Group items tagged

"Major depressive disorder is a common global disease that causes a significant societal burden. Most interventional studies of depression provide a limited assessment of the interventions on mortality and suicide risks. This study utilizes data from an observational registry of patients with major depressive disorder to determine the impact of intervention (vagus nerve stimulation or standard pharmacological/non-pharmacological therapy) and a latent factor, patient trajectory toward response, on mortality, suicide and suicidal ideation. A total of 636 patients were available for an intent-to-treat analysis of all-cause mortality, suicide and suicidal ideation. Patients treated with vagus nerve stimulation in addition to standard therapies experienced lower, but not statistically significant, all-cause mortality (vagus nerve stimulation 4.93 per 1,000 person-years vs. 10.02 per 1,000 patient years for treatment as usual) and suicide rates (vagus nerve stimulation 0.88 per 1,000 person-years vs. 1.61 per 1,000 patient years for treatment as usual). Treatment with vagus nerve stimulation produced a statistically lower relative risk of suicidal ideation 0.80, 95% confidence interval (0.68,0.95). Further, patients that responded to either treatment saw a 51% reduction in relative risk of suicidal behavior; relative risk and 95% confidence interval of 0.49 (0.41,0.58). In summary, we find that treatment with adjunctive vagus nerve stimulation can potentially lower the risk of all-cause mortality, suicide and suicide attempts."

From the abstract: "the current study provides a n analysis of homeless and runaway youths' attitudes towards mental health servic es in order to identify possible factors t hat can assist service providers with understanding and increasing service engagement . V ariables examined included help seeking propensity, psychological openness , concern for mental health stigma, parental maltreat ment, street victimization and services n eeds assessment. The current study also examines the relationship between social support and attitudes toward mental health services. A comparison sample of housed youth was obtained in order to de termine if mental health attitudes are unique to homeless y outh. Fifty - six youth who identified as homeless were recruited through youth drop - in centers and a shelter in Northern California , and 97 housed youth were recruited from alternative community continuation schools in the same region . A nalys is of v ariance iii showed that homeless and housed groups did not differ significant ly on attitudes toward mental health services, help seeking propensity, psychological openness, and concern for mental health stigma . Additional f indings revealed that , for homeless youth, t he more perceived friend support , the more their concern for mental health stigma decreased and the more supportive individuals available , the more positive attitudes toward mental health services and help seeking propensity increased . Comparison of correl ations between homeless and housed groups revealed only one significant difference; the association between perceived family support and help seeking propensity was strongest for the housed group than for the homeless group . Results demonstrate d that home less youth and housed youth share similar attitudes toward mental health services , help seeking propensity, psychological openness, and c o ncern for mental health stigma. Mean scores obtained on these measures were comparable to the only existing study on

"Depression as a disorder is better explained as a spectrum rather than as a collection of discrete categories. Minor and subthreshold depression are common conditions and patients falling below the diagnostic threshold experience significant difficulties in functioning and a negative impact on their quality of life. Current diagnostic systems need to reexamine the thresholds for depressive disorders and distinguish them from ordinary feelings of sadness. "

Best exercises for a healthy heart by Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale, the best heart and lung transplant surgeon in Hyderabad

" The American Psychiatric Association (APA) instituted a financial conflict of interest disclosure policy for the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The new disclosure policy has not been accompanied by a reduction in the financial conflicts of interest of DSM panel members. Transparency alone cannot mitigate the potential for bias and is an insufficient solution for protecting the integrity of the revision process. Gaps in APA's disclosure policy are identified and recommendations for more stringent safeguards are offered."

Recovery is a time to make yourself a priority. Read Rehab for Teens special blog for Valentine's Day and try to date smart & safe during recovery.

From the Chronicle of Higher Education

Excellent article - intense academic study in any field can place a strain on students' mental health. Yet the added stress of needing to be "creative on demand" is worth considering.

Thanks for your insightful comment, Sarah. I agree. There seem to be more and more reports of students struggling with mental health issues. I did a double take when I read about the six hour art classes at some IHEs. The therapist's dilemma of treating the patient while not wanting to stifle creativity also seems problematic. Thanks again for posting.

Among the research in collaborative care, the most comprehensive work has been done by Wayne Katon, MD, and Jürgen Unützer, MD, both of the University of Washington. Under the latter's collaborative care model, participants had fewer suicidal thoughts, higher recovery rates and improved function, and more depression-free days compared to typical primary care treatment. In addition, Unützer's research has shown potential overall health care savings of $3,300 per individual over a four-year period compared to individuals in usual primary care treatment.

Are we doing more harm than good by exporting our diagnoses and remedies for mental illnesses? A new book - Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche - sets the agenda for a vital public discussion.

a personal recollection of a sister struggling with bipolar affective disorder

Self-compassion is essential from the beginning of the recovery process. Once you admit that you have a problem, you likely start to see all of the problems you caused in a different light. Find out how self-compassion can be the best tool in Rehab for Teens' latest blog.

Abstract"Objective To evaluate whether a new computerised cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (SPARX, Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts) could reduce depressive symptoms in help seeking adolescents as much or more than treatment as usual.Design Multicentre randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.Setting 24 primary healthcare sites in New Zealand (youth clinics, general practices, and school based counselling services).Participants 187 adolescents aged 12-19, seeking help for depressive symptoms, with no major risk of self harm and deemed in need of treatment by their primary healthcare clinicians: 94 were allocated to SPARX and 93 to treatment as usual.Interventions Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (SPARX) comprising seven modules delivered over a period of between four and seven weeks, versus treatment as usual comprising primarily face to face counselling delivered by trained counsellors and clinical psychologists.Outcomes The primary outcome was the change in score on the children's depression rating scale-revised."

Panic attack can disrupt smooth functioning of your lives. The Trivedi Effect can be a new remedy for panic attack.

Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

" Parenting teenagers can often trigger your own memories of growing up and the roller coaster ride of emotions, drama, unpredictability, and the need to fit in. You may be realizing that being a teenager today is more complicated than ever due to the steady stream of social media in all its various forms. Now as the parent of a teen who was adopted, your role has become even more challenging as you need to keep in mind the extra layers of teen emotions and identity issues that come with being adopted. You may be wondering what is considered typical teenage behavior and what requires more immediate attention. This tipsheet focuses on whether your teen may be going through a temporary phase, or instead, may be suffering from teen depression. "

From a conference in May 2012, emphasizing "humanizing" mental health through personal stories as well as workplace considerations and a call for a shared knowledgebase.

A guide prepared by the National Resource Center for Youth Development

This weekly newspaper brings updates on what's happening in psychology, in particular sharing resources designed to increase our knowledge of the field. Read and subscribe free at: http://paper.li/NattyStewart24/1327249950

Andrew Lipsitt and parents "Marcie and Eric Lipsitt of Franklin -- are featured in an HBO documentary scheduled to air Wednesday (1/6/10) that sheds light on how families cope with a diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder"