Mental Health Articles

New targets for depression treatment drugs

hareyan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:05:27 -0500

The news about antidepressant medications over the past several years has been mixed. The bad news from large multicenter studies such as STAR*D is that current antidepressant medications are effective, but not as effective as one might hope. Thus, there is a significant need for new treatment mechanisms for depression. On that front, there has been mixed news as well.

Chronic stress alters genetic immune response

hareyan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:57:12 -0500

Most people would agree that stress increases your risk for illness and this is particularly true for severe long-term stresses, such as caring for a family member with a chronic medical illness.

However, we still have a relatively limited understanding of exactly how stress contributes to the risk for illness. In the August 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, researchers shed new light on one link between stress and illness by describing a mechanism through which stress alters immune function.

Pennsylvania Mandates Health Insurance Autism Coverage

hareyan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:47:25 -0500

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has signed legislation requiring coverage for autism be included in all health insurance policies sold within the state.

The new health insurance law raises to 39 the total number of treatments and conditions required by law to be included in every health insurance policy sold in Pennsylvania.

Anxiety disorders prone to genetic predisposition

hareyan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:37:22 -0500

Finnish scientists have identified genes that may predispose to anxiety disorders. Research conducted under the supervision of Academy Research Fellow Iiris Hovatta have focused on genes that influence human behaviour, and some of the studied genes show a statistical association with specific anxiety disorders. The work is carried out as part of the Academy of Finland Research Programme on Neuroscience (NEURO).

New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Creating Autism Council

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:04:36 -0500

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch took the next step toward implementing an ambitious State Plan to improve services to individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Kentucky Kicks Off Suicide Prevention Campaign

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:59:01 -0500

To help end the stigma and silence associated with suicide, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group (KSPG) and the Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services are launching a public awareness campaign about one of the most preventable, yet common, forms of death.

Epilepsy Linked To Higher Risk Of Drowning

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:14:25 -0500

People with epilepsy appear to have a much higher risk of drowning compared to people without epilepsy. Previous studies have shown a higher risk most likely due to seizures but this study is one of the first to show exactly how high the risk may be.

Study Implicates Gene Abnormalities In Bipolar Disorder

ruzik_tuzik — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:33:17 -0500

The largest genetic analysis of its kind to date for bipolar disorder has implicated machinery involved in the balance of sodium and calcium in brain cells. Researchers supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, found an association between the disorder and variation in two genes that make components of channels that manage the flow of the elements into and out of cells, including neurons.

Canada Confirms Funding For Mental Health Commission

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:48:50 -0500

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health announced today that the Government's funding commitment to the Canadian Mental Health Commission is now confirmed at $130 million over its 10-year mandate.

"This funding commitment underscores the Government of Canada's belief in this important initiative to improve the quality of life of Canadians and their families dealing with mental illness," said Minister Clement. "Some of the best experts in the mental health field in Canada are working with the Commission."

Antidepressants Can Negatively Affect Driving Skills

hareyan — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:15:50 -0500

People taking anti-depressants for managing depression have significantly lowered driving skills.

A team of researchers from the North Dakota University examined 60 people and gave them common driving tests to see how they can react to common driving events such as brake lights, stop signs and traffic signals. The tests were aimed at checking steering, concentration and scanning.