between ages 3 and 17 have diagnosed anxiety.
- Stomachaches and/or vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness or Fainting
- Heart Palpitations or Chest Pain
- Hives
- Loss of Appetite
- Skin Picking or other Body-focused repetitive behavior
- Shortness of Breath
- Gas and Diarrhea
How Childhood Trauma Changes Our Hormones, And Thus Our Mental Health, Into Adulthood
Read the full story: expand-your-consciousness.com/how-childhood-trauma-changes-our-hormones-and-thus-our-mental-health-into-adulthood/
Exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood can have a negative impact on the development of the brain when it’s most vulnerable. Early life adversity is a major risk factor for the development of psychological and behavioural problems later in life. Higher rates of depression, suicidality, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and aggressive behaviour have been reported in adults who experienced childhood maltreatment. Environmental factors can also influence the development of the oxytocin system, which starts to develop in the womb and continues to develop after birth. Early life stress changes oxytocin levels within the hypothalamus and the amygdala, which are important brain regions in the production of oxytocin and emotional regulation respectively. Even the functioning of the oxytocin receptor is altered following early life trauma.
Read the full story: expand-your-consciousness.com/how-childhood-trauma-changes-our-hormones-and-thus-our-mental-health-into-adulthood/
Exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood can have a negative impact on the development of the brain when it’s most vulnerable. Early life adversity is a major risk factor for the development of psychological and behavioural problems later in life. Higher rates of depression, suicidality, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and aggressive behaviour have been reported in adults who experienced childhood maltreatment. Environmental factors can also influence the development of the oxytocin system, which starts to develop in the womb and continues to develop after birth. Early life stress changes oxytocin levels within the hypothalamus and the amygdala, which are important brain regions in the production of oxytocin and emotional regulation respectively. Even the functioning of the oxytocin receptor is altered following early life trauma.
Early-life exposure to dogs may lessen risk of developing schizophrenia
Findings do not link similar contact with cats to either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
December 18, 2019, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Ever since humans domesticated the dog, the faithful, obedient and protective animal has provided its owner with companionship and emotional well-being. Now, a study suggests that being around 'man's best friend' from an early age may have a health benefit as well -- lessening the chance of developing schizophrenia as an adult.
Link to study summary: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191218153448.htm
Findings do not link similar contact with cats to either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
December 18, 2019, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Ever since humans domesticated the dog, the faithful, obedient and protective animal has provided its owner with companionship and emotional well-being. Now, a study suggests that being around 'man's best friend' from an early age may have a health benefit as well -- lessening the chance of developing schizophrenia as an adult.
Link to study summary: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191218153448.htm
12/20/2019 White House Summit: Mental Health Reforms to Combat Homelessness, Violence, and Substance Abuse.
President Trump announced an increase of $328 million in new spending for mental health programs, including $19 million for Assisted Outpatient Treatment and $7 million for Assertive Community Treatment programs.
President Trump announced an increase of $328 million in new spending for mental health programs, including $19 million for Assisted Outpatient Treatment and $7 million for Assertive Community Treatment programs.
- Entire article on Pete Earley's site: www.peteearley.com/2019/12/20/white-house-summit-trump-speaks-about-mental-health-reforms-dr-fuller-torreys-agenda-piloting-the-ship/
- From DJ Jaffe Presentation - watch my own presentation at the White Summit on Mental Illness
- Many found Dr. Drew was the best speaker. You can see his presentation starting at six minutes in here, which is a video of the whole Summit https://www.c-span.org/video/?467561-1/white-house-mental-health-summit He is pictured below with Dr. E. Fuller Torrey and I.
- Pres. Trump's comments are here Other speakers included HHS Secretary Alex Azar, HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, Asst. Sec. of Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders Dr. McCance-Katz, and others.
Register To Vote Online At MyVote.wi.gov
Questions?
Questions?
- Call Wisconsin Election Commission: 1-866-VOTE-WIS / elections.wi.gov or email elections@wi.gov
- For help with disability related voting issues: Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline: 844-DIS-VOTE / 844-347-8683
Using a betting game to predict opioid relapse
From STAT Morning Rounds
In America’s opioid epidemic, even those who are able to access treatment are often at a high risk for relapsing. To try to predict when those episodes might occur, New York University psychiatrists turned to a game that involved betting, with the idea that the willingness to take risks might correlate with a return to opioid use. Sure enough, the results they published in a new study showed that among 70 people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder in a community-based center, their willingness to make risky bets in the game was associated with increased odds of relapse. Though these preliminary results were observed in only a small group of patients, the researchers are now hoping to turn this game into an app. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2757378
From STAT Morning Rounds
In America’s opioid epidemic, even those who are able to access treatment are often at a high risk for relapsing. To try to predict when those episodes might occur, New York University psychiatrists turned to a game that involved betting, with the idea that the willingness to take risks might correlate with a return to opioid use. Sure enough, the results they published in a new study showed that among 70 people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder in a community-based center, their willingness to make risky bets in the game was associated with increased odds of relapse. Though these preliminary results were observed in only a small group of patients, the researchers are now hoping to turn this game into an app. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2757378
NAMI Partnering with HBO on Feature Specials
NAMI is working with HBO on a holiday short film featuring Santa and a conversation about children’s mental health. NAMI will be featured as the “end card” resource, including the 833-HBO-NAMI HelpLine number. The film will air on-demand and on all HBO features, as well as digitally, beginning in early December.
Another partnership HBO production, The Big Depresh, is a comedy special currently available for viewing that features comedian Gary Gulman reflecting on his mental health journey through stand-up and documentary interludes.
NAMI is working with HBO on a holiday short film featuring Santa and a conversation about children’s mental health. NAMI will be featured as the “end card” resource, including the 833-HBO-NAMI HelpLine number. The film will air on-demand and on all HBO features, as well as digitally, beginning in early December.
Another partnership HBO production, The Big Depresh, is a comedy special currently available for viewing that features comedian Gary Gulman reflecting on his mental health journey through stand-up and documentary interludes.
NAMI Partners with NBC Sports in Men’s Health Month
In recognition of Men’s Health Month in November, NBC Sports is featuring the documentary HeadStrong highlighting male athletes and their personal struggles and triumphs with mental health challenges.
NAMI is proud to have partnered with NBC Sports to support the effort and is listed as an “end card” charity.A full-length documentary that explores the stigma around mental health and hopes to shed light on the need for athletes, and everyone, to admit that struggles with emotional and mental issues are part of life. www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/video/headstrong-mental-health-and-sports-trailer
In recognition of Men’s Health Month in November, NBC Sports is featuring the documentary HeadStrong highlighting male athletes and their personal struggles and triumphs with mental health challenges.
NAMI is proud to have partnered with NBC Sports to support the effort and is listed as an “end card” charity.A full-length documentary that explores the stigma around mental health and hopes to shed light on the need for athletes, and everyone, to admit that struggles with emotional and mental issues are part of life. www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/video/headstrong-mental-health-and-sports-trailer
Holiday Blues
For many, the holidays are a time filled with love, family, food,and fond memories.
But for some, the holidays are associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and unpleasant memories. Sadness or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season. In other cases, people may feel depressed around the winter holidays due to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as seasonal depression.
Learn more here: Holiday Blues
For many, the holidays are a time filled with love, family, food,and fond memories.
But for some, the holidays are associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and unpleasant memories. Sadness or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season. In other cases, people may feel depressed around the winter holidays due to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as seasonal depression.
Learn more here: Holiday Blues
How To Tell If Your Child Needs Therapy
Anxiety and depression don’t necessarily look the same in young kids. “Psychological disorders come in two general types,” explained Meyers, who emphasized he was speaking in broad brushstrokes. “The first type are acting out disorders, like ADHD or oppositional children. Those symptoms are typically easy to spot, because they’re visible and they’re impacting the lives of other people.”
“The second set are what are called internalizing disorders,” Meyers continued, “and they include anxiety and depression, which can be harder to spot because those symptoms are mostly disrupted thoughts and feelings rather than disrupted behaviors.” Read more here from the Huffington Post:
www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-your-child-needs-therapy_l_5d41eb12e4b01d8c97859aba
Anxiety and depression don’t necessarily look the same in young kids. “Psychological disorders come in two general types,” explained Meyers, who emphasized he was speaking in broad brushstrokes. “The first type are acting out disorders, like ADHD or oppositional children. Those symptoms are typically easy to spot, because they’re visible and they’re impacting the lives of other people.”
“The second set are what are called internalizing disorders,” Meyers continued, “and they include anxiety and depression, which can be harder to spot because those symptoms are mostly disrupted thoughts and feelings rather than disrupted behaviors.” Read more here from the Huffington Post:
www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-your-child-needs-therapy_l_5d41eb12e4b01d8c97859aba
SGB: A possible breakthrough treatment for PTSD
Placing an anesthetic agent on the stellate ganglion, in an anesthetic procedure called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) can relieve the symptoms of PTSD in as little as 30 minutes and last for years. SGB “reboots” the sympathetic nervous system to its pre-trauma state, similar to a computer reboot.
Watch the 60 Minutes special report on Youtube:
youtu.be/nC2fBe6U7lg
Placing an anesthetic agent on the stellate ganglion, in an anesthetic procedure called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) can relieve the symptoms of PTSD in as little as 30 minutes and last for years. SGB “reboots” the sympathetic nervous system to its pre-trauma state, similar to a computer reboot.
Watch the 60 Minutes special report on Youtube:
youtu.be/nC2fBe6U7lg
Psychedelic Medicine Is Coming. The Law Isn’t Ready
In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved esketamine, a drug that produces psychedelic effects, to treat depression—the first psychedelic ever to clear that bar. Meanwhile the FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" status—a designation that enables fast-tracked research—to study MDMA (also called "ecstasy") as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin as a treatment for major depression. Read the entire article here:
blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/psychedelic-medicine-is-coming-the-law-isnt-ready/
In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved esketamine, a drug that produces psychedelic effects, to treat depression—the first psychedelic ever to clear that bar. Meanwhile the FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" status—a designation that enables fast-tracked research—to study MDMA (also called "ecstasy") as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin as a treatment for major depression. Read the entire article here:
blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/psychedelic-medicine-is-coming-the-law-isnt-ready/
Bipolar & Pregnancy
The question in everyone’s minds though seems to be centered on medication. Should a woman continue her bipolar medications while pregnant? Or maybe after the first trimester? What does the research show?
Read more from BP Hope:
www.bphope.com/blog/listening-to-unsolicited-advice-some-advice-on-bipolar-disorder-and-pregnancy/
The question in everyone’s minds though seems to be centered on medication. Should a woman continue her bipolar medications while pregnant? Or maybe after the first trimester? What does the research show?
Read more from BP Hope:
www.bphope.com/blog/listening-to-unsolicited-advice-some-advice-on-bipolar-disorder-and-pregnancy/
MHA recently released Making Space for Mental Health on Campus.
The 2nd report from MHA’s Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council (CMHIC) that showcases student-led programs that are filling gaps in traditional mental health services and supports on campuses across the United States.
By highlighting the work of specific student leaders in mental health around the country, the report focuses on what is important to students and provides summaries and guides to programs that student advocates can bring to their colleges and universities. The report uses feedback from current members of the CMHIC, a group dedicated to promoting and expanding the work of student-leaders who have found creative ways to support their peers.
Check out the full report, including video interviews with each member, here.
The 2nd report from MHA’s Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council (CMHIC) that showcases student-led programs that are filling gaps in traditional mental health services and supports on campuses across the United States.
By highlighting the work of specific student leaders in mental health around the country, the report focuses on what is important to students and provides summaries and guides to programs that student advocates can bring to their colleges and universities. The report uses feedback from current members of the CMHIC, a group dedicated to promoting and expanding the work of student-leaders who have found creative ways to support their peers.
Check out the full report, including video interviews with each member, here.
