Mental Health News - accessibility.com.au

The UK Mental Capacity Act Explained ( HFT 13-Oct-08 )

A clear and easy to understand DVD guide to The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, has been produced by national charity for people with learning disabilities, HFT, for the Department of Health and Social Care Institute for Excellence, as part of a programme of work on implementing the MCA 2005.

Babies Born To Parents With Schizophrenia Face Double The Risk Of Infant Mortality ( RCP 7-Oct-08 )

Children born to a mother or father with schizophrenia are twice as likely to die within the first year of life, new research shows.

Help Me I'm Sad: Recognizing Depression In Children ( APA 1-Oct-08 )

Bouts of sadness in childhood are normal, but up to a quarter of children will experience depression before they finish high school, and clinical depression in children seems to be on the rise.

Impact Of Stress On Police Officers' Physical And Mental Health ( University at Buffalo 1-Oct-08 )

Policing is dangerous work, and the danger lurks not on the streets alone. The pressures of law enforcement put officers at risk for high blood pressure, insomnia, increased levels of destructive stress hormones, heart problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide, University at Buffalo researchers have found.

Post-Hurricane Efforts Raise Profile Of Mental Disorders ( NAMI 1-Oct-08 )

It is the storm damage that people often don't talk about--mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder that strike in the wake of a catastrophic experience.

Website Gives Mentally Ill Better Access To Justice ( QUT 1-Oct-08 )

An interactive website to assist criminal lawyers who are representing the mentally ill or impaired in the criminal justice system will be unveiled at QUT on Thursday October 23.

UQ And Queensland Health Join Forces For Mental Health ( UQ 1-Oct-08 )

UQ's School of Social Work and Human Services and Queensland Health today announced a joint Chair in Mental Health at a ceremony at the University's St Lucia campus.

Self-Guided, Computer-Based Depression Treatment Coming Soon ( NSBRI 29-Sep-08 )

Self-guided treatment for depression could soon be only a mouse click away.Scientists are developing an interactive, multi-media program that will assist astronauts in recognizing and effectively managing depression and other psychosocial problems during long-duration spaceflights.

The Most Medicated Kids Are Americans ( BioMed Central 29-Sep-08 )

American children are approximately three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication than children in Europe.

Psychiatric Wards Hit By Surge Of Rape Claims ( Independent 26-Sep-08 )

The vulnerability of female patients on England's NHS psychiatric wards was revealed yesterday by figures showing that 435 patients reported being sexually assaulted last year, including 15 who said they had been raped.

Recruitment Drive For Indigenous Psychologists ( ABCNews 26-Sep-08 )

A new group has been set up hoping to increase the number of Indigenous psychologists and improve Indigenous access to mental health services.

New Association Launched For Indigenous Psychologists ( APS 26-Sep-08 )

A new association for Indigenous psychologists will be launched today at the Australian Psychological Society's (APS) 43rd annual conference in Hobart.

Global Psychiatrists Unite To Improve Services In Mental Health ( MUI 23-Sep-08 )

Thirty seven medical experts in psychiatry from across the world have called on the medical community to take urgent action to optimize services for people with a diagnosis of severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Exposure To Family Violence Especially Harmful To Previously Abused Children ( SRCD 23-Sep-08 )

According to a new study in the September/October 2008 issue of the journal Child Development, children who are maltreated tend to have a lot of re-exposure to family violence, and this re-exposure often leads to increased psychological problems.

National Positive Thinking Trial Aims To Prevent Childhood Depression ( University of Bath 22-Sep-08 )

More than 7,000 school pupils from across the UK will be taking part in the trial of a new positive thinking programme led by the University of Bath designed to prevent children developing problems with depression.

New Insights Into Teenagers And Anxiety Disorders ( UCLA 19-Sep-08 )

Can scientists predict who will develop anxiety disorders years in advance? UCLA psychology professor Michelle Craske thinks so.

