Mystery Of Autism Begins With Deciding What It Is - 7/30/2008 Jul 30, 2008
The current criteria used to diagnose autism are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association. However, this does not mean that autism is a "mental illness." Autism is most accurately described as a "neurodevelopmental disorder.". (FOX23.com, OK)
Actor is perfect pitch man for depression support group Jul 29, 2008
PhRMA provided the stats, which include more than 300 medicines in development to treat mental disorders, and Pantoliano provided the punch. The 56-year-old actor held nothing back in talking about his lifelong battles with depression. (New Iberia, LA)
Pantoliano: There is no shame in depression Jul 28, 2008
Johnson sees hope at the end of the tunnel because there are more than 300 medicines in development to treat mental disorders 20 of them awaiting FDA approval and 55 in Phase 3 Clinical Trials. In other words, they are getting very close to reaching the market, Johnson said. (New Iberia, LA)
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Di... Jul 28, 2008
In the US, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) set the criteria for diagnosing mental disorder ... Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Criteria, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition & text revision), published 2000, American Psychiatric Association. (Suite101.com)
* Combating stress for a healthier, happier lifestyle Jul 28, 2008
Developmental influences involving the quality of parenting and acquisition of attachment have a powerful influence on subsequent stress vulnerability during the rest of our lives X for example, abuse and neglect in childhood increase our vulnerability to physical and mental disorders, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and antisocial behavior. COMPETITION ANXIETY. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Why it helps to have a baby Jul 27, 2008
It does satisfy her maternal instincts, failing which she can develop mental disorders. " Dr Mala Srivastava, senior gynaecologist at Gangaram hospital, Delhi, says nulliparity is becoming rampant among the urban privileged class. "Many double-income couples these days choose to dump their family plans, either because they are 'too busy' or 'not prepared' for it. (India Times, India)
Mixed verdict on mental healthcare Jul 26, 2008
Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) funds care for people with mental disorders in the county, through the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. It runs centers across the county including Charter House in Trowbridge. (Wiltshire Times)
Antidepressant Scripts up 16 Million over 3-Year Period Jul 26, 2008
29 percent of prescriptions were written by psychiatrists -- medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental disorders. 23 percent came from general practitioners -- physicians who provide primary care but are specialty-trained. (MEDLINEplus)
Child killer Duncan ruled competent Jul 25, 2008
An evaluator with the Bureau of Prisons found no evidence of any mental disorders or defects, nor a history of psychosis and mood or thought disorders, Lodge said. An evaluator selected by the defense team, whose name was redacted from the ruling, found Duncan wasn't rationally able to understand the proceedings or assist in his defense. (Missoulian, MT)
House approves mental health parity legislation Jul 24, 2008
This bill seeks to complete what the legislature began in 2000 when it passed legislation that expanded health insurance coverage of mental health services, but it stopped short of full parity by granting parity to a limited number of so-called biologically based disorders while setting limits on coverage of all other mental disorders. Examples of disorders that were not fully covered by the earlier statute are eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders. (Malden Observer, MA)
Many MPs have mental disorders: Costa Jul 23, 2008
He said many politicians with mental disorders were often unwilling to reveal them. "People are very reluctant in political life to come forward with their issues relating to mood disorders," he said. (The Age)
HEALTH BLOG: Mental health news and notes Jul 23, 2008
Mental health - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Study: Viagra might help some women. (USA Today -- Money)
Enjoy it now Jul 22, 2008
"Our study indicates that many students who drink heavily are at high risk of true mental disorders alcohol abuse and dependence," wrote John R. Knight, principal investigator of the College Alcohol Study at the Harvard Medical School, about his study. "Alcohol dependence especially may become a lifelong illness, and more should be done to recognize and help students at risk.". (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Battle of the Booze: New Medication... Jul 21, 2008