Delayed and Deteriorating:
Serious Mental Illness and Psychiatric Boarding in Emergency Departments
People with serious mental illness are disproportionately impacted by long wait times in emergency departments, a phenomenon known as “boarding.” These individuals experience longer waits than non-psychiatric patients and have more serious consequences, including making recovery less achievable and their treatment more costly to the health care system.
Read more here: www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/component/content/article/220-learn-more-about/4225-delayed-and-deteriorating
Serious Mental Illness and Psychiatric Boarding in Emergency Departments
People with serious mental illness are disproportionately impacted by long wait times in emergency departments, a phenomenon known as “boarding.” These individuals experience longer waits than non-psychiatric patients and have more serious consequences, including making recovery less achievable and their treatment more costly to the health care system.
Read more here: www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/component/content/article/220-learn-more-about/4225-delayed-and-deteriorating
Daylight Saving Time starts November 1 this year.
Studies report that falling back to gain one hour of daylight in the autumn months causes reductions in sleep and increases rates of cardiac issues, stroke, cortisol production, and vehicular accidents. These issues are worst within the first three weeks of DST including the negative effect it has on mood, particularly in the northern latitudes of the earth. Taking a vacation day on Nov 3 may be a good idea.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201811/daylight-saving-time-and-depression
Studies report that falling back to gain one hour of daylight in the autumn months causes reductions in sleep and increases rates of cardiac issues, stroke, cortisol production, and vehicular accidents. These issues are worst within the first three weeks of DST including the negative effect it has on mood, particularly in the northern latitudes of the earth. Taking a vacation day on Nov 3 may be a good idea.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201811/daylight-saving-time-and-depression
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Do you have a passion for volunteering, supporting social causes, and fostering education and awareness in the Kenosha County community? Have you or a loved one experienced mental illness and want to make an impact as part of ongoing recovery? The NAMI Kenosha County Board is seeking additional members to help with supporting our mission to improve the quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. We promote recovery and fight stigma associated with mental illness. Volunteers wanted! Take the plunge and get involved to help our community!
Are you curious and interested? Submit an application here!
Do you have a passion for volunteering, supporting social causes, and fostering education and awareness in the Kenosha County community? Have you or a loved one experienced mental illness and want to make an impact as part of ongoing recovery? The NAMI Kenosha County Board is seeking additional members to help with supporting our mission to improve the quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. We promote recovery and fight stigma associated with mental illness. Volunteers wanted! Take the plunge and get involved to help our community!
Are you curious and interested? Submit an application here!
NAMI Partnership with HBO
NAMI recently kicked off a partnership with HBO which will feature a dedicated NAMI HelpLine number (1-833-HBO-NAMI) in all of its programming with content related to mental health/illness. Watch the video and read more about the initiative in Variety and theNew York Times.
NAMI recently kicked off a partnership with HBO which will feature a dedicated NAMI HelpLine number (1-833-HBO-NAMI) in all of its programming with content related to mental health/illness. Watch the video and read more about the initiative in Variety and theNew York Times.
Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline Bills Introduced in Congress
Ask your Senators to make 988 a reality
NAMI Acting CEO Angela Kimball said, “If you are in a car accident, you don’t have to remember a 7-digit number to get immediate help - a mental health emergency should be no different. That’s why NAMI supports the introduction of both the House and Senate versions of a bill that would establish a 3-digit, easy to remember universal number for those seeking help during a mental health crisis and for suicide prevention. The creation of a nationwide ‘988’ number could mean the difference between life and death by diverting people from the criminal justice system and instead get them the right care when they need it most.”
Bill Status • S. 2661 is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation • H.R. 4194 is currently awaiting a vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Ask your Senators to make 988 a reality: nami.quorum.us/campaign/23202/
Ask your Senators to make 988 a reality
NAMI Acting CEO Angela Kimball said, “If you are in a car accident, you don’t have to remember a 7-digit number to get immediate help - a mental health emergency should be no different. That’s why NAMI supports the introduction of both the House and Senate versions of a bill that would establish a 3-digit, easy to remember universal number for those seeking help during a mental health crisis and for suicide prevention. The creation of a nationwide ‘988’ number could mean the difference between life and death by diverting people from the criminal justice system and instead get them the right care when they need it most.”
Bill Status • S. 2661 is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation • H.R. 4194 is currently awaiting a vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Ask your Senators to make 988 a reality: nami.quorum.us/campaign/23202/
ZERO Suicide
zerosuicide.sprc.org/
The foundational belief of Zero Suicide is that suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral health systems are preventable. For systems dedicated to improving patient safety, Zero Suicide presents an aspirational challenge and practical framework for system-wide transformation toward safer suicide care.
zerosuicide.sprc.org/
The foundational belief of Zero Suicide is that suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral health systems are preventable. For systems dedicated to improving patient safety, Zero Suicide presents an aspirational challenge and practical framework for system-wide transformation toward safer suicide care.
White House launches website for addiction treatment resources
The Trump administration just launched a new website aimed at helping those with substance use disorders learn about treatment options. The website — FindTreatment.gov — contains information for some 13,000 licensed treatment providers that was previously difficult to find. The site streamlines the process and allows for more precise searches, including treatment type (inpatient or telemedicine, for instance), payment options, and whether the treatment will be medication-assisted. There are also educational resources for patients and their families on paying for treatment. The launch of the site is the latest in the federal government’s attempts to curb the opioid epidemic — some 70,000 people in 2017 alone died from drug overdoses, mostly involving opioids.
https://findtreatment.gov/
The Trump administration just launched a new website aimed at helping those with substance use disorders learn about treatment options. The website — FindTreatment.gov — contains information for some 13,000 licensed treatment providers that was previously difficult to find. The site streamlines the process and allows for more precise searches, including treatment type (inpatient or telemedicine, for instance), payment options, and whether the treatment will be medication-assisted. There are also educational resources for patients and their families on paying for treatment. The launch of the site is the latest in the federal government’s attempts to curb the opioid epidemic — some 70,000 people in 2017 alone died from drug overdoses, mostly involving opioids.
https://findtreatment.gov/
Wheel of Emotions
My therapist isn’t big on worksheets or homework, so I was surprised when after one session, she excused herself to get something for me. What she handed me was a piece of paper I didn’t know I needed: a Wheel of Emotions. It’s a simple chart, with different levels of color-coded emotions, meant to help those who possess it identify how they’re feeling. I stared at it, and was hooked.
wheel_of_emotions.jpg
themighty.com/2018/11/i-feel-nothing-wheel-of-emotions/
My therapist isn’t big on worksheets or homework, so I was surprised when after one session, she excused herself to get something for me. What she handed me was a piece of paper I didn’t know I needed: a Wheel of Emotions. It’s a simple chart, with different levels of color-coded emotions, meant to help those who possess it identify how they’re feeling. I stared at it, and was hooked.
wheel_of_emotions.jpg
themighty.com/2018/11/i-feel-nothing-wheel-of-emotions/
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ tells a fictional story of suicide.
But its actors field messages from very real people in crisis
www.statnews.com/2019/10/29/dear-evan-hansen-actors-hear-from-people-in-crisis/
But its actors field messages from very real people in crisis
www.statnews.com/2019/10/29/dear-evan-hansen-actors-hear-from-people-in-crisis/
What is the difference between Psychiatrists and Psychologists?
Often confused. Clearly outlined in this graphic from American Psychiatric Association
www.psychiatry.org/
Often confused. Clearly outlined in this graphic from American Psychiatric Association
www.psychiatry.org/
Definitive Link between schizophrenia and cannabis has been found
It seems to primarily apply to those with a genetic disposition for schizophrenia or who are adolescents (because of the still-developing brain). Read more at Healthyplace.com: www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/marijuana-and-schizophrenia-are-definitely-linked
It seems to primarily apply to those with a genetic disposition for schizophrenia or who are adolescents (because of the still-developing brain). Read more at Healthyplace.com: www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/marijuana-and-schizophrenia-are-definitely-linked
Infections During Pregnancy and Risk of Child Psychotic Disorders
Mothers who had a bacterial infection during pregnancy were 1.6 times more likely to have a child that later developed a psychotic disorder, according to the results. Mothers that had an infection during pregnancy that affected multiple organ systems had a more than three-fold greater odds of having a child who later developed a psychotic disorder. The authors write that these findings further support the role of infections and the immune system, especially infections during pregnancy, in the etiology of psychotic disorders.
Lee, Y. H., et al. (2019, October). Maternal bacterial infection during pregnancy and offspring risk of psychotic disorders: Variation by severity of infection and offspring sex. The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Mothers who had a bacterial infection during pregnancy were 1.6 times more likely to have a child that later developed a psychotic disorder, according to the results. Mothers that had an infection during pregnancy that affected multiple organ systems had a more than three-fold greater odds of having a child who later developed a psychotic disorder. The authors write that these findings further support the role of infections and the immune system, especially infections during pregnancy, in the etiology of psychotic disorders.
Lee, Y. H., et al. (2019, October). Maternal bacterial infection during pregnancy and offspring risk of psychotic disorders: Variation by severity of infection and offspring sex. The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Nearly 140 new medicines for mental health are currently in the research pipeline
A new report issued yesterday by the industry group PhRMA found that nearly 140 new medicines for mental health conditions are currently being developed by companies. There are 40 drugs being developed for depression, which the report notes affects more than 7% of adults and nearly twice as many adolescents ages 12-17 in the U.S. Almost as many drugs are in development for schizophrenia, which affects less than 1% of U.S. adults. Drugs for these two conditions are also the farthest along in development, along with drugs for ADHD and anxiety disorders. In contrast, although 27 drugs are currently being developed to treat substance abuse disorders, most of the candidates are still in Phase 1 studies.
phrma.org/report/Medicines-in-Development-For-Mental-Illness-2019-Report
A new report issued yesterday by the industry group PhRMA found that nearly 140 new medicines for mental health conditions are currently being developed by companies. There are 40 drugs being developed for depression, which the report notes affects more than 7% of adults and nearly twice as many adolescents ages 12-17 in the U.S. Almost as many drugs are in development for schizophrenia, which affects less than 1% of U.S. adults. Drugs for these two conditions are also the farthest along in development, along with drugs for ADHD and anxiety disorders. In contrast, although 27 drugs are currently being developed to treat substance abuse disorders, most of the candidates are still in Phase 1 studies.
phrma.org/report/Medicines-in-Development-For-Mental-Illness-2019-Report
Inheriting PTSD
Researchers studying genetic data from 200,000 people have found that the heritability of post-traumatic stress disorder is similar to that of depression and other forms of mental illness.
www.broadinstitute.org/news/large-study-reveals-ptsd-has-strong-genetic-component-other-psychiatric-disorders
Researchers studying genetic data from 200,000 people have found that the heritability of post-traumatic stress disorder is similar to that of depression and other forms of mental illness.
www.broadinstitute.org/news/large-study-reveals-ptsd-has-strong-genetic-component-other-psychiatric-disorders
How Climate Change Affects Your Mental Health
Britt Wray, TedTalks May 2019
For all that's ever been said about climate change, we haven't heard nearly enough about the psychological impacts of living in a warming world," says science writer Britt Wray. In this quick talk, she explores how climate change is threatening our well-being -- mental, social and spiritual -- and offers a starting point for what we can do about it.
www.ted.com/talks/britt_wray_how_climate_change_affects_your_mental_health
Britt Wray, TedTalks May 2019
For all that's ever been said about climate change, we haven't heard nearly enough about the psychological impacts of living in a warming world," says science writer Britt Wray. In this quick talk, she explores how climate change is threatening our well-being -- mental, social and spiritual -- and offers a starting point for what we can do about it.
www.ted.com/talks/britt_wray_how_climate_change_affects_your_mental_health
Mental health apps are scooping up your most sensitive data. Will you benefit?
From STAT. By DANA G. SMITH SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
While these smartphone trackers are being developed through academic research projects, which require patients to give informed consent before sharing intensely personal information, mental health apps without such safeguards are already on the market for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions.