Newer Antipsychotics No Better Than Older Drug ( NIH/NIMH 18-Sep-08 )

Two newer atypical antipsychotic medications were no more effective than an older conventional antipsychotic in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia and may lead to more metabolic side effects, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Improving Social Skills For Schizophrenia Sufferers ( Research Australia 18-Sep-08 )

Researchers from the University of Newcastle are investigating a new way to help schizophrenia patients develop their communication and social skills.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Common Among Injured Patients ( Kellie Tormey 15-Sep-08 )

Suffering a traumatic injury can have serious and long-lasting implications for a patient's mental health, according to the largest-ever U.S. study evaluating the impact of traumatic injury.

Immaturity Of The Brain May Cause Schizophrenia ( NIPS 15-Sep-08 )

The underdevelopment of a specific region in the brain may lead to schizophrenia in individuals.

Sexual Harassment 10 Times More Likely In Casual And Contract Jobs ( University of Melbourne 12-Sep-08 )

Women employed in casual and contract jobs are up to ten times more likely to experience unwanted sexual advances than those in permanent full time positions, a University of Melbourne study has found.

New Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council ( DoHA 12-Sep-08 )

The Rudd Government will bring together key community experts in suicide prevention to develop the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and invest $2.4 million in an innovative suicide-prevention pilot program.

Family Therapy With Medication Improves Depression In Bipolar Teens ( MNT 9-Sep-08 )

In combination with medication, family-focused therapy appears to help curb depression symptoms in teens with bipolar disorder, according to a report released on September 1, 2008 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

High Incidence Of Mental Disorders Revealed In Young Offender Institutions ( Oxford University 8-Sep-08 )

Adolescent girls in young offender institutions are particularly vulnerable to depression, a large-scale study led by Oxford University has shown.

Healthy Minds Across America Features 48 Public Forums On Mental Health Research ( NARSAD 8-Sep-08 )

People concerned about the toll that mental health disorders are taking on their families and communities will have a unique opportunity to hear from world-class experts on what is known to-date about the causes, symptoms and progression of mental illnesses and learn about current and potential treatments.

Connection Between A Mother's Mood And Her Baby's Sleep ( UMHS 4-Sep-08 )

If there's one thing that everyone knows about newborn babies, it's that they don't sleep through the night, and neither do their parents. But in fact, those first six months of life are crucial to developing the regular sleeping and waking patterns that a child will need for a healthy future.

New Treatment For Schizophrenia ( UNSW 4-Sep-08 )

Leading schizophrenia researcher, Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, has discovered that a brain receptor that normally stimulates growth in adolescence is hampered in people with schizophrenia. The findings open up new opportunities for treatments for schizophrenia, commencing with a world first, 3 year clinical drug trial this month.

Antipsychotics In Children And Adolescents: The Risks And Benefits ( ECNP 4-Sep-08 )

Many of the psychiatric disorders observed in adults have their onset in childhood or adolescence. The presence of a major mental illness is certainly no less serious in children than in adults - in fact, childhood onset of several psychiatric disorders predicts a worse illness course.

Simple Information Leaflets Reduce Stigma Towards People With Mental Illness ( RCP 4-Sep-08 )

A simple, illustrated leaflet can be effective in reducing negative attitudes towards people with mental illness, according to a study published in the September issue of the Psychiatric Bulletin.

Link Shown Between Middle-Ear Disease And Schizophrenia ( RCP 4-Sep-08 )

New research suggests middle-ear disease could increase people's vulnerability to developing schizophrenia.

Global Survey Highlights The Complexity Of Bipolar Disorder ( WFMH 4-Sep-08 )

Results from a new global survey on bipolar disorder, released today at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, indicate that both patients and healthcare professionals face significant challenges in managing bipolar disorder.

Gender Bias Seen In Response To Common Antidepressant ( UMHS 3-Sep-08 )

Women with depression may be much more likely than men to get relief from a commonly used, inexpensive antidepressant drug, a new national study finds. But many members of both sexes may find that it helps ease their depression symptoms.

Substance Dependency-Induced Psychosis ( MNT 3-Sep-08 )

Letter to the Editor: This message will be very shortly be followed by a longer one that will further explain the very important -- but unfortunately -- also very politically incorrect psychiatric diagnosis of "Substance Dependency-Induced Psychosis" (SDIP).