Researchers at the NIAAA have identified unique subtypes of alcoholism based on respondents family history of alcoholism, age of onset of regular drinking and alcohol problems, symptom patterns of alcohol dependence and abuse, and the presence of additional substance abuse and mental disorders. They include young adult and antisocial subtypes, functional, intermediate familial subtypes and chronic severe subtypes. (Suite101.com)
LOOK, DONT TOUCh Jul 20, 2008
Along with seven others in the Mat-Su Valley, Ambert is a member of an emotional support counseling group that meets once a month to discuss daily battles, accomplishments, dog stories and share their struggles living with mental disorders. A common frustration within the group, Ambert said, is being turned away when in public venues with their service animals. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Low Sex Drive More Common After Menopause Jul 18, 2008
HSDD is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition as "a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity" that causes "marked distress or interpersonal difficulty," and isn't due to a medical condition, another mental disorder, or the effects of a substance. Among the 755 premenopausal women in the study, the prevalence of low sexual desire was 26. (MEDLINEplus)
Sides clash over treatment of Bin Laden's driver Jul 17, 2008
Prosecutor John Murphy suggested to Keram that Hamdan's life in war-torn Afghanistan, from transporting missiles to a battlefield to digging bodies out of bombed buildings, could have contributed to mental disorders. "Could standing next to the most dangerous terrorist in the world ... cause or aggravate PTSD?" he asked. (Reuters)
To Trust or Not to Trust: Ask Oxytocin Jul 16, 2008
These intriguing results provide an important step in our understanding of mental disorders where deficits in social behavior are observed. Excessive fear of betrayal, for example, could serve as a precursor to social phobia, a disorder characterized by a disabling fear of social interactions. (Scientific American)
State senate advances children's mental health bill Jul 15, 2008
Bill backers say nearly 50 percent of students with mental disorders drop out of school, that suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between 10 and 24 years old, and that 100,000 young people in Massachusetts who need mental health services each year do not receive them. The bill calls for a task force on behavioral health and public schools, promotes pediatric provider screening for behavioral health problems, and requires state government to implement new policies to ensure... (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Eating Balanced Diet the Best Way to Preserve Memory Jul 14, 2008
However a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles has revealed that eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly may also guard againt failing memory and onset of mental disorders. Fernando Gsmez-Pinilla, professor of neurosurgery and physiological science at the University of California LA reported his findings in the July issue of the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience. (News Locale)
A leap in mental care for children Jul 13, 2008
Even children and adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders go on to lead healthy, productive lives. Unfortunately, the nation's social systems for delivering mental healthcare have not kept pace with advances in medical science. (Boston Globe)
A balanced diet can improve your thinking Jul 13, 2008
WASHINGTON: A balanced diet and regular exercise not only protects one from heart disease and cancer, it also helps insure the brain against mental disorders ... Gsmez-Pinilla who analysed more than 160 studies about foods affect on the brain, said that Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, walnuts and kiwi fruit provide many benefits, helping fight mental disorders like depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia ... Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in humans... (Economic Times)
Pregnancy Alone Is Not Associated With Increased Risk For Mental Disorders Jul 13, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 9, 2008) Pregnancy alone does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of the most prevalent mental disorders, according to a new report ... Although pregnancy alone is not associated with an increased risk of the most common mental disorders, "groups of pregnant women with particularly high prevalence of psychiatric disorders were identified," the authors write ... 6, 2006) New mothers are at an increased risk for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression... (Science Daily)
Pregnancy Alone Not a Risk for Mental Health Problems Jul 13, 2008