Many of these apps have a common problem, say experts on health technology: They put patients’ privacy at risk while providing marginal or unknown benefits. And in some cases, without customers’ knowledge, makers of mental health apps or services are using the data collected to create products that have nothing to do with health care.
An eye-opening study published in JAMA Network Open in April revealed that 81% of the 36 top-rated mental health apps sent data to Google and Facebook for analytics or advertising purposes. Only 59% of those apps revealed this in their privacy policy; three explicitly stated that they would not share information with a third party but did it anyway, and nine others had no policy at all.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2730782
www.statnews.com/2019/09/20/mental-health-apps-capture-sensitive-data/
From STAT. By DANA G. SMITH SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
While these smartphone trackers are being developed through academic research projects, which require patients to give informed consent before sharing intensely personal information, mental health apps without such safeguards are already on the market for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions.
Many of these apps have a common problem, say experts on health technology: They put patients’ privacy at risk while providing marginal or unknown benefits. And in some cases, without customers’ knowledge, makers of mental health apps or services are using the data collected to create products that have nothing to do with health care.
An eye-opening study published in JAMA Network Open in April revealed that 81% of the 36 top-rated mental health apps sent data to Google and Facebook for analytics or advertising purposes. Only 59% of those apps revealed this in their privacy policy; three explicitly stated that they would not share information with a third party but did it anyway, and nine others had no policy at all.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2730782
www.statnews.com/2019/09/20/mental-health-apps-capture-sensitive-data/
Partnership with Mental Health for US
Mental Health for US* is a new effort of national mental health groups to ensure that the 2020 presidential candidates focus on mental health and substance use topics. NAMI is involved in coordination with other groups such as the Kennedy Forum, ABHW, AFSP, JED Foundation, National Council, MHA, One Mind, Scattergood, and The Voices Project.
The effort includes a policy platform, candidate questionnaire, hosting events with candidates, and other grassroots engagement.
Mental Health for US* is a new effort of national mental health groups to ensure that the 2020 presidential candidates focus on mental health and substance use topics. NAMI is involved in coordination with other groups such as the Kennedy Forum, ABHW, AFSP, JED Foundation, National Council, MHA, One Mind, Scattergood, and The Voices Project.
The effort includes a policy platform, candidate questionnaire, hosting events with candidates, and other grassroots engagement.
STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH 2020
For the 6th year in a row, Mental Health America (MHA) released its annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. This year, Pennsylvania came out on top overall with Nevada coming in 51st. The report also takes a look back on the trends of the last 6 years and shows that many are still not receiving the treatment they need. Wisconsin is ranked 13.
Most alarmingly, the data show that the mental health of our youth is getting worse, not better. Major depression in youth has increased 4.35 percent over the last 6 years - meaning over 2 million youth have severe depression. Shockingly, almost 60 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.
Click here to read the new State of Mental Health in America Report and see how your state ranked for mental health care and access.
For the 6th year in a row, Mental Health America (MHA) released its annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. This year, Pennsylvania came out on top overall with Nevada coming in 51st. The report also takes a look back on the trends of the last 6 years and shows that many are still not receiving the treatment they need. Wisconsin is ranked 13.
Most alarmingly, the data show that the mental health of our youth is getting worse, not better. Major depression in youth has increased 4.35 percent over the last 6 years - meaning over 2 million youth have severe depression. Shockingly, almost 60 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.
Click here to read the new State of Mental Health in America Report and see how your state ranked for mental health care and access.
U.S. gets its first psychedelics research center
Johns Hopkins is opening a new research center dedicated to psychedelics. Called the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, the facility is the country’s first of its kind and was launched with a $17 million gift from donors. It will focus on better understanding the health effects of psychedelics, including psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in magic mushrooms. In recent years, psychedelics have been suggested as possible treatments for addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other conditions. Even though researchers at the new center have had federal approval to study psilocybin since the early 2000s, most of the drugs Johns Hopkins plans to study are still illegal in the U.S. The world’s first psychedelics research center was launched at Imperial College London in April this year.
hopkinspsychedelic.org/
Johns Hopkins is opening a new research center dedicated to psychedelics. Called the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, the facility is the country’s first of its kind and was launched with a $17 million gift from donors. It will focus on better understanding the health effects of psychedelics, including psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in magic mushrooms. In recent years, psychedelics have been suggested as possible treatments for addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other conditions. Even though researchers at the new center have had federal approval to study psilocybin since the early 2000s, most of the drugs Johns Hopkins plans to study are still illegal in the U.S. The world’s first psychedelics research center was launched at Imperial College London in April this year.
hopkinspsychedelic.org/
Advocates Ask 2020 Presidential Candidates To Add Mental Health Reforms To Their Platforms.
By Pete Early
"We’re asking our 2020 presidential candidates to take our plan, make it their own, and talk in their campaigns about serious mental illnesses. We’re telling them we want to see mental health/illness plans on their campaign websites.”
A FIVE-PART PLAN TO ADDRESS SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI) FOR ALL 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
By Pete Early
"We’re asking our 2020 presidential candidates to take our plan, make it their own, and talk in their campaigns about serious mental illnesses. We’re telling them we want to see mental health/illness plans on their campaign websites.”
A FIVE-PART PLAN TO ADDRESS SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI) FOR ALL 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
- RECLASSIFY SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI) FROM A BEHAVIORAL CONDITION TO WHAT IT IS, A NEUROLOGICAL MEDICAL CONDITION.
- REFORM THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)
- REPEAL MEDICAID’S INSTITUTES FOR MENTAL DISEASE EXCLUSION (IMD)
- PROVIDE A FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE
- DECRIMINALIZE SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI)
Kenosha County Treatment Court Special Guest Vin Baker
Aug 28, 2019
Former Milwaukee Bucks star player and current assistant coach Vin Baker today brought his story of triumph over substance abuse to Kenosha County’s Treatment Court.
He also provided autographed copies of his book for everyone: "God and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery". NAMI Kenosha County is proud to be a member of and support Kenosha County Treatment Court.
Visit the Treatment Court Page to learn more.
Link To the video on Youtube: youtu.be/k4nvcVelCs4
Aug 28, 2019
Former Milwaukee Bucks star player and current assistant coach Vin Baker today brought his story of triumph over substance abuse to Kenosha County’s Treatment Court.
He also provided autographed copies of his book for everyone: "God and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery". NAMI Kenosha County is proud to be a member of and support Kenosha County Treatment Court.
Visit the Treatment Court Page to learn more.
Link To the video on Youtube: youtu.be/k4nvcVelCs4
Why you should learn Mental Health First Aid
1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition each year, but most don’t seek out professional help. This program is designed to help citizens recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness. One in five adults in the US lives with a mental health problem according to the National Institute of Mental Health, but most don't seek out professional help.
That's where Mental Health First Aid - an eight-hour workshop - hopes to fill the gap.
The class trains citizens how to recognize the signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses -- from depression to anxiety disorder and substance abuse disorder.
Participants also learn how to listen non judgmentally and de-escalate in crisis situations. In addition, they receive a list of mental health and substance abuse resources.
www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
www.cnn.com/2019/06/20/health/iyw-mental-health-first-aid-classes-trnd
1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition each year, but most don’t seek out professional help. This program is designed to help citizens recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness. One in five adults in the US lives with a mental health problem according to the National Institute of Mental Health, but most don't seek out professional help.
That's where Mental Health First Aid - an eight-hour workshop - hopes to fill the gap.
The class trains citizens how to recognize the signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses -- from depression to anxiety disorder and substance abuse disorder.
Participants also learn how to listen non judgmentally and de-escalate in crisis situations. In addition, they receive a list of mental health and substance abuse resources.
www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
www.cnn.com/2019/06/20/health/iyw-mental-health-first-aid-classes-trnd
A Different Kind of Force—Policing Mental Illness | NBC Left Field
Law enforcement officers are increasingly the first responders to incidents involving people with mental illness. Without proper training and expertise, confrontations taking place amid an already-charged atmosphere can escalate quickly, often leading to the injury or death of the individual with mental illness. This concern and numerous high-profile police shootings involving unarmed individuals in a mental health crisis have prompted renewed debates about policing the mentally ill. In the San Antonio Police Department, a special plainclothes unit is trained specifically to handle mental health calls. For several weeks, we followed the 10-person unit to see firsthand how the program operates. A Different Kind of Force—Policing Mental Illness offers an unflinching look at the crisis in the U.S. mental health system today by exploring the complex and often fraught relationship between the mentally ill and law enforcement.
Link to documentary: youtu.be/DnOLvKEYIQI
Law enforcement officers are increasingly the first responders to incidents involving people with mental illness. Without proper training and expertise, confrontations taking place amid an already-charged atmosphere can escalate quickly, often leading to the injury or death of the individual with mental illness. This concern and numerous high-profile police shootings involving unarmed individuals in a mental health crisis have prompted renewed debates about policing the mentally ill. In the San Antonio Police Department, a special plainclothes unit is trained specifically to handle mental health calls. For several weeks, we followed the 10-person unit to see firsthand how the program operates. A Different Kind of Force—Policing Mental Illness offers an unflinching look at the crisis in the U.S. mental health system today by exploring the complex and often fraught relationship between the mentally ill and law enforcement.
Link to documentary: youtu.be/DnOLvKEYIQI
A BIG THANK YOU to Herzing University!
On July 19 Herzing University held a Fundraiser for NAMI Kenosha County called "Be The Light: Mental Health Awareness". We are so grateful for their generosity! Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues during the fundraiser.
In the picture, Mark Zanin, NAMI member, accepts a check from for $1020.68!!
On July 19 Herzing University held a Fundraiser for NAMI Kenosha County called "Be The Light: Mental Health Awareness". We are so grateful for their generosity! Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues during the fundraiser.
In the picture, Mark Zanin, NAMI member, accepts a check from for $1020.68!!
Placental Stress and Mental Illness
From STAT JULY 31, 2019
Biologist Jennifer Erwin of the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, however, has no intention of babying her organoids: the world’s first human placentas in a dish that were made from stem cells. Challenging as the half-millimeter-across organoids were to create, she intends to starve them of oxygen and douse them with stress hormones, among other assaults. It’s all for a good cause: to mimic pregnancy complications that raise the risk of brain development going off the rails, resulting in conditions including schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability.
The results of the experiments could fill in a huge blank in science’s understanding of brain development. Years of studies show that if a mother experiences stress during pregnancy, it increases the chances that the child will develop schizophrenia or other neurodevelopmental disorders. “In some cases the risk is two to four times greater,” said neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Weinberger, director of the Lieber Institute. By comparison, genetic variants increase the odds of developing schizophrenia by only a fraction.
Read more here: www.statnews.com/2019/07/31/unraveling-psychiatric-disorders-with-placenta-brain-organoids/
From STAT JULY 31, 2019
Biologist Jennifer Erwin of the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, however, has no intention of babying her organoids: the world’s first human placentas in a dish that were made from stem cells. Challenging as the half-millimeter-across organoids were to create, she intends to starve them of oxygen and douse them with stress hormones, among other assaults. It’s all for a good cause: to mimic pregnancy complications that raise the risk of brain development going off the rails, resulting in conditions including schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability.
The results of the experiments could fill in a huge blank in science’s understanding of brain development. Years of studies show that if a mother experiences stress during pregnancy, it increases the chances that the child will develop schizophrenia or other neurodevelopmental disorders. “In some cases the risk is two to four times greater,” said neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Weinberger, director of the Lieber Institute. By comparison, genetic variants increase the odds of developing schizophrenia by only a fraction.
Read more here: www.statnews.com/2019/07/31/unraveling-psychiatric-disorders-with-placenta-brain-organoids/
The Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (TED2019 | April 2019)
Rick Doblin - founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Doblin crusades for the safe and legal use of psychedelics in therapy.