Brain Study Could Lead To New Understanding Of Depression ( Manchester University 2-Sep-08 )

Brain scientists have moved a step closer to understanding why some people may be more prone to depression than others.

Potential New Targets For Antidepressant Medications ( Elsevier 2-Sep-08 )

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.

Antipsychotic Drug Stroke Risk ( BBCNews 1-Sep-08 )

More people than previously thought could be at higher risk of having a stroke caused by their antipsychotic drugs, say UK scientists.

Genetic Predisposition May Play A Role In Anxiety Disorders ( Academy of Finland 28-Aug-08 )

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.

Mental Illness And Addiction Research Boosted By Large-Scale Investment ( CAMH 26-Aug-08 )

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is proud to announce a landmark investment of $15 million by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) into research that will propel the understanding, intervention, treatment and prevention of mental illness and addiction to the next level of excellence.

Antipsychotic Medications Linked To Deaths In Elderly Patients ( AHRQ 26-Aug-08 )

Elderly patients who are prescribed a conventional, or first-generation, antipsychotic medication are at an increased risk of death from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases as compared to those who take an atypical, or second-generation, antipsychotic medication, according to a study funded by the AHRQ.

Schizophrenia And Acute Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Linked ( NYULMC 25-Aug-08 )

Pregnant women who endure the psychological stress of being in a war zone are more likely to give birth to a child who develops schizophrenia.

Gene Abnormalities Implicated In Bipolar Disorder ( NIH/NIMH 20-Aug-08 )

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.

Depression Link To Poor Driving ( BBCNews 19-Aug-08 )

People on anti-depressants may have impaired driving skills, a small US study suggests.

Putting The Brakes On Psychosis And Its Impact ( BIDMC 19-Aug-08 )

Like many medical conditions, early detection of psychiatric illness can be critical in stopping or slowing the disease's progression.

Counselors Prepare To Assist Returning Servicemembers ( Capella University 18-Aug-08 )

Almost 100 percent of American Counseling Association (ACA) members who completed a Capella University survey on military mental health issues have taken action to increase their understanding of post-combat and re-entry issues of returning servicemembers.

Males Account For Nearly 80 Per Cent Of UK Drug Related Deaths ( NHS 18-Aug-08 )

Nearly 80 per cent of people in England and Wales who died due to illicit drug use in 2006 were male, an NHS Information Centre bulletin shows.

Public Health Clinic Study Links 'Americanization' And Depression ( UTHSC 15-Aug-08 )

A study of 439 U.S. and Mexican-born Latinas seeking pregnancy and postpartum services at public health clinics in San Antonio uncovered elevated levels of depression among the more "Americanized" women, report researchers.

New Depression Report Shows Importance Of Diagnosis And Support ( Help the Aged 14-Aug-08 )

Responding to the publication of the report 'Undiagnosed, untreated, at risk', into older people and depression, Elizabeth McLennan, Senior Policy Officer at Help the Aged comments:- "This report is a welcome means of raising awareness of older people and mental health - an issue which is all too often mis-diagnosed and left untreated.

Is Responsibility Key To CBT Success? ( BPS 14-Aug-08 )

Cognitive behaviour therapy may fail if the client believes their therapist is responsible for the outcome. This is the finding of a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Genes May Make Some People More Prone To Anxiety ( APA 13-Aug-08 )

Inborn differences may help explain why trauma gives some people bad memories and others the nightmare of post-traumatic stress. Scientists in Germany and the United States have reported evidence linking genes to anxious behavior.

Depressed Over-65s Denied Help ( Independent 13-Aug-08 )

Older people with depression are being denied help, according to a report released today. Those seeking help are often fobbed off, misdiagnosed or given inappropriate treatment.

APA Highlights Importance Of Psychotherapy In Treatment Plans ( APA 13-Aug-08 )

Psychotherapy remains a major component in the treatment of mental illness, the American Psychiatric Association stated. Many mental health problems can be resolved with psychotherapy alone, and psychotherapy is often a crucial component in the success of treatment with medication.

