Mental Health in the Headlines: Week of March 23, 2009
Mental Health in the Headlines offers summaries of the latest news and views in the mental health field. Coverage of news items in this publication does not represent Mental Health America's support for or opposition to the stories summarized or the views they express.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Feelings of loneliness and perceived lack of social support have a negative impact on older adults’ mental health...more
*TODAY’S NEWS
HHS Names Panel of 15 To Advise On Comparative Effectiveness Research
A 15-member council will advise the government on the use of $1.1 billion included in the recently passed economic stimulus bill for comparative effectiveness research. The panel, made up of experts from various government agencies, will offer advice and recommendations on research priorities. Advocacy groups said some past comparative effectiveness studies have not used a sufficiently broad population sample. The result, they said, is that the approach sometimes fails to address differences among patients. (Wall Street Journal, 3/20/09)
Military Suicides Linked to Multiple Deployments, Tired Force
The spike in suicides among military personnel is partially the result of a “stressed and tired” force and multiple deployments, an Army official told a U.S. Senate panel last week. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, cited long deployments, lengthy separations from family and the perceived stigma associated with seeking help as factors contributing to the suicides. Representatives of the other branches of the armed forces said they are preventive measures, including education and training. (CNN, 3/17/09)
Teen Birth Rate Rises for Second Straight Year
The U.S. teen birth rate rose for a second straight year in 2007 after a long decline, according to a federal report. The rise may signal that the long national campaign to reduce teen pregnancies may have stalled or even reversed. The report, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also found that more babies were born to all mothers than even at the peak of the baby boom after World War II. In a positive development, the rate of premature births and low birthweight babies declined after a long upward trend. (The Washington Post, 3/19/09)
Latest Research
Loneliness Linked To Poor Mental Health Among Elderly: Feelings of loneliness and perceived lack of social support have a negative impact on older adults’ mental health, new research suggests. University of Chicago researchers studied the relationship between health and isolation. Older adults who feel most isolated report 65 percent more depressive symptoms than those who feel least isolated, regardless of their actual levels of connectedness. Older adults who are able to withstand socially isolating circumstances or adjust their expectations so they do not develop strong feelings of loneliness may fare better, the study suggests. (Science Daily, 3/19/09)
Brain Abnormality Found In Boys With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Researchers trying to uncover the mechanisms that cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder have found an abnormality in the brains of adolescent boys suffering from the conditions. The research, published in The Journal of Abnormal Psychology, focused on two brain areas, the striatum and anterior cingulate cortex. The striatal region is a network of structures in the mid brain that motivates people to engage in pleasurable or rewarding behavior. The anterior cingulate is higher in the brain and normally activates when an expected reward stops. However, this process, called extinction, doesn't occur as quickly in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity or conduct disorders. Instead, the striatal region continues to be activated, said Theodore Beauchaine, a University of Washington associate professor of psychology and senior author of the paper. (Science Daily, 3/18/09)
Parasite May Trigger Schizophrenia: Scientists in England have reported the first evidence that links schizophrenia to toxoplasma parasites. People who become infected by toxoplasma may develop a minor illness called toxoplasmosis, which can become serious if it is passed from pregnant mother to child. Previous studies have suggested that toxoplasmosis can indirectly cause schizophrenia because of dopamine-blocking treatments like haloperidol. Researchers reported in the journal PLoS One that the parasite's genetic make-up included an enzyme that aids in the production of dopamine. (Reuters, 3/18/09)
*Mental Health America MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
According to Mental Health America, many people feel more fatigued or have a tendency to eat more during the winter months, but begin to feel better at the on-set of daylight saving time and the arrival of spring. Connellsville Daily Courier, “Ready for Some Sunshine,” March 20, 2009
In surveys conducted one year apart, by Gallup and Mental Health America, Utah was named, respectively, the happiest state in the country and the most depressed state in the union. "There is no such thing as monolithic Utah culture," said Theresa Martinez, a sociology professor at the University of Utah. ABC News, “Utah: Extremes and Extreme Contradictions,” March 16, 2009
Stay Up to Date With More News, Views and Tools
- Register Today for Mental Health America’s Centennial Conference, June 10-13, 2009 in Washington, D.C. For information about speakers, the agenda and how to register, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference
- Mental Health America’s 2009 Media Awards to honor excellence in reporting of mental health issues
- Survey reveals obstacles to health care for people who have schizophrenia
- New report reveals link between states’ depression status and access to treatment
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Mental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by Mental Health America. Mental Health America's Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Steve Vetzner, senior director, Media Relation and Sarah Jones, communications coordinator.
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