Could psychedelics help us heal from trauma and mental illnesses? Researcher Rick Doblin has spent the past three decades investigating this question, and the results are promising. In this fascinating dive into the science of psychedelics, he explains how drugs like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA affect your brain -- and shows how, when paired with psychotherapy, they could change the way we treat PTSD, depression, substance abuse and more.
www.ted.com/talks/rick_doblin_the_future_of_psychedelic_assisted_psychotherapy?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
Rick Doblin - founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Doblin crusades for the safe and legal use of psychedelics in therapy.
Could psychedelics help us heal from trauma and mental illnesses? Researcher Rick Doblin has spent the past three decades investigating this question, and the results are promising. In this fascinating dive into the science of psychedelics, he explains how drugs like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA affect your brain -- and shows how, when paired with psychotherapy, they could change the way we treat PTSD, depression, substance abuse and more.
www.ted.com/talks/rick_doblin_the_future_of_psychedelic_assisted_psychotherapy?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
The Vaccine That Could Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
As mental health disorders run rampant, scientists are trying to make an immunization from bacteria that could help.
One single risk factor will never explain the entirety of psychiatric problems, wrote Chuck Raison, a psychiatrist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in a special report on the topic in Psychiatric Times. But "inflammation turned out to be a common denominator and likely risk factor for every manner of psychiatric disturbance, from schizophrenia to obsessive compulsive disorder, from mania to depression," he wrote.
Christopher Lowry, a behavioral neuro-endocrinologist at University of Colorado Boulder, envisions a future where an immunization could be given to protect against inflammation-caused mental health disturbances. In a series of studies over the past decade, Lowry and his collaborators have shown in animal models that a particular soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae (or M. vaccae), can reduce inflammation and the troubling behavioral symptoms that come with it. Read more via the following link:
www.vice.com/en_us/article/j5wzn7/the-vaccine-that-could-prevent-stress-anxiety-and-depression
As mental health disorders run rampant, scientists are trying to make an immunization from bacteria that could help.
One single risk factor will never explain the entirety of psychiatric problems, wrote Chuck Raison, a psychiatrist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in a special report on the topic in Psychiatric Times. But "inflammation turned out to be a common denominator and likely risk factor for every manner of psychiatric disturbance, from schizophrenia to obsessive compulsive disorder, from mania to depression," he wrote.
Christopher Lowry, a behavioral neuro-endocrinologist at University of Colorado Boulder, envisions a future where an immunization could be given to protect against inflammation-caused mental health disturbances. In a series of studies over the past decade, Lowry and his collaborators have shown in animal models that a particular soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae (or M. vaccae), can reduce inflammation and the troubling behavioral symptoms that come with it. Read more via the following link:
www.vice.com/en_us/article/j5wzn7/the-vaccine-that-could-prevent-stress-anxiety-and-depression
Antidepressants and Bipolar 2 Disorder
By Chris Aiken, MD, May 14, 2019
From the article:
www.psychiatrictimes.com/bipolar-disorder/antidepressants-bipolar-ii-disorder
Research on anti-depressants in bipolar II is scant, but a new textbook gives a rare glimpse into how the experts approach them in their practice. In "Bipolar II Disorder: Modelling, Measuring and Managing", Gordon Parker surveyed 18 international experts on their treatment strategies with bipolar II disorder.
Antidepressants can cause hypomania, mixed states, and worsen the overall course by triggering more frequent episodes and rapid cycling. This issue has long been debated, but studies over the past decade have largely put that debate to rest. On the other hand, nearly all experts saw a role for antidepressants in bipolar II disorder. Most saw bipolar II as a more varied group than bipolar I, and within that group are some who respond to antidepressants. Even those who tended to avoid antidepressants admitted that a small minority of bipolar II patients could do well with antidepressant monotherapy.
By Chris Aiken, MD, May 14, 2019
From the article:
www.psychiatrictimes.com/bipolar-disorder/antidepressants-bipolar-ii-disorder
Research on anti-depressants in bipolar II is scant, but a new textbook gives a rare glimpse into how the experts approach them in their practice. In "Bipolar II Disorder: Modelling, Measuring and Managing", Gordon Parker surveyed 18 international experts on their treatment strategies with bipolar II disorder.
Antidepressants can cause hypomania, mixed states, and worsen the overall course by triggering more frequent episodes and rapid cycling. This issue has long been debated, but studies over the past decade have largely put that debate to rest. On the other hand, nearly all experts saw a role for antidepressants in bipolar II disorder. Most saw bipolar II as a more varied group than bipolar I, and within that group are some who respond to antidepressants. Even those who tended to avoid antidepressants admitted that a small minority of bipolar II patients could do well with antidepressant monotherapy.
Psychedelics and Magic Mushrooms
For full story click here: www.statnews.com/2019/07/01/the-psychedelics-evangelist-a-german-financier-wants-to-turn-magic-mushrooms-into-modern-medicine/
Scientists have found that psychedelics could be particularly potent for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In 2016, a landmark study from Johns Hopkins found that psilocybin helped patients with terminal cancer manage their depression and anxiety, and eased the psychological stress associated with those conditions. It also helped some of them make peace with their diagnoses; of roughly 50 patients, two out of three ranked their psychedelic trip as one of the five most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Perhaps the most closely watched is Compass Pathways, which has patented a method to develop psilocybin in a laboratory, so it doesn’t need to be extracted from mushrooms. The company has quietly gobbled up intellectual property related to psychedelic manufacturing. And, importantly, it has won Food and Drug Administration approval to run clinical trials testing psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
For full story click here: www.statnews.com/2019/07/01/the-psychedelics-evangelist-a-german-financier-wants-to-turn-magic-mushrooms-into-modern-medicine/
Scientists have found that psychedelics could be particularly potent for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In 2016, a landmark study from Johns Hopkins found that psilocybin helped patients with terminal cancer manage their depression and anxiety, and eased the psychological stress associated with those conditions. It also helped some of them make peace with their diagnoses; of roughly 50 patients, two out of three ranked their psychedelic trip as one of the five most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Perhaps the most closely watched is Compass Pathways, which has patented a method to develop psilocybin in a laboratory, so it doesn’t need to be extracted from mushrooms. The company has quietly gobbled up intellectual property related to psychedelic manufacturing. And, importantly, it has won Food and Drug Administration approval to run clinical trials testing psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Bipolar Rock 'N' Roller (2018) | Full Documentary | SHOWTIME Sports
BIPOLAR ROCK ’N’ ROLLER, a raw and revealing documentary chronicling the prolific combat-sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness, is now available for free to non-subscribers. The full documentary, which originally premiered on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2018, is available via YouTube & SHO.com.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VT_5XcJiPo
BIPOLAR ROCK ’N’ ROLLER, a raw and revealing documentary chronicling the prolific combat-sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness, is now available for free to non-subscribers. The full documentary, which originally premiered on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2018, is available via YouTube & SHO.com.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VT_5XcJiPo
My Psychedelic Trip Out of Depression
07.04.2019 / BY Courtenay Harris Bond
For the full story click here: undark.org/2019/07/04/my-psychedelic-trip-out-of-depression/
Approximately 70 percent of people who try ketamine for depression say they respond to it. I’m one of them.
I have treatment-resistant depression, as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Throughout my life, I have been on a quest to conquer these formidable demons. I am 48 and have been in therapy off and on — mostly on — since the fourth grade. I have tried approximately 14 different antidepressants, but they either haven’t worked, or they’ve caused insufferable side effects. I have done a full course of transcranial magnetic stimulation, during which magnetic fields were applied to my scalp at specific points that affect depression and anxiety. And I recently tried Nardil, a first-generation antidepressant that requires a special diet. I was dizzy at times with blurred vision and felt overwhelming fatigue to the point where I feared I might fall asleep while driving. My psychiatrist and I agreed that there were three options left: inpatient care, electroconvulsive therapy, or ketamine.
07.04.2019 / BY Courtenay Harris Bond
For the full story click here: undark.org/2019/07/04/my-psychedelic-trip-out-of-depression/
Approximately 70 percent of people who try ketamine for depression say they respond to it. I’m one of them.
I have treatment-resistant depression, as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Throughout my life, I have been on a quest to conquer these formidable demons. I am 48 and have been in therapy off and on — mostly on — since the fourth grade. I have tried approximately 14 different antidepressants, but they either haven’t worked, or they’ve caused insufferable side effects. I have done a full course of transcranial magnetic stimulation, during which magnetic fields were applied to my scalp at specific points that affect depression and anxiety. And I recently tried Nardil, a first-generation antidepressant that requires a special diet. I was dizzy at times with blurred vision and felt overwhelming fatigue to the point where I feared I might fall asleep while driving. My psychiatrist and I agreed that there were three options left: inpatient care, electroconvulsive therapy, or ketamine.
Virgil Stucker, podcast host, and Stephanie McMahon, podcast producer, work monthly to bring you conversations from the ecosystem of mental health treatment and psychiatry that includes optimistic leaders and change-makers. Our podcast highlights solutions and hopeful ideas about what is coming next in the world of mental health treatment. This podcast is for families as well as professionals. www.virgilstuckerandassociates.com/podcast
The latest podcast with Elyn Saks: 3 Keys To Her Successful Management of Debilitating
Elyn Saks is probably best-known as the author of The Center Cannot Hold, her eloquent best-selling autobiography that recounts when she first heard voices speaking to her as a young teenager, her attempted suicides in college, and ultimately how she learned to live on her own as an adult with schizophrenia in an often terrifying world.
The latest podcast with Elyn Saks: 3 Keys To Her Successful Management of Debilitating
Elyn Saks is probably best-known as the author of The Center Cannot Hold, her eloquent best-selling autobiography that recounts when she first heard voices speaking to her as a young teenager, her attempted suicides in college, and ultimately how she learned to live on her own as an adult with schizophrenia in an often terrifying world.
How Trauma impacts different parts of the brain
Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s
memory . . .
. . . and traumatic memory can affect not only the brain, but also the body and nervous system as well.
But conceptualizing how trauma can impact the different types of memory can be challenging, so we created a free tool for practitioners that breaks down this process.
From: www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-trauma-can-impact-4-types-of-memory-infographic/
Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s
memory . . .
. . . and traumatic memory can affect not only the brain, but also the body and nervous system as well.
But conceptualizing how trauma can impact the different types of memory can be challenging, so we created a free tool for practitioners that breaks down this process.
From: www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-trauma-can-impact-4-types-of-memory-infographic/
Ghost networks of psychiatrists make money for insurance companies but hinder patients’ access to care
By JACK TURBAN, JUNE 17, 2019
Ghost networks or phantom networks make it impossible to actually find the care you need via your insurance provider lists.
"In a recent study, researchers called 360 psychiatrists on Blue Cross Blue Shield’s in-network provider lists in Houston, Chicago, and Boston. Some of the phone numbers on the list were for McDonald’s locations, others were for jewelry stores. When the researchers actually reached psychiatrists’ offices, many of the doctors didn’t take Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance or weren’t taking new patients. After calling every number twice, the researchers were unable to make appointments with 74% of providers on the list. In a similar study among pediatric psychiatrists, researchers were unable to make appointments with 83% of the providers listed as in-network by Blue Cross Blue Shield."
Read the full Opinion on Stat News:
www.statnews.com/2019/06/17/ghost-networks-psychiatrists-hinder-patient-care/
By JACK TURBAN, JUNE 17, 2019
Ghost networks or phantom networks make it impossible to actually find the care you need via your insurance provider lists.
"In a recent study, researchers called 360 psychiatrists on Blue Cross Blue Shield’s in-network provider lists in Houston, Chicago, and Boston. Some of the phone numbers on the list were for McDonald’s locations, others were for jewelry stores. When the researchers actually reached psychiatrists’ offices, many of the doctors didn’t take Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance or weren’t taking new patients. After calling every number twice, the researchers were unable to make appointments with 74% of providers on the list. In a similar study among pediatric psychiatrists, researchers were unable to make appointments with 83% of the providers listed as in-network by Blue Cross Blue Shield."