Research Helps Patients Find Antidepressants That Work ( Harvard Health Publications 12-Aug-08 )

In spite of the range of medications now available, major depression remains a challenging disease to treat. Only about half of adult patients respond to the first antidepressant they try, with only one-third achieving remission.

Post-Partum Suicide Attempt Risks Studied ( Elsevier Health Sciences 12-Aug-08 )

Although maternal suicide after giving birth is a relatively rare occurrence, suicide attempts often have long-lasting effects on the family and the infant. Researchers compared two populations of mothers and found that a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse was a strong predictor of post-partum suicide attempts.

Stress - The Essential Guide ( Need2Know 12-Aug-08 )

Every year over 13 million working days are lost in the UK due to stress and stress-related symptoms, and experts believe it affects everyone at least every two weeks. Instead of letting the stress take over, there are positive steps you can take to minimise its detrimental effects.

Schizophrenia Researchers Reach Groundbreaking Consensus ( UQ 12-Aug-08 )

A study conducted at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research has contributed to a major breakthrough in understanding the cause of schizophrenia.

Brain Surgery For Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Effective But Risky ( Karolinska Institutet 8-Aug-08 )

Scientists from Karolinska Institutet studying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients who have undergone a type of brain surgery called capsulotomy, have found that half of the group improved considerably, even long after the operation. A minority of patients did not improve, however, and developed side-effects.

Psychiatrists Shift Away From Providing Psychotherapy ( JAMA 7-Aug-08 )

A declining number of office-based psychiatrists appear to be providing psychotherapy to their patients, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Leisure Time Exercise Might Not Affect Depression And Anxiety ( MNT 7-Aug-08 )

Voluntary exercise does not appear to reduce anxiety and depression in diverse populations, but exercise and mood could be associated through a common confounding genetic factor, according to an article released on August 4, 2008 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Greater Psychotropic Medication Use in Foster Care Raises Concerns ( Newswise 5-Aug-08 )

Psychotropic medications, which act on the central nervous system to alter emotion or behavior temporarily, are frequently used to treat youth in foster care, but there is a lack of "substantive evidence of their effectiveness and safety," says a University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) researcher.

Minimizing Traumatic Response To Bad Memories ( UC Irvine 5-Aug-08 )

UC Irvine researchers have identified the brain mechanism that switches off traumatic feelings associated with bad memories, a finding that could lead to the development of drugs to treat panic disorders.

Frequency And Type Of Childhood Abuse May Predict Suicide Attempts In Young Adults ( RCP 4-Aug-08 )

Children who are repeatedly abused, or are abused by a member of their immediate family, are at higher risk of attempting suicide in later life, a Canadian study has shown

GPs Support Responsible Use Of SSRIs In Children And Adolescents ( RACGP 4-Aug-08 )

Recent media coverage has questioned the prescription and safety of a class of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in children and adolescents.

Schizophrenia Linked To Missing Or Duplicated Genetic Material ( MNT 4-Aug-08 )

Two international teams of scientists working on independent studies have discovered that rare deletions and duplications in genetic material appear to occur in greater numbers in people who have schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia Researchers Welcome New Blood ( UQ 1-Aug-08 )

Researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute are set to conduct a world-first trial into the link between prenatal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia prevalence.

Improving Traditional Psychiatric Diagnoses With Genetics ( Elsevier 1-Aug-08 )

Psychiatry has begun the laborious effort of preparing the DSM-V, the new iteration of its diagnostic manual. In so doing, it once again wrestles with the task set by Carl Linnaeus, to "cleave nature at its joints." However, these "joints," the boundaries between psychiatric disorders, such as that between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are far from clear.

Mental Health Implications For Girls Experiencing Serious School Failure ( UW 31-Jul-08 )

Adolescent girls who had a serious school failure by the 12th grade - being expelled, suspended or dropping out - were significantly more likely to have suffered a serious bout of depression at the age of 21 than girls who did not have these problems.