Overall, pregnancy alone is not associated with increased risk of the most common mental disorders, the researchers concluded. However, they did identify certain groups of pregnant women with a particularly high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including those aged 18 to 25 living without a partner, widowed, separated, divorced or never married, and those who experienced pregnancy complications or stressful life events. (MEDLINEplus)
New Clues to Autism's Cause Jul 13, 2008
Autism, like most mental disorders, is largely defined by external behaviors rather than a clear biological understanding. Genetic studies like this one, observes Morrow, "offer a fantastic opportunity to define the pathology." To begin to give an explanation to families, he says, "is a big deal.". (Time.com)
Parents of twins more prone mental issues Jul 8, 2008
Doctors need to 'keep eyes open'Kallio said the data was insufficient to tell if parents reporting symptoms might be clinically depressed, have other mental disorders, or be in need of psychiatric treatment. "Doctors are very busy, but they need to keep their eyes open," Kallio said. (MSNBC -- Health)
Housing coalition questions Poverello plan Jul 8, 2008
Mary Jane Fox, community program officer for the state department's addictive and mental disorders division, said the drop-in is a long-term answer for people who need time to develop trust in order to get help. And Fox said it isn't ARHC but the state that decides whether the center is a good idea. (Missoulian, MT)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: House, Senate approve $482M tax hike Jul 8, 2008
House 120-26, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require health insurance plans to provide mental health benefits for non-biologically based mental disorders at the same level that they currently provide benefits for biologically based mental disorders and physical medical conditions. Current law mandates less coverage for non-biologically based mental conditions including eating disorders, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, mental retardation, learning disorders, motor... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Soldier whose photo touched many dies in N.C. Jul 8, 2008
Dwyer, 31, died June 28 in Pinehurst, N.C., after years of struggling with mental disorders. During that time, he spiraled into substance abuse and depression, and he found himself in trouble with the law. (USA Today)
"Weeds" and Marijuana Chic Jul 4, 2008
The study said marijuana use increased the risk of developing mental disorders by 40 percent. So much for the "harmless" nature of pot. (Townhall.com)
Glow from 'magic' mushrooms lasts Jul 3, 2008
Hallucinogens should not be given to people at risk for psychosis or certain other serious mental disorders, the researchers said. But Griffiths stressed that even those who reported fear said a year later they had no permanent negative effects. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
The Mirror Neuron: Explaining What Makes Humans Social Jul 2, 2008
In recent years, Iacoboni has shown that mirror neurons may be an important element of social cognition and that defects in the mirror neuron system may underlie a variety of mental disorders, such as autism. His new book, , explores these possibilities at length. (Scientific American)
A medical use for magic mushrooms Jul 2, 2008
The drug is only given to people with no history of psychosis or serious mental disorders, and psychological support is provided during and after the experience. And, in case you don't think this is serious stuff, the research was funded in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. (Los Angeles Times)
Multiple Vaccinations Have Not Caused Ill Health In UK Soldiers In Iraq Jul 2, 2008
They found "significant associations" between service personnel recalling two or more vaccinations in one day and complaints of fatigue, common mental disorders and a variety of physical symptoms. However, when they looked at the medical records of 10% of the group they found, without exception, that there were no health differences in those who had received one vaccination and those who had received multiple vaccinations. (Science Daily)
Warm glow from magic mushrooms can last for months: study Jul 2, 2008
However, the team warned against giving hallucinogens to people at risk of psychosis or other serious mental disorders, and said it was important that it be administered under controlled conditions. Psilocybin is a plant alkaloid that affects some of the same brain receptors as serotonin, a neurotransmitter. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Spiritual effects of hallucinogens persist, Johns Hopkins researchers report Jul 1, 2008
The guidelines caution against giving hallucinogens to people at risk for psychosis or certain other serious mental disorders. Detailed guidance is also provided for preparing participants and providing psychological support during and after the hallucinogen experience. (EurekAlert!)