Read the full Opinion on Stat News:
www.statnews.com/2019/06/17/ghost-networks-psychiatrists-hinder-patient-care/
Exacerbation of Symptoms During Hormonal Changes in Women with Psychosis
From Research Weekly: https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/
Estrogen, a hormone that promotes the development of female characteristics, is hypothesized to be protective for psychotic symptoms. Conversely, reductions in estrogen have been shown to worsen or precipitate psychosis. These effects may help explain why women tend to see the onset of psychotic disorders later in life compared to men, due to the natural decrease in production of the hormone over time. A similar relationship may explain why some women develop psychosis after terminating a pregnancy or giving birth, when estrogen levels are also reduced.
Full publication: Exacerbation of psychosis during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Bulletin (2019)
From Research Weekly: https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/
Estrogen, a hormone that promotes the development of female characteristics, is hypothesized to be protective for psychotic symptoms. Conversely, reductions in estrogen have been shown to worsen or precipitate psychosis. These effects may help explain why women tend to see the onset of psychotic disorders later in life compared to men, due to the natural decrease in production of the hormone over time. A similar relationship may explain why some women develop psychosis after terminating a pregnancy or giving birth, when estrogen levels are also reduced.
Full publication: Exacerbation of psychosis during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Bulletin (2019)
How pain manifests in the body via mental thought patterns
The body is extremely literal when it comes to pain. The experiences in your life directly manifest in your body, and when you encounter emotional stress, your body shows you exactly what the problem is.
An interesting article with a unique take on how pain manifests in the body via mental thought patterns.
www.healthy-holistic-living.com/20-sources-of-pain-in-the-body-are-each-directly-tied-to-specific-emotional-states/
emotional_pain_chart_emotional_body_chart.jpg
The body is extremely literal when it comes to pain. The experiences in your life directly manifest in your body, and when you encounter emotional stress, your body shows you exactly what the problem is.
An interesting article with a unique take on how pain manifests in the body via mental thought patterns.
www.healthy-holistic-living.com/20-sources-of-pain-in-the-body-are-each-directly-tied-to-specific-emotional-states/
emotional_pain_chart_emotional_body_chart.jpg
Mental Illness - Is there Really a Global Epidemic?
As The Guardian launches a series looking into the extent of the global mental health challenge, we examine the issue, how it is treated and the myths surrounding it
www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jun/03/mental-illness-is-there-really-a-global-epidemic
As The Guardian launches a series looking into the extent of the global mental health challenge, we examine the issue, how it is treated and the myths surrounding it
www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jun/03/mental-illness-is-there-really-a-global-epidemic
NAMI Homefront Free Classes
NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session program for family, friends and significant others of military Service Members and Veterans. The class helps families understand what the Service Member/ Veteran is experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, civilian life transition, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Registration is open for classes starting in August. Register here:www.research.net/r/homefrontonline
NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session program for family, friends and significant others of military Service Members and Veterans. The class helps families understand what the Service Member/ Veteran is experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, civilian life transition, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Registration is open for classes starting in August. Register here:www.research.net/r/homefrontonline
More research needed on lithium therapy while breastfeeding
Women wondering if they should keep up with their lithium treatments for bipolar disorder while breastfeeding are left without clear answers, according to a new review that calls for more research. Lithium can reduce mania in people with bipolar disorder, which comes with an increased risk of postpartum psychosis. But some groups warn that lithium exposure through breast milk can potentially be harmful for infants. While more recent studies with better designs suggest that the risk of lithium is low, the researchers write that without better data, “recommendations on whether to continue lithium while breastfeeding must be personalized to the individual woman and her infant.”
Full Scientific article: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540261.2019.1586657
Women wondering if they should keep up with their lithium treatments for bipolar disorder while breastfeeding are left without clear answers, according to a new review that calls for more research. Lithium can reduce mania in people with bipolar disorder, which comes with an increased risk of postpartum psychosis. But some groups warn that lithium exposure through breast milk can potentially be harmful for infants. While more recent studies with better designs suggest that the risk of lithium is low, the researchers write that without better data, “recommendations on whether to continue lithium while breastfeeding must be personalized to the individual woman and her infant.”
Full Scientific article: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540261.2019.1586657
How to Prevent Perinatal Depression
New research provides strong evidence for a low tech, relatively low cost solution—without medication.
Perinatal depression—depression that occurs during pregnancy or after the birth of a child—is surprisingly common, affecting about 1 in 7 women. And, although depression is debilitating at any time, it may carry a particularly heavy public health burden during the transition to parenthood. Women with depression are less likely to obtain medical care for themselves and their babies, and may struggle to bond with their infants. It’s no wonder that the children of depressed mothers experience heightened long-term risk of emotional and behavioral problems.Read the full article from Scientific American, April 2, 2019.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-perinatal-depression/
New research provides strong evidence for a low tech, relatively low cost solution—without medication.
Perinatal depression—depression that occurs during pregnancy or after the birth of a child—is surprisingly common, affecting about 1 in 7 women. And, although depression is debilitating at any time, it may carry a particularly heavy public health burden during the transition to parenthood. Women with depression are less likely to obtain medical care for themselves and their babies, and may struggle to bond with their infants. It’s no wonder that the children of depressed mothers experience heightened long-term risk of emotional and behavioral problems.Read the full article from Scientific American, April 2, 2019.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-perinatal-depression/
Creating a new way to study schizophrenia
An Illinois psychology professor has created a new psychological scale that could change the way researchers study schizophrenia—by learning more about those who are showing milder symptoms of the mental illness.
Thomas Kwapil and his team created the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) and Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale-Brief (MSS-B), which are questionnaire measures that assess symptoms of schizophrenia in patients and nonpatients.
For the past 40 years researchers have been using a variety of scales to assess schizotypy and the risk for schizophrenia, but Kwapil said most scales have become outdated or contain problematic language.
Symptoms vary across a spectrum, he said, and can range from milder symptoms to full blown schizophrenia. For example, a person may see auras around other people or hear voices, but never go on to develop a severe illness.
las.illinois.edu/news/2018-06-27/creating-new-way-study-schizophrenia
An Illinois psychology professor has created a new psychological scale that could change the way researchers study schizophrenia—by learning more about those who are showing milder symptoms of the mental illness.
Thomas Kwapil and his team created the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) and Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale-Brief (MSS-B), which are questionnaire measures that assess symptoms of schizophrenia in patients and nonpatients.
For the past 40 years researchers have been using a variety of scales to assess schizotypy and the risk for schizophrenia, but Kwapil said most scales have become outdated or contain problematic language.
Symptoms vary across a spectrum, he said, and can range from milder symptoms to full blown schizophrenia. For example, a person may see auras around other people or hear voices, but never go on to develop a severe illness.
las.illinois.edu/news/2018-06-27/creating-new-way-study-schizophrenia
Developers of Suicide Prediction Score hope to prevent Teen Deaths
New research at the University of Pittsburgh shows that fluctuation and severity of depressive symptoms are much better at predicting risk of suicidal behavior in at-risk young adults.
They found the strongest predictor of suicidal behavior was not just the severity of depressive symptoms, but how much those symptoms varied over time.
www.philly.com/health/suicide-prevention-prediction-score-teen-deaths-pitt-research-20190228.html
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190227111208.htm
New research at the University of Pittsburgh shows that fluctuation and severity of depressive symptoms are much better at predicting risk of suicidal behavior in at-risk young adults.
They found the strongest predictor of suicidal behavior was not just the severity of depressive symptoms, but how much those symptoms varied over time.
www.philly.com/health/suicide-prevention-prediction-score-teen-deaths-pitt-research-20190228.html
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190227111208.htm
Gabapentin for Depression, Mania and Anxiety - Off Label Use
Right now, Gabapentin is approved in the United States to treat seizures. There are not a lot of comprehensive studies that look at Gabapentin as a way to treat anxiety, mood disorders or tardive dyskinesia. Even though there are studies in the works, what experts know about Gabapentin for the purpose of controlling anxiety and mood disorders and tardive dyskinesia mostly comes from faulty case reports.
Read more at www.psycom.net/depression.central.gabapentin.html
Right now, Gabapentin is approved in the United States to treat seizures. There are not a lot of comprehensive studies that look at Gabapentin as a way to treat anxiety, mood disorders or tardive dyskinesia. Even though there are studies in the works, what experts know about Gabapentin for the purpose of controlling anxiety and mood disorders and tardive dyskinesia mostly comes from faulty case reports.
Read more at www.psycom.net/depression.central.gabapentin.html
New Drug approved for Postpartum Depression
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Zulresso (brexanolone) injection for intravenous (IV) use for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adult women. This is the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for PPD.
The new drug, brexanolone, which is being marketed by the manufacturer Sage Therapeutics as Zulresso, is unlike other antidepressants.
It is a synthetic version of a compound called allopregnanolone, which is naturally synthesized by the body from the hormone progesterone. And it works relatively fast — women who were given the drug in clinical trials started to feel better as early as 48 hours after starting treatment, and the effects lasted for a month.
Link to CBS News story
FDA Press Release
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Zulresso (brexanolone) injection for intravenous (IV) use for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adult women. This is the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for PPD.
The new drug, brexanolone, which is being marketed by the manufacturer Sage Therapeutics as Zulresso, is unlike other antidepressants.
It is a synthetic version of a compound called allopregnanolone, which is naturally synthesized by the body from the hormone progesterone. And it works relatively fast — women who were given the drug in clinical trials started to feel better as early as 48 hours after starting treatment, and the effects lasted for a month.
Link to CBS News story
FDA Press Release
Why Mental Health Is An Executive Priority
From an executive’s perspective, it makes good business sense to ensure that your organization’s workforce is healthy, both physically and mentally. Currently, many workplaces overlook mental well-being, meaning that people with mental health conditions go untreated. Some may even worsen under the expectation that individuals can recognize and seek appropriate support or professional services to overcome issues like depression or anxiety by their own initiative.
However, studies indicate as much as a 10-to-1 return on investment in mental health training programs – to reduce stigma, train managers and improve organizational culture – pointing to the fact that addressing workplace mental health is not only an ethical priority but a business imperative.
Link to the full story on Forbes.
From an executive’s perspective, it makes good business sense to ensure that your organization’s workforce is healthy, both physically and mentally. Currently, many workplaces overlook mental well-being, meaning that people with mental health conditions go untreated. Some may even worsen under the expectation that individuals can recognize and seek appropriate support or professional services to overcome issues like depression or anxiety by their own initiative.
However, studies indicate as much as a 10-to-1 return on investment in mental health training programs – to reduce stigma, train managers and improve organizational culture – pointing to the fact that addressing workplace mental health is not only an ethical priority but a business imperative.
Link to the full story on Forbes.
Daily Marijuana Use And Highly Potent Weed Linked To Psychosis
a new study published Tuesday in the The Lancet Psychiatry shows that consuming pot on a daily basis and especially using high-potency cannabis increases the odds of having a psychotic episode later.
Link to full article
a new study published Tuesday in the The Lancet Psychiatry shows that consuming pot on a daily basis and especially using high-potency cannabis increases the odds of having a psychotic episode later.
Link to full article
Why Rock Bottom in Serious Mental Illness Is Death
Psychology Today, By Julie Fast Feb 14, 2019
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/take-charge-bipolar-disorder/201902/why-rock-bottom-in-serious-mental-illness-is-death
The idea that someone needs to hit rock bottom before getting help for a serious mental illness is a myth. I often hear loving parents say, "He will get help when he’s ready! ” or, “Maybe a few days on the street will be good for him!” or ”She will finally say yes to meds when she realizes the damage bipolar is doing to her life!"
Serious Mental Illness, SMI, includes bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. In SMI, there is no rock bottom.
Rock bottom is often death.
Psychology Today, By Julie Fast Feb 14, 2019
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/take-charge-bipolar-disorder/201902/why-rock-bottom-in-serious-mental-illness-is-death
The idea that someone needs to hit rock bottom before getting help for a serious mental illness is a myth. I often hear loving parents say, "He will get help when he’s ready! ” or, “Maybe a few days on the street will be good for him!” or ”She will finally say yes to meds when she realizes the damage bipolar is doing to her life!"