Effects On Mental Health Assessed After Devastating Tsunami In Sumatra ( AJPH 31-Jul-08 )

Researchers examined the levels of post traumatic stress reactivity (PTSR) of over 20,000 adult tsunami survivors by analyzing survey data from coastal Aceh and North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Deaths From Combining Drugs And/or Alcohol Skyrocket ( UCSD 31-Jul-08 )

Asking patients to monitor their own medications can be fatal, as exemplified by the recent death of actor Heath Ledger. In the first large-scale study of home medication consumption, sociologists at the UCSD have found a 3,196 percent increase in fatal domestic medication errors involving alcohol and/or street drugs.

Long Waiting Times For Psychological Therapies Harmful ( MIND 30-Jul-08 )

A group of leading mental health charities has published a report which says that the lives of those stuck on long NHS waiting lists for psychological treatments are being damaged as a result.

The Health Benefits Of Daughters-In-Law On Chinese Elders ( USC 29-Jul-08 )

In a new twist on the Confucian ideal of filial piety, a study finds that the assistance of daughters-in-law - but not their own children - helps mitigate depression among older people in China. This is particularly true in rural areas, where elders may rely more heavily on family to be support providers.

Help For Smokers With Schizophrenia ( QUB 29-Jul-08 )

A 200,000 pound grant has been awarded to researchers at Queen's to help establish why people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to smoke than the general population.

RCP Responds To Review Of NHS Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services ( RCP 29-Jul-08 )

The Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes this detailed review of NHS acute inpatient mental health services by the Healthcare Commission. It is encouraging to see that two-fifths of trusts exceeded the minimum level of service provision. However, it is disappointing that no trusts were scored excellent on all four of the key criteria.

U.S. Antidepressant Prescriptions Rise By 16 Million ( AHRQ 28-Jul-08 )

Prescriptions filled for antidepressant drugs increased from 154 million in 2002 to 170 million in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

PTSD Influences Levels Of Depression And Pain ( American Pain Soc. 24-Jul-08 )

Patients with accident or trauma related chronic pain often have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. What isn't clearly known, however, is how PTSD relates to mood disorders and pain severity in chronic pain patients.

Oxytocin May Inhibit Social Phobia ( Karolinska Institutet 24-Jul-08 )

Swedish and British scientists have shown using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that the hormone oxytocin can inhibit feelings of anxiety in specific individuals.

Increased Suicide Risk Associated With Visual Impairment ( 22-Jul-08 )

Forensic Patients With Tattoos More Likely To Have ASPD ( W-B 21-Jul-08 )

The presence of tattoos on forensic psychiatric inpatients should alert clinicians to a possible diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), and also about the potential for histories of suicide attempt, substance abuse, and sexual abuse, according to research published today in Personality and Mental Health.

Scan Detects Obsessive Disorder ( BBCNews 21-Jul-08 )

Scientists say they have pinpointed differences in the way the brains of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) work.

Culture And Depression-New Diagnostic Tool ( CAMH 18-Jul-08 )

The expectation that East-Asian people emphasize physical symptoms of depression (e.g. headaches, poor appetite or aches/pains in the body) is widely acknowledged, yet the few available empirical studies report mixed data on this issue. A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) debunks this cultural myth.

Common Mechanisms May Underlie Autism's Diverse Mutations ( NIH/NIMH 18-Jul-08 )

Many of the seemingly disparate mutations recently discovered in autism may share common underlying mechanisms, say researchers supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

One In Five UK MPs Suffers From Stress-Related Mental Illness ( Independent 17-Jul-08 )

A confidential survey of MPs and peers suggests that one in five parliamentarians suffers from mental illness caused by the stress of their public lives. Those questioned said they feared disclosing their struggles because of stigma and discrimination.

Dysfunction In Molecular Brain Pathway Activated By Marijuana ( UPMC 16-Jul-08 )

Alterations in a molecular brain pathway activated by marijuana may contribute to the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

OptumHealth Introduces New "Brain Health" Capabilities ( BRL 16-Jul-08 )

OptumHealth announced that it has signed a three-year agreement to exclusively license Brain Resource Ltd.'s behavioral health technology in the U.S. managed care market. Brain Resource provides an innovative Web-based assessment of an individual's "brain health" that can be used by health professionals to make better treatment decisions.