Volunteers Say 'Magic Mushrooms' Helped Lives Jul 1, 2008
Griffiths said that great care needs to be taken not to give hallucinogens to people at risk for psychosis or certain other serious mental disorders. Detailed guidance was provided for participants, including support during and after the experience. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
A blind eye on soldiers' suicides Jun 30, 2008
" Thomas Insel told the American Psychiatric Association that one in five of the 1.6 million soldiers who have been deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan (or more than 300,000) suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome or depression. Potentially life-threatening mental disorders, including self-destructive behavior like addiction, raise the prospect, in Insel's words, of "suicides and psychological mortality trumping combat deaths. "As America has steadily averted its gaze from the actualities of its... (Boston Globe)
A 12-step program Jun 28, 2008
We need a plan that lays out specific goals on 1) how to reduce the impact of mental illness on individuals, families and the community, 2) how to prevent mental disorders and 3) how to promote mental health and wellness. Drafting a strategy a blueprint for co-ordinating services and setting priorities is the raison d. (Globe and Mail)
How to mend a broken mind Jun 28, 2008
Even now, a gentler version of ECT remains an established, if controversial, treatment for a narrow range of severe mental disorders, depression in particular. But the Toronto researchers point out that it's not the use of electricity that makes their treatment a major advance it's where they put it. (Globe and Mail)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Legislators approve expanded clean energy package Jun 28, 2008
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, approved a bill that would require health insurance plans to provide mental health benefits for non-biologically based mental disorders at the same level that they currently provide benefits for biologically based mental disorders and other physical medical conditions ... (A "Yes" vote is for the amendment that excludes several non-biological mental disorders from full coverage ... A "No" vote is against the amendment and favors including all... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Jurors find Morris guilty in thefts Jun 28, 2008
But Morris' other defense attorney, J. Tony Serra, argued that Morris suffered from serious mental disorders and never intended to steal any money. Serra, however, didn't dispute the fact that Morris or someone else in his office signed documents and checks using the clients' signatures. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
A double stigma Jun 26, 2008
Canada's provincial jails and federal prisons are home to a burgeoning number of offenders with mental disorders, many of them repeat offenders so-called frequent fliers. Many have diagnoses ranging from depression and schizophrenia to anti-social personality disorder and psychosis, and may also be addicted to alcohol or drugs. (Globe and Mail)
It's all a matter of a shapely brain Jun 25, 2008
The research is part of a larger effort to identify differences between the male and female brain, in the hope they will shed light on why some mental disorders affect men and women differently. "There's a well-known uneven sex distribution in the number of psychiatric disorders and trying to understand sex differences, and differences in orientation, may give you a hint of the mechanism underlying these diseases," she said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
ADHD cuts workplace productivity Jun 24, 2008
"Mental disorders as a rule do not have a good face in public," Steven says ... Bill Wilkerson, president and co-founder of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, spends his days explaining to business leaders why they should be concerned with mental disorders. (Globe and Mail)
Damned If You Do Jun 23, 2008
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, thus negating its previous definition of homosexuality as a mental disorder. It stated that there were no replicated scientific studies supporting any specific biological origin for homosexuality. (India Times, India)
Bill Wilkerson takes your questions Jun 22, 2008
Bill Wilkerson is co-founder and CEO of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, a federal non-profit corporation that is working toward to reduce disabilities due to mental disorders in the labour force. Bill Wilkerson is co-founder and CEO of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, a federal non-profit corporation. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Mysterious Brain Cells Linked to Blood Flow Jun 21, 2008
But the new research indicates they may actually be major operators that, when out of whack, may help trigger mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Study coauthor Mriganka Sur, a neuroscientist and head of MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, says his team saw astrocytes in action while examining brain activity in ferrets. (Scientific American)
Lori one of court's success stories Jun 21, 2008
It's about my mental disorders, which played a huge role. Once I took the drugs away, then I started to see what made me manic or depressed. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Study shows that chronic grief activates pleasure areas of the brain Jun 21, 2008
"After the loved one dies, those who adapt to the loss stop getting this neural reward. But those who don't adapt continue to crave it, because each time they do see a cue, they still get that neural reward. "Of course, all of this is outside of conscious thought, so there isn't an intention about it," she said. The study analyzed whether those with complicated grief had greater activity occurring in either the brain's reward network or pain network than those with noncomplicated grief. The... (EurekAlert!)