Serious Mental Illness, SMI, includes bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. In SMI, there is no rock bottom.
Rock bottom is often death.
Why Do People Die by Suicide?
A Mysterious Change of Mind. Scientific American, October 2018 by Michael Shermer
michaelshermer.com/2018/10/why-do-people-die-by-suicide/
“They say, ‘I don’t know what came over me. I don’t know what I was thinking.’ This is why suicide prevention is so important: because people can be very persuasive in arguing why they believe life—their life—is not worth living. And yet the situation looks radically different months later, sometimes because of an antidepressant, sometimes because of a change in circumstances, sometimes just a mysterious change of mind.”
A Mysterious Change of Mind. Scientific American, October 2018 by Michael Shermer
michaelshermer.com/2018/10/why-do-people-die-by-suicide/
“They say, ‘I don’t know what came over me. I don’t know what I was thinking.’ This is why suicide prevention is so important: because people can be very persuasive in arguing why they believe life—their life—is not worth living. And yet the situation looks radically different months later, sometimes because of an antidepressant, sometimes because of a change in circumstances, sometimes just a mysterious change of mind.”
Serotonin Syndrome - A Potential Fatal Side Affect
Serotonin syndrome can occur if you are taking medications, particularly antidepressants, that affect the body’s level of serotonin. The greatest risk of serotonin syndrome occurs if you are taking two or more drugs and/or supplements together that influence serotonin. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome include: high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness.
Drugs and supplements that could lead to serotonin syndrome if taken together or in high doses include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) ... Street drugs: LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines.
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/serotonin-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354758
themighty.com/2019/02/serotonin-syndrome-fatal-side-effect-antidepressants/
Serotonin syndrome can occur if you are taking medications, particularly antidepressants, that affect the body’s level of serotonin. The greatest risk of serotonin syndrome occurs if you are taking two or more drugs and/or supplements together that influence serotonin. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome include: high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness.
Drugs and supplements that could lead to serotonin syndrome if taken together or in high doses include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) ... Street drugs: LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines.
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/serotonin-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354758
themighty.com/2019/02/serotonin-syndrome-fatal-side-effect-antidepressants/
The Overlap between Depression and Anxiety
Depression & Anxiety have many overlapping symptoms. Depression is usually based on dwelling on past situations. Whereas, anxiety tends to focus more on future events.
From www.thementalhealthmatters.com
Depression & Anxiety have many overlapping symptoms. Depression is usually based on dwelling on past situations. Whereas, anxiety tends to focus more on future events.
From www.thementalhealthmatters.com
What Is The Difference Between A Panic Attack And An Anxiety Attack?
There are similarities and differences between anxiety and panic attacks. An anxiety attack often comes in reaction to a stressor. You're walking down a dark alley and hear footsteps, or you're at even the top of a rollercoaster and looking to go down that large hill.
An anxiety attack, people may feel fearful, apprehensive, may feel their heart racing or feel short of breath, but it's very short lived, and when the stressor goes away, so does the anxiety attack.
Panic attack on the other hand doesn't come in reaction to a stressor. It's unprovoked and unpredictable. And during a panic attack the individual is seized with terror, fear, or apprehension. They may feel that they're going to die, or lose control or have a heart attack. They have a host of physical symptoms which may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea. And in addition to these terrifying panic attacks, people start worrying about having the next one. So there's a lot of what's called anticipatory anxiety.
There are similarities and differences between anxiety and panic attacks. An anxiety attack often comes in reaction to a stressor. You're walking down a dark alley and hear footsteps, or you're at even the top of a rollercoaster and looking to go down that large hill.
An anxiety attack, people may feel fearful, apprehensive, may feel their heart racing or feel short of breath, but it's very short lived, and when the stressor goes away, so does the anxiety attack.
Panic attack on the other hand doesn't come in reaction to a stressor. It's unprovoked and unpredictable. And during a panic attack the individual is seized with terror, fear, or apprehension. They may feel that they're going to die, or lose control or have a heart attack. They have a host of physical symptoms which may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea. And in addition to these terrifying panic attacks, people start worrying about having the next one. So there's a lot of what's called anticipatory anxiety.
Diabetes and Mental Health Conditions
Diabetes and mental health have a rather deep relationship. Each one affects the other in many ways. Living with either diabetes or a mental health condition can increase the risk of developing the other. Also, symptoms and effects of diabetes and mental health conditions are worse when someone has both diabetes and a mental health diagnosis.
Read more here:
Diabetes and mental health have a rather deep relationship. Each one affects the other in many ways. Living with either diabetes or a mental health condition can increase the risk of developing the other. Also, symptoms and effects of diabetes and mental health conditions are worse when someone has both diabetes and a mental health diagnosis.
Read more here:
Poor Dental Health as an Indirect Result of Depression
Poor oral hygiene is a common occurrence among people with mental illness. In fact, mentally ill adults are three times more likely to have teeth removed. Additionally, a variety of other factors associated with depression can result in problems like tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, including:
Poor oral hygiene is a common occurrence among people with mental illness. In fact, mentally ill adults are three times more likely to have teeth removed. Additionally, a variety of other factors associated with depression can result in problems like tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, including:
- Stress – Increased levels of cortisol facilitates the progress of periodontal disease. Stress can also lead to jaw disorders and muscle tension that can cause pain and restrict jaw movement.
- Substance use – Some people with depression participate in activities like smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and drug use as coping mechanisms. In addition to being unhealthy strategies for dealing with depression, substance use can lead to dental disease, oral cancer, and other complications.
- Medication side effects – Medications used to treat depression can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk for cavities, gum disease, and infections such as thrush, tongue inflammation, mouth soreness, and inflammation of the parotid gland.
Seeing Beyond Depression
There's new evidence that depression is not just a disorder of the mind—and blood tests for signs of inflammation promise treatment options precisely tailored to each patient's needs. Establishing that depression can be caused by inflammation somewhere —anywhere—in the body demands much evidence. But it also requires more: a radical shift in mindset, because it overrides one of the distinguishing features of Western thinking—the deep fault line that separates ideas about the workings of the body from those about the workings of the mind.
Read more here: seeing_beyond_depression_-_psychology_today.pdf
There's new evidence that depression is not just a disorder of the mind—and blood tests for signs of inflammation promise treatment options precisely tailored to each patient's needs. Establishing that depression can be caused by inflammation somewhere —anywhere—in the body demands much evidence. But it also requires more: a radical shift in mindset, because it overrides one of the distinguishing features of Western thinking—the deep fault line that separates ideas about the workings of the body from those about the workings of the mind.
Read more here: seeing_beyond_depression_-_psychology_today.pdf
When researchers showed in 2006 that the anesthetic ketamine— also known as the club drug Special K—was a rapid and potent antidepressant, big pharmaceutical companies quickly jumped into the game. Extensive efforts to improve on decades-old antidepressants had floundered, but ketamine finally promised a novel mechanism of action and the potential to help treatment- resistant patients.
Because ketamine is an old drug and difficult to commercialize for a new indication, early entrants into this space set out to build ketamine mimetics that could replicate the anesthetic’s effect, ideally without its hallucinatory side effects. A few of these ketamine-inspired drugs are now nearing the finish line. In September, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) filed for FDA approval of a nasal spray containing esketamine—an isomer of ketamine that the company has patented. Despite some lingering questions about its efficacy compared with ketamine, experts in the field expect the drug will be approved, providing the first antidepressant breakthrough in decades. In March 2019 - the drug received FDA approval. Learn more at www.spravato.com
Full Article: scientific_american_mind_–_08 _ 09_2017.pdf
Because ketamine is an old drug and difficult to commercialize for a new indication, early entrants into this space set out to build ketamine mimetics that could replicate the anesthetic’s effect, ideally without its hallucinatory side effects. A few of these ketamine-inspired drugs are now nearing the finish line. In September, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) filed for FDA approval of a nasal spray containing esketamine—an isomer of ketamine that the company has patented. Despite some lingering questions about its efficacy compared with ketamine, experts in the field expect the drug will be approved, providing the first antidepressant breakthrough in decades. In March 2019 - the drug received FDA approval. Learn more at www.spravato.com
Full Article: scientific_american_mind_–_08 _ 09_2017.pdf
Jane Pauley Talks Career Highlights, CBS Sunday Morning and Her Bipolar Diagnosis
Read More here: parade.com/727901/lhochwald/jane-pauley-talks-career-highlights-cbs-sunday-morning-and-her-bipolar-diagnosis/
Read More here: parade.com/727901/lhochwald/jane-pauley-talks-career-highlights-cbs-sunday-morning-and-her-bipolar-diagnosis/
EQUAL ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES IS YOUR RIGHT
The 2008 Federal Parity Law requires insurers to cover illnesses of the brain, such as depression or addiction, no more restrictively than illnesses of the body, such as diabetes or cancer.
As rates of suicides and overdoses continue to climb nationwide, mental health parity is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many insurers are still not following the law.
Learn More at Don't Deny Me.
dontdenyme_infographic.pdf
The 2008 Federal Parity Law requires insurers to cover illnesses of the brain, such as depression or addiction, no more restrictively than illnesses of the body, such as diabetes or cancer.
As rates of suicides and overdoses continue to climb nationwide, mental health parity is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many insurers are still not following the law.
Learn More at Don't Deny Me.
dontdenyme_infographic.pdf
Diabetes and Mental Illness are Linked
Diabetes and mental illness can occur as separate conditions with little to do with each other; however, when someone does have both, the likelihood seems high that there is a relationship between them. It’s believed that certain factors cause one illness to lead to the development of another. Possible explanations for the link between diabetes and mental illness include:
Diabetes and mental illness can occur as separate conditions with little to do with each other; however, when someone does have both, the likelihood seems high that there is a relationship between them. It’s believed that certain factors cause one illness to lead to the development of another. Possible explanations for the link between diabetes and mental illness include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Physiological connection (happenings in the body like chronic inflammation, presence of stress hormones, or neurotransmitter problems)
- Lifestyle factors (inactivity, poor diet, obesity, smoking, improper treatment of or uncontrolled diabetes or mental illness)
- Psychiatric medication (many medications cause weight gain and/or impaired glycemia control)
Have researchers found a new risk factor for schizophrenia? Potential link between Schizophrenia and Infection.
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324166.php
Scientists have located an intriguing link between schizophrenia and the Epstein-Barr virus, a type of herpes virus. Now, they need to determine which way the risk lies. A new study may have found another environmental risk factor linked to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia, a condition characterized by a confused perception of reality, delusions, and altered behavior, affects more than 21 million people globally.
In a new study, specialists from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and the Sheppard Pratt Health System in Townson, MD, found evidence that links schizophrenia with the Epstein-Barr virus.
This is a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or glandular fever.
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324166.php
Scientists have located an intriguing link between schizophrenia and the Epstein-Barr virus, a type of herpes virus. Now, they need to determine which way the risk lies. A new study may have found another environmental risk factor linked to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia, a condition characterized by a confused perception of reality, delusions, and altered behavior, affects more than 21 million people globally.
In a new study, specialists from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and the Sheppard Pratt Health System in Townson, MD, found evidence that links schizophrenia with the Epstein-Barr virus.
This is a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or glandular fever.
A Key To Depression: Sensing The Slip
The slip is what happens when small signs of your regular depression symptoms come back. It’s a mental process that, to me, feels like something close to quicksand. When you’re slipping, it may feel harder to get out with each moment. Like quicksand, it may pull you down faster than you’d think, and it’s hard to recognize at first.
Read more here: lifeeffects.teva/us/articles/a-key-to-depression-sensing-the-slip
The slip is what happens when small signs of your regular depression symptoms come back. It’s a mental process that, to me, feels like something close to quicksand. When you’re slipping, it may feel harder to get out with each moment. Like quicksand, it may pull you down faster than you’d think, and it’s hard to recognize at first.