Brain Cells Related To Fear Identified ( Rutgers University 14-Jul-08 )

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that in any given year, about 40 million adults (18 or older) will suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, including debilitating conditions such as phobias, panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

ECNP Consensus Statement On Bipolar Depression ( ECNP 11-Jul-08 )

Bipolar disorder is one of the most complex and challenging mental disorder in the spectrum.

Protein Marker For Schizophrenia Risk ( ASBMB 11-Jul-08 )

A protein found in immune cells may be a reliable marker for schizophrenia risk, report researchers in a new proteomics study appearing in the July issue of Molecular and Cellular proteomics.

UNC Study Ties Ending Moderate Drinking To Depression ( UNCSM 10-Jul-08 )

Scientific evidence has long suggested that moderate drinking offers some protection against heart disease, certain types of stroke and some forms of cancer. But new research shows that stopping drinking - including at moderate levels - may lead to health problems including depression.

Researchers Unable To Agree On Predictors Of PTSD ( Wiley 10-Jul-08 )

Studies exploring potential predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) following major trauma have resulted in varied conclusions. While a number of risk factors such as injury severity, demographic factors and compensation-related factors have been identified, none is strong enough to reliably predict which patient will develop the disorder.

Schizophrenia And Violence ( DUMC 9-Jul-08 )

Some schizophrenia patients become less prone to violence when taking medication, but those with a history of childhood conduct problems continue to pose a higher risk even with treatment, according to a new study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

The Pursuit Of Happiness: It's Good To Talk... Or Is It? ( Independent 9-Jul-08 )

The belief that cognitive behaviour therapy is the most effective way of treating depression is wrong, claim leading psychotherapists.

Antidepressants Take Effect In Just Four Hours ( RCP 8-Jul-08 )

A single antidepressant tablet makes a depressed person see the world in a more positive light just four hours after swallowing it, a new study has shown.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Causes Early Heart Disease Death ( GHS 8-Jul-08 )

Vietnam veterans who experienced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were twice as likely to die from heart disease as veterans without PTSD, a new Geisinger study finds.

Internet Addiction: A Novel Disease Or A Bad Habit? ( CTA 7-Jul-08 )

It is impossible to deny the incredible significance of the internet and the effects its development has had on the world. Today the internet touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

Ritalin-style Drug Set For Wider Role In Adult Mental Illness ( RCP 7-Jul-08 )

A significant number of adults with unresolved depression, anxiety or addiction may actually have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that has been widely considered to resolve in late adolescence.

How Ritalin Works In Brain To Boost Cognition, Focus Attention ( UW-M 30-Jun-08 )

Stimulant medications such as Ritalin have been prescribed for decades to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and their popularity as "cognition enhancers" has recently surged among the healthy, as well.

Film Classification Inappropriate ( APS 23-Jun-08 )

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has expressed grave concerns over the classification MA given to the recently released movie, 'The Happening'.

Dangerous Dementia Drugs To Be Reviewed ( Independent 23-Jun-08 )

The prescribing of powerful anti-psychotic drugs to patients with dementia is to be reviewed immediately, UK ministers have said.

Individuals May Be Predisposed To Different Symptoms Of Psychosis ( Society for Neuroscience 23-Jun-08 )

A new study just released offers a potential predictive technique to anticipate how individuals might behave during a psychotic episode. The study, in the June 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, related the brain activity of healthy participants to how they behaved after exposure to ketamine.

Memory Loss Linked to Poor Diet ( MUSC 20-Jun-08 )

Loss of memory with advanced age is a significant problem in most societies, and appears particularly severe in advanced industrialized nations. Through a new study, researchers have been able to link memory loss to a poor diet.

Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's in Whites Also Places Blacks at Risk ( Newswise 20-Jun-08 )

A commonly recognized gene that places one at risk for Alzheimer’s disease does not discriminate between blacks and whites, according to new research led by Florida State University.