If I Were You Jun 20, 2008
Another criteria, and I quote from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (the DSM-IV-R), interaction with other is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior, which you mentioned. Histrionics are huge flirters with very poor boundaries. (Montana Standard, MT)
Offenders beyond super chronic Jun 20, 2008
Tim Fanning, a spokesman for the department, said ludicrous chronic offenders are drug addicts and often suffer mental disorders. Some, he said, commit more than 30 crimes a day in order to feed drug habits. (Metro Canada - Vancouver)
Proof of torture in Gitmo, Iraq found Jun 19, 2008
WASHINGTON: Medical examinations of former terrorism suspects held by the US military at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, found evidence of torture and other abuse that resulted in serious injuries and mental disorders, according to a human rights group. For the most extensive medical study of former US detainees published so far, Physicians for Human Rights had doctors and mental health professionals examine 11 former prisoners. (India Times, India)
'Hazardous Drinking' May Be A New 'Check Stop' On The Way To Alcohol Dependence Jun 19, 2008
"Current tools -- the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition, and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases - 10 -- do not allow for a phenomenon like hazardous drinking, when a person drinks too much and is at risk but is not alcohol dependent.". Aalto and his colleagues examined data collected on 4,477 Finns (2,341 females, 2,136 males), 30 to 64 years of age, through the nation's Health 2000 Survey. (Science Daily)
Poverello plans day center to take in those under the influence Jun 19, 2008
Competition was stiff for the state agency grant, said Mary Jane Fox, community program officer for the department's addictive and mental disorders division. The Pov succeeded because of the need for the program and also because grantors believe the center will secure long-term funding, she said. (Missoulian, MT)
Pills, knife among items seized from victims' home Jun 18, 2008
However, questions have been raised in recent years about certain medications prescribed for mental disorders. In 2004, Health Canada issued a warning about anti-depressants known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and serotonin noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors. (Globe and Mail)
1st Kuwaiti woman MP sworn in Jun 18, 2008
Doctors who examined suspected militants formerly held at Guantanamo Bay found evidence of torture and abuse that resulted in serious injuries and mental disorders, as reported in a new study ... Doctors who examined suspected militants formerly held at Guantanamo Bay found evidence of torture and abuse that resulted in serious injuries and mental disorders, as reported in a new study. (Yahoo News -- Kuwait)
Mental state of Albarran probed Jun 18, 2008
The prosecution, in cross examination Monday, questioned Silva's use of the fourth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" to aid in reaching his conclusion. The "DSM" IV is published by the American Psychiatric Association and lists mental disorders and the criteria for diagnosing them. (AL.com)
Exams prove torture in Iraq, Gitmo Jun 18, 2008
(WASHINGTON) Medical examinations of former terrorism suspects held by the U.S. military at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, found evidence of torture and other abuse that resulted in serious injuries and mental disorders, according to a human rights group. Related Articles. (Time.com)
Writing of 20 years in the 'red zone' Jun 17, 2008
After her children were born with mental disorders -- two daughters with learning disabilities and a son with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- she realized she needed help. Counseling, reading self-help books and becoming spiritual were the process of healing for her, she said. (Albany Times Union)
Mobile aid center visits Jun 17, 2008
PPA has aided 30 of the clinic's patients seeking financial assistance in purchasing drugs for mental disorders. Last year, PPA drew nearly 80 Cedar patients to the programs' first annual tour stop in Pocatello. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Same Sex Marriage: Diamond Couple Readies To Tie Knot Jun 16, 2008
In 1960, six years before the National Organization for Women was founded and 13 years before the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its diagnostic manual of mental disorders, they and other DOB members in San Francisco organized the first national convention for lesbians. About 200 women registered for the event. (NBC 11, CA)
Citizens fight health facility Jun 14, 2008
More than 50 residents of Rolling Fields protested a home for those with mental disorders proposed in their neighborhood at a rally Thursday. They re not welcome here, resident Kim Woody said of Centerstone s proposed treatment center. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Gamers aren't geeks Jun 13, 2008
Citing concerns of video-game overuse, the AMA is likely to consider adding video-game addiction to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders at its 2012 review. But Mr. Loton said calling excessive gaming an addiction may be taking it a step too far. (Globe and Mail)
"Rid Ghana of non-iodized salt"- Prof Lartey Jun 13, 2008
Bunso (E/R), June 13, GNA - Prof Bennett Lartey, Director of the Plant Genetic Research Institute, has drummed-up the need for plans to rid Ghana of non-iodized salts to save many children who are born each year with irreparable mental disorders. Addressing traditional rulers, salt traders and health volunteers at a workshop on the importance of iodated salt at Bunso on Thursday, Prof Lartey described as "unacceptable" a situation whereby many children are born with permanent brain damage owing... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