Read more here: lifeeffects.teva/us/articles/a-key-to-depression-sensing-the-slip
Sunlight and Schizophrenia
Vitamin D Deficient Newborns Have a Higher Risk of Developing Schizophrenia, Claims Study
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/sunlight-and-schizophrenia-312939
Newborns with vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life, a team of Australian and Danish researchers has reported. The discovery could help prevent some cases of the disease by treating vitamin D deficiency during the earliest stages of life. The study, led by Professor John McGrath from The University of Queensland and Aarhus University in Denmark, found newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44 per cent increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults compared to those with normal vitamin D levels. Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of schizophrenia linked to between being born in high-latitude countries.
Vitamin D Deficient Newborns Have a Higher Risk of Developing Schizophrenia, Claims Study
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/sunlight-and-schizophrenia-312939
Newborns with vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life, a team of Australian and Danish researchers has reported. The discovery could help prevent some cases of the disease by treating vitamin D deficiency during the earliest stages of life. The study, led by Professor John McGrath from The University of Queensland and Aarhus University in Denmark, found newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44 per cent increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults compared to those with normal vitamin D levels. Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of schizophrenia linked to between being born in high-latitude countries.
Huge Brain Study Uncovers “Buried” Genetic Networks Linked to Mental Illness
www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-brain-study-uncovers-buried-genetic-networks-linked-to-mental-illness/
Enormous genomic analysis yields tantalizing insights into mechanisms behind conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Unlike disorders caused by mutations in a single gene — such as cystic fibrosis or some types of muscular dystrophy — neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia involve hundreds of genes that interact with environmental factors. Each gene contributes only a small amount to the overall disease risk.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-brain-study-uncovers-buried-genetic-networks-linked-to-mental-illness/
Enormous genomic analysis yields tantalizing insights into mechanisms behind conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Unlike disorders caused by mutations in a single gene — such as cystic fibrosis or some types of muscular dystrophy — neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia involve hundreds of genes that interact with environmental factors. Each gene contributes only a small amount to the overall disease risk.
Serious Infections and the Subsequent Risk of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents
From: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2716981
On December 6, JAMA Psychiatry published a report from Denmark showing that serious infections in childhood, especially those resulting in hospitalization, are occasionally followed by childhood psychiatric problems. Such problems include obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Most childhood infections do no result in any such problems. Since the study followed more than one million children from birth, the results are very impressive. Such research can only be done in countries like Denmark that have national case registers covering all medical and psychiatric care for the entire population.
The idea that an infectious agent can cause a psychiatric disorder is, of course, not entirely new. Many adult psychiatric disorders have been linked to viruses such as the herpes family and influenza, to bacteria such as that which causes syphilis, and to parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii that can cause toxoplasmosis. Regarding childhood psychiatric disorders, reports of streptococcus bacteria causing obsessive compulsive disorder and tics in children, the PANDAS syndrome, date to the late 1990s.
From: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2716981
On December 6, JAMA Psychiatry published a report from Denmark showing that serious infections in childhood, especially those resulting in hospitalization, are occasionally followed by childhood psychiatric problems. Such problems include obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Most childhood infections do no result in any such problems. Since the study followed more than one million children from birth, the results are very impressive. Such research can only be done in countries like Denmark that have national case registers covering all medical and psychiatric care for the entire population.
The idea that an infectious agent can cause a psychiatric disorder is, of course, not entirely new. Many adult psychiatric disorders have been linked to viruses such as the herpes family and influenza, to bacteria such as that which causes syphilis, and to parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii that can cause toxoplasmosis. Regarding childhood psychiatric disorders, reports of streptococcus bacteria causing obsessive compulsive disorder and tics in children, the PANDAS syndrome, date to the late 1990s.
New Federal Analysis on Behavioral Health Workforce
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) recently released national-level behavioral health workforce estimates for 2016 through 2030. The analysis, which was mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, highlights how workforce shortages and an unequal distribution of providers have intensified access to care challenges for patients. HRSA reiterated that continued analysis on the behavioral health care workforce was essential to combatting the ongoing opioid crisis and noted that these findings aim to provide information on trends within the mental health and substance use disorder provider workforce.
Read more here.
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) recently released national-level behavioral health workforce estimates for 2016 through 2030. The analysis, which was mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, highlights how workforce shortages and an unequal distribution of providers have intensified access to care challenges for patients. HRSA reiterated that continued analysis on the behavioral health care workforce was essential to combatting the ongoing opioid crisis and noted that these findings aim to provide information on trends within the mental health and substance use disorder provider workforce.
Read more here.
Mutation links bipolar disorder to mitochondrial disease
BPhope.com: www.bphope.com/mutation-links-bipolar-disorder-to-mitochondrial-disease/
Mutations in the gene ANT1 may confer a risk for bipolar disorder through a complex interplay between serotonin and mitochondrial signaling in the brain.
These two pathways have been separately implicated in bipolar disorder, but the link between levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and mitochondrial dysfunction had not been established. Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan now report that mitochondrial dysfunction affects the activity of serotonergic neurons in mice with mutations of ANT1.
BPhope.com: www.bphope.com/mutation-links-bipolar-disorder-to-mitochondrial-disease/
Mutations in the gene ANT1 may confer a risk for bipolar disorder through a complex interplay between serotonin and mitochondrial signaling in the brain.
These two pathways have been separately implicated in bipolar disorder, but the link between levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and mitochondrial dysfunction had not been established. Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan now report that mitochondrial dysfunction affects the activity of serotonergic neurons in mice with mutations of ANT1.
How Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy Can Help Treat Bipolar Disorder
Self Magazine: www.self.com/story/interpersonal-and-social-rhythm-therapy-bipolar-disorder
If you’ve never heard of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), it may just sound like a bunch of vaguely psychological words strung together. In reality, IPSRT can be incredibly helpful for some people with bipolar disorder.
IPSRT is designed to teach someone with bipolar disorder how to prevent or better manage these shifts in mood and behavior. This form of therapy focuses on stabilizing a person’s daily rhythms, like sleeping, waking up, and eating meals, according to the Mayo Clinic. The “interpersonal” aspect of IPSRT stresses the link between how a person’s mood affects their life, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “It is about how one relates to others in the world,” Nassir Ghaemi, M.D., M.P.H., professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, tells SELF. For instance, your therapist might ask you about recent or significant times your bipolar disorder has affected your friendships, love life, work relationships, and more. This can help a person with bipolar disorder examine how their condition influences their experiences so they’re more committed to living with it in the healthiest way possible. Your therapist may also ask you questions to identify how your routine (like when you sleep) affects your symptoms on a day-to-day basis, because committing to a lifestyle routine is an essential part of this therapy.
The “social rhythm” part of IPSRT centers around creating a daily routine a person can stick to long-term. “People with bipolar disorder tend to live less regimented lives,” Michael Thase, M.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Mood and Anxiety Program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, tells SELF. “They may not go to bed at a good time, they may eat irregularly…adding normal times and a schedule to these things can help them take control of the irregularity.”
Self Magazine: www.self.com/story/interpersonal-and-social-rhythm-therapy-bipolar-disorder
If you’ve never heard of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), it may just sound like a bunch of vaguely psychological words strung together. In reality, IPSRT can be incredibly helpful for some people with bipolar disorder.
IPSRT is designed to teach someone with bipolar disorder how to prevent or better manage these shifts in mood and behavior. This form of therapy focuses on stabilizing a person’s daily rhythms, like sleeping, waking up, and eating meals, according to the Mayo Clinic. The “interpersonal” aspect of IPSRT stresses the link between how a person’s mood affects their life, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “It is about how one relates to others in the world,” Nassir Ghaemi, M.D., M.P.H., professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, tells SELF. For instance, your therapist might ask you about recent or significant times your bipolar disorder has affected your friendships, love life, work relationships, and more. This can help a person with bipolar disorder examine how their condition influences their experiences so they’re more committed to living with it in the healthiest way possible. Your therapist may also ask you questions to identify how your routine (like when you sleep) affects your symptoms on a day-to-day basis, because committing to a lifestyle routine is an essential part of this therapy.
The “social rhythm” part of IPSRT centers around creating a daily routine a person can stick to long-term. “People with bipolar disorder tend to live less regimented lives,” Michael Thase, M.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Mood and Anxiety Program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, tells SELF. “They may not go to bed at a good time, they may eat irregularly…adding normal times and a schedule to these things can help them take control of the irregularity.”
Scientists identify genomic regions tied to ADHD
www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0269-7
Scientists have identified 12 regions of the genome that are associated with the development of ADHD — the first time researchers have conducted a so-called genome-wide association study tied to the condition. For the study, which was published in Nature Genetics, researchers compared the genomes of more than 20,000 people with ADHD and 35,000 people without the disorder to detect the dozen regions. They also identified gene variants — some of which are known to be involved learning and hormone regulation — that may play a role in the development of the disorder.
Read the full article here: nature_genetics_adhd_genome__risk.pdf
www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0269-7
Scientists have identified 12 regions of the genome that are associated with the development of ADHD — the first time researchers have conducted a so-called genome-wide association study tied to the condition. For the study, which was published in Nature Genetics, researchers compared the genomes of more than 20,000 people with ADHD and 35,000 people without the disorder to detect the dozen regions. They also identified gene variants — some of which are known to be involved learning and hormone regulation — that may play a role in the development of the disorder.
Read the full article here: nature_genetics_adhd_genome__risk.pdf
CDC says life expectancy down as more Americans die younger due to suicide and drug overdose
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-us-life-expectancy-declining-due-largely-to-drug-overdose-and-suicides/
Suicides and drug overdoses pushed up U.S. deaths last year, and drove a continuing decline in how long Americans are expected to live. Overall, there were more than 2.8 million U.S. deaths in 2017, or nearly 70,000 more than the previous year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. It was the most deaths in a single year since the government began counting more than a century ago. The increase partly reflects the nation's growing and aging population.
But it's deaths in younger age groups -- particularly middle-aged people -- that have had the largest impact on calculations of life expectancy, experts said. "These sobering statistics are a wake-up call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable," Dr. Robert Redfield, the CDC's director, said in a statement. The suicide death rate last year was the highest it's been in at least 50 years, according to U.S. government records. There were more than 47,000 suicides, up from a little under 45,000 the year before.
Overall, U.S. life expectancy in 2017 was 78.6 years, down from 78.7 years in 2016. For men, life expectancy declined from 76.2 to 76.1, while women’s life expectancy held at 81.1 years. Drug overdoses killed 70,237 people in 2017, up from 63,632 in 2016, as the rate of overdose deaths increased 9.6 percent. Meanwhile, 47,173 people died by suicide in 2017, a rate of 14 deaths per 100,000 people. In 2016, the rate was 13.5 deaths.
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-us-life-expectancy-declining-due-largely-to-drug-overdose-and-suicides/
Suicides and drug overdoses pushed up U.S. deaths last year, and drove a continuing decline in how long Americans are expected to live. Overall, there were more than 2.8 million U.S. deaths in 2017, or nearly 70,000 more than the previous year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. It was the most deaths in a single year since the government began counting more than a century ago. The increase partly reflects the nation's growing and aging population.
But it's deaths in younger age groups -- particularly middle-aged people -- that have had the largest impact on calculations of life expectancy, experts said. "These sobering statistics are a wake-up call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable," Dr. Robert Redfield, the CDC's director, said in a statement. The suicide death rate last year was the highest it's been in at least 50 years, according to U.S. government records. There were more than 47,000 suicides, up from a little under 45,000 the year before.
Overall, U.S. life expectancy in 2017 was 78.6 years, down from 78.7 years in 2016. For men, life expectancy declined from 76.2 to 76.1, while women’s life expectancy held at 81.1 years. Drug overdoses killed 70,237 people in 2017, up from 63,632 in 2016, as the rate of overdose deaths increased 9.6 percent. Meanwhile, 47,173 people died by suicide in 2017, a rate of 14 deaths per 100,000 people. In 2016, the rate was 13.5 deaths.