Working Overtime Linked To Anxiety And Depression ( LW & W 19-Jun-08 )

Employees who work overtime are at increased risk of anxiety and depression, suggests a study in the June Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).

Alzheimer's Symptoms And Depression Do Not Change Together ( MNT 19-Jun-08 )

While there is a correlation between individuals with depression and the development of Alzheimer's disease, it appears that the symptoms of depression do not increase in the years before an Alzheimer's diagnosis, according to a report released on April 7, 2008 in the JAMA/Archives journal Archives of General Psychiatry.

Antipsychotics May Improve Psychiatric Symptoms In Alzheimer's Disease ( APA 19-Jun-08 )

Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease-such as anger, agitation, aggression, and paranoid thoughts and ideas-may improve with the use of second-generation antipsychotic medications, a new federally funded study has found.

Scottish Suicide And Homicide Rates Fueled By Drink And Drugs ( UM 18-Jun-08 )

Alcohol and drug misuse mean Scots are almost twice as likely to kill or take their own life compared to people living in England and Wales, published research reveals.

Antidepressants Alone: Not For Bipolar Depression ( Australian Prescriber 17-Jun-08 )

Psychiatrists have cautioned against the use of antidepressants alone in people with bipolar disorders, saying they could worsen a patient's condition by causing a destabilisation in mood.

Teenage Pot Smokers Face Bigger Risk Of Mental Illness ( CHC 17-Jun-08 )

Teenage cannabis users are more likely to suffer psychotic symptoms that raise the risk of full-blown mental illness in later life, according to a new study in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

'Hunger' Hormone Depression Link ( BBCNews 17-Jun-08 )

High levels of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin have an antidepressant effect, US researchers claim. Blocking the body's response to ghrelin has been suggested as a weight loss treatment but it may also produce unintended effects on mood, they said.

How The Aging Brain Brings A Healthy Dose Of Perspective ( UAFMD 16-Jun-08 )

A University of Alberta researcher in collaboration with researchers from Duke University has proven that wisdom really does come with age, at least when it comes to your emotions.

Study Links Sleep Disorder to Memory Loss ( Newswise 13-Jun-08 )

UCLA researchers have discovered that people with sleep apnea show tissue loss in brain regions that help store memory. the findings emphasize the importance of early detection of the disorder which occurs when a blocked airway repeatedly halts the sleeper's breathing, resulting in loud bursts of snoring and chronic daytime fatigue.

Exposure Therapy Effective To Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( MNT 11-Jun-08 )

The progression from acute stress disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder may be prevented by exposure-based therapy, in which trauma survivors are guided to relive a troubling event.

Increased Risk Of Smoking, Substance Abuse In Bipolar Adolescents ( MGH 11-Jun-08 )

A study from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) supports previous reports that adolescents with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for smoking and substance abuse.

'Alcopop' Tax Not Enough ( APS 6-Jun-08 )

Alcohol providers are targeting young people in particular in advertising and media, and through providing an increasing array of attractive ready-to-drink mixed drinks. The Australian Psychological Society supports the government's 70% tax on 'alcopops', but argues that the tax should be extended to all but low alcohol content drinks.

Mental Health Art Exhibition Opens Tonight ( UQ 6-Jun-08 )

It's opening night tonight for graduating students from the UQ Master of Mental Health (Art Therapy) program, whose art works will go on display in Brisbane at 6pm.

Structural Brain Abnormalities Found In Some Marijuana Users ( MNT 5-Jun-08 )

Structural abnormalities in the hippocampus and amygdala may be associated with long-term, heavy cannabis use, according to an article released June 2, 2008 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Spontaneous Mutations Rife In Nonfamilial Schizophrenia ( NIH/NMIH 4-Jun-08 )

People with schizophrenia from families with no history of the illness were found to harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations - most in pathways affecting brain development - than healthy controls.