Dental painkillers tied to higher risk of opioid use disorder, study suggests
Researchers are sounding an alarm about the increased risk for opioid addiction among young people who are prescribed painkillers for the first time from their dentists or oral surgeons. In a new study of 15,000 young people who received an initial opioid prescription after having wisdom teeth taken out, nearly 6 percent were diagnosed with opioid abuse issues in the next year, compared to just 0.4 percent in a peer group that didn’t get a prescription.
Study author Dr. Alan Schroeder of Stanford tells me the findings should trigger two questions: “One, why are opioids prescribed so frequently by dental providers and, two, assuming the vast majority are provided for wisdom teeth extraction, why are we doing so many wisdom teeth extractions?”
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2717503
Researchers are sounding an alarm about the increased risk for opioid addiction among young people who are prescribed painkillers for the first time from their dentists or oral surgeons. In a new study of 15,000 young people who received an initial opioid prescription after having wisdom teeth taken out, nearly 6 percent were diagnosed with opioid abuse issues in the next year, compared to just 0.4 percent in a peer group that didn’t get a prescription.
Study author Dr. Alan Schroeder of Stanford tells me the findings should trigger two questions: “One, why are opioids prescribed so frequently by dental providers and, two, assuming the vast majority are provided for wisdom teeth extraction, why are we doing so many wisdom teeth extractions?”
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2717503
Doctors reckon with high rate of suicide in their ranks
August 30 2018 by Blake Farmer
www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-doctors-high-rate-suicide-20180831-story.html
The medical profession is built on the myth that its workers are all highly conditioned athletes clocking long hours while somehow staying immune to fatigue and the emotional toll of their jobs. But there's a dark side to the profession that has been largely veiled even from doctors themselves: They are far more likely than the general population to take their own lives.
One of the unavoidable dangers of being a doctor is knowing exactly how to kill yourself and having easy access to the tools to do it. There are stories of anesthesiologists found in a hospital, hooked up to an IV. Wenger said his colleague used numbing agents in order to die more painlessly.
August 30 2018 by Blake Farmer
www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-doctors-high-rate-suicide-20180831-story.html
The medical profession is built on the myth that its workers are all highly conditioned athletes clocking long hours while somehow staying immune to fatigue and the emotional toll of their jobs. But there's a dark side to the profession that has been largely veiled even from doctors themselves: They are far more likely than the general population to take their own lives.
One of the unavoidable dangers of being a doctor is knowing exactly how to kill yourself and having easy access to the tools to do it. There are stories of anesthesiologists found in a hospital, hooked up to an IV. Wenger said his colleague used numbing agents in order to die more painlessly.
Should the U.S. Bring Back Psychiatric Asylums?
From The Atlantic: A new paper argues that re-opening long-term facilities would help solve the country's mental-healthcare crisis.
HANNA KOZLOWSKA QUARTZ
JAN 27, 2015
For many, the phrase “psychiatric asylum” conjures up haunting and disturbing images: lobotomy procedures, drugged and restrained patients, the creepy facility in the movie “Shutter Island,” the cruel Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” But that image may be outdated.
In a provocative new paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, bioethicists at the University of Pennsylvania outline the crisis of mental-health care in the United States, and propose a solution: Rehabilitate the ill-reputed institution of the psychiatric asylum.
www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/should-the-us-bring-back-psychiatric-asylums/384838/
the_atlantic_-_bring_back___asylums.pdf
Additional Articles:
From the WallStreet Journal : the_case_to_bring_back_the_asylum_-___wsj.pdf
From the New York Times: trump_wants_more_asylums_—_and_some_psychiatrists_agree.pdf
From Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): jvp140158.pdf
From The Atlantic: A new paper argues that re-opening long-term facilities would help solve the country's mental-healthcare crisis.
HANNA KOZLOWSKA QUARTZ
JAN 27, 2015
For many, the phrase “psychiatric asylum” conjures up haunting and disturbing images: lobotomy procedures, drugged and restrained patients, the creepy facility in the movie “Shutter Island,” the cruel Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” But that image may be outdated.
In a provocative new paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, bioethicists at the University of Pennsylvania outline the crisis of mental-health care in the United States, and propose a solution: Rehabilitate the ill-reputed institution of the psychiatric asylum.
www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/should-the-us-bring-back-psychiatric-asylums/384838/
the_atlantic_-_bring_back___asylums.pdf
Additional Articles:
From the WallStreet Journal : the_case_to_bring_back_the_asylum_-___wsj.pdf
From the New York Times: trump_wants_more_asylums_—_and_some_psychiatrists_agree.pdf
From Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): jvp140158.pdf
Fountain House
https://www.fountainhouse.org
Fountain House successfully addresses the devastating impact of serious mental illness. We were founded in New York City in 1948 with the belief that people living with mental illness can be active participants in their own and each other’s recovery. Each year, over 1,600 members come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities and forge new friendships.
Fountain House creates a culture that transforms lives. Our members, in partnership with staff, operate employment, education, housing and wellness programs. They perform all activities, including advocacy, administrative support, building maintenance and food preparation that keep our community going. Members hold jobs, graduate from schools, develop social networks and experience fewer hospitalizations and improved overall health. Increased fulfillment, sense of purpose, and stability inevitably follow.
Fountain House has inspired the creation of hundreds of similar programs in 34 countries that serve more than 100,000 people annually. In 2014, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation recognized our global reach and the efficacy of our evidence-based model with the prestigious Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.
https://www.fountainhouse.org
Fountain House successfully addresses the devastating impact of serious mental illness. We were founded in New York City in 1948 with the belief that people living with mental illness can be active participants in their own and each other’s recovery. Each year, over 1,600 members come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities and forge new friendships.
Fountain House creates a culture that transforms lives. Our members, in partnership with staff, operate employment, education, housing and wellness programs. They perform all activities, including advocacy, administrative support, building maintenance and food preparation that keep our community going. Members hold jobs, graduate from schools, develop social networks and experience fewer hospitalizations and improved overall health. Increased fulfillment, sense of purpose, and stability inevitably follow.
Fountain House has inspired the creation of hundreds of similar programs in 34 countries that serve more than 100,000 people annually. In 2014, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation recognized our global reach and the efficacy of our evidence-based model with the prestigious Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.
Largest Brain Study of 62,454 Scans Identifies Drivers of Brain AgingS
Aug 22, 2018 | Original Story from IOS Press
In the largest known brain imaging study, scientists from Amen Clinics (Costa Mesa, CA), Google, John’s Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, San Francisco evaluated 62,454 brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans of more than 30,000 individuals from 9 months old to 105 years of age to investigate factors that accelerate brain aging.
The current study, which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, used brain SPECT imaging to determine aging trajectories in the brain and which common brain disorders predict abnormally accelerated aging. It examined these functional neuroimaging scans from a large multi-site psychiatric clinic from patients who had many different psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/largest-brain-study-of-62454-scans-identifies-drivers-of-brain-aging-307956
Aug 22, 2018 | Original Story from IOS Press
In the largest known brain imaging study, scientists from Amen Clinics (Costa Mesa, CA), Google, John’s Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, San Francisco evaluated 62,454 brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans of more than 30,000 individuals from 9 months old to 105 years of age to investigate factors that accelerate brain aging.
The current study, which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, used brain SPECT imaging to determine aging trajectories in the brain and which common brain disorders predict abnormally accelerated aging. It examined these functional neuroimaging scans from a large multi-site psychiatric clinic from patients who had many different psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/largest-brain-study-of-62454-scans-identifies-drivers-of-brain-aging-307956
The First Digital Pill
The first digital pill will carry a price tag of $1,650 per month and soon be rolled out commercially to the first patients: people with mental illness covered by Medicaid, likely in regions including Florida and Virginia.
The pill, sold by the drug maker Otsuka as Abilify MyCite, is embedded with a sensor that can alert a patient’s physician or caregiver after it’s been swallowed. Approved last November by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it’s a high-tech upgrade to the antipsychotic drug Abilify, which was first approved 16 years ago and has now gone generic. This is the first FDA approved drug-device combination product intended to track the ingestion of medicine.
ABILIFY MYCITE, a drug-device combination product comprised of aripiprazole tablets embedded with an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM) sensor intended to track drug ingestion, is indicated in adults for the:
https://www.otsuka-us.com/discover/articles-1208
The ABILIFY MYCITE® System
The first digital pill will carry a price tag of $1,650 per month and soon be rolled out commercially to the first patients: people with mental illness covered by Medicaid, likely in regions including Florida and Virginia.
The pill, sold by the drug maker Otsuka as Abilify MyCite, is embedded with a sensor that can alert a patient’s physician or caregiver after it’s been swallowed. Approved last November by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it’s a high-tech upgrade to the antipsychotic drug Abilify, which was first approved 16 years ago and has now gone generic. This is the first FDA approved drug-device combination product intended to track the ingestion of medicine.
ABILIFY MYCITE, a drug-device combination product comprised of aripiprazole tablets embedded with an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM) sensor intended to track drug ingestion, is indicated in adults for the:
- Treatment of schizophrenia
- Treatment of bipolar I disorder as monotherapy and as adjunct to lithium or valproate for: Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes
- Maintenance treatment
- Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
https://www.otsuka-us.com/discover/articles-1208
The ABILIFY MYCITE® System
This website is about “depression plus”: more than plain depression. Weirder or more “up and down” — but not manic. If that sounds like your experience, your depression might be in the middle of the Mood Spectrum: not bipolar, but not just depressed. More variable, more complex.
psycheducation.org/
Talulah Tattoo’s third annual Friday the 13th Fundraiser
All proceeds from this year's event were donated to NAMI Kenosha County! Pictured: John Rose receives the donation from Jen Parise, co-owner of Talulah Tattoo. |
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HuHot Cares
On March 7, 2018 NAMI Kenosha County participated in HuHot’s HuCares Program. The Mongolian Grill of Kenosha invited our nonprofit organization to share in the evening’s profits. Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues. In the picture, Jack Rose, NAMI board member, accepts a check from Sean Hayes, assistant manager of HuHot.
On March 7, 2018 NAMI Kenosha County participated in HuHot’s HuCares Program. The Mongolian Grill of Kenosha invited our nonprofit organization to share in the evening’s profits. Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues. In the picture, Jack Rose, NAMI board member, accepts a check from Sean Hayes, assistant manager of HuHot.
NEW Local DBT Class for Adults
Rogers Behavioral Health is now offering a specialized dialectical behavior therapy program for adults at our Kenosha location. Similar to the DBT program we offer for adolescents, within this group-based therapy, patients will learn practical life skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to stabilize mood and behavior. DBT is effective in treating individuals who struggle with chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury, as well as people who have trouble regulating their emotions.
This evidenced-based treatment for adults is a unique partial hospitalization program running Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am -2:30 pm. The program is estimated to last two to six weeks, and varies based on each patient’s individual needs.Like all Rogers treatment programs, our leaders developed the DBT program using medical expertise and insights gained from our excellent clinical outcomes. If you would like more information or have a client you feel would benefit from this program or any other programs in our Kenosha location, please call admissions at 262-942-4000 and ask for Jenna to set up an initial assessment, or make a referral online.
Rogers Behavioral Health is now offering a specialized dialectical behavior therapy program for adults at our Kenosha location. Similar to the DBT program we offer for adolescents, within this group-based therapy, patients will learn practical life skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to stabilize mood and behavior. DBT is effective in treating individuals who struggle with chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury, as well as people who have trouble regulating their emotions.
This evidenced-based treatment for adults is a unique partial hospitalization program running Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am -2:30 pm. The program is estimated to last two to six weeks, and varies based on each patient’s individual needs.Like all Rogers treatment programs, our leaders developed the DBT program using medical expertise and insights gained from our excellent clinical outcomes. If you would like more information or have a client you feel would benefit from this program or any other programs in our Kenosha location, please call admissions at 262-942-4000 and ask for Jenna to set up an initial assessment, or make a referral online.