Psychiatry Remains The "Cinderella" Speciality ( BMA 3-Jun-08 )

Funding for many aspects of NHS mental health care has decreased over the past year with some patient services being adversely affected, according to a survey of doctors published by the BMA's psychiatry committee.

Bottling It Up Can Ease Trauma ( BBC 3-Jun-08 )

People who do not talk about traumatic experiences can fare better than those who "let it all out", say researchers.

No Link Between Antidepressants And Birth Defects ( UdM 29-May-08 )

Expectant mothers can safely use prescribed antidepressants during their first trimester, according to a new study from the Université de Montréal and Ste. Justine Hospital published in the May edition of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Female Sex Offenders Often Have Mental Problems ( KI 23-May-08 )

Women who commit sexual offences are just as likely to have mental problems or drug addictions as other violent female criminals. This according to the largest study ever conducted of women convicted of sexual offences in Sweden.

Not In My Back Garden - Mental Health Stigma Still Rife ( Rethink 23-May-08 )

Mental health charity Rethink has branded findings released by the Department of Health on attitudes towards people with mental health problems as "shocking, ignorant, and unacceptable in today's society."

Mental Disorders Cost Society Billions In Unearned Income ( NIH/NMIH 23-May-08 )

Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost earnings alone, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Link Between Mothers' Depression And Young Children's Injuries Confirmed ( University of Alabama 20-May-08 )

Infants and toddlers whose mothers are severely depressed are almost three times more likely to suffer accidental injuries than other children in the same age group, according to a new study.

Return Of The Great Depression Causing Great Depression ( MIND 20-May-08 )

Leading mental health charity Mind publishes a shocking new report that shows that debt is a significant factor in worsening our mental health. As the credit crunch hits and the cost of living soars, this worrying new evidence shows the extent of debt's impact, with over 50% of respondents going without food and heating.

$2.45m For Further Research Into Schizophrenia ( NSWHealth 20-May-08 )

The Iemma Government will provide $2.45 million over the next five years for research into the causes of schizophrenia. Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch said research into schizophrenia was a vital investment into an illness linked to youth suicide.

Cannabis Use Associated With Depression in the Top End ( MJA 19-May-08 )

The development of clinical and prevention strategies for cannabis use is necessary in the Top End, according to a research paper published in the 19 May Indigenous health issue of The Medical Journal of Australia.

Alcohol Cravings In Response To Negative Emotions More Acute In Men ( Yale 16-May-08 )

Women and men tend to have different types of stress-related psychological disorders. Women have greater rates of depression and some types of anxiety disorders than men, while men have greater rates of alcohol-use disorders than women.

Improving Anxiety Treatment Through The Help Of Brain Imaging ( Elsevier 16-May-08 )

Wouldn't it be nice if our doctors could predict accurately whether we would respond to a particular medication? This question is important because research studies provide information about how groups of patients tend to respond to treatments.

Iemma Government Increasing Mental Health Bed Numbers ( NSWHealth 15-May-08 )

The Iemma Government will add more than 300 mental health beds to the State's hospitals over the next three years, NSW Parliament was told today. Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch said the extra beds were part of the Iemma Government's record $1.05 billion mental health budget.

Brain Chemical Imbalance May Explain Lack Of Motivation In Schizophrenia ( BMC 14-May-08 )

A study of patients with psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia suggests an alternative explanation for why many sufferers lack motivation. The research is described in BioMed Central's journal BMC Psychiatry.

Managing Schizophrenia - think.mtv.com ( MTV 14-May-08 )

Hear the voices of today's youth as they tell their stories in MTV's "True Life," from embarrassing parents to secret lives on the web to dealing with schizophrenia.

I Make It Look Like They Died In Their Sleep ( Guardian 13-May-08 )

Reverend George Exoo is a leading figure in the right-to-die movement. He says he has helped 102 people to commit suicide. But, reports Jon Ronson, most of his clients were not terminally ill, just depressed and in need of psychiatric help.

Cancer Patients Put At Risk For PTSD By Anxiety And Mood Disorders ( OSU 12-May-08 )

Breast cancer patients who have a prior history of mood and anxiety disorders are at a much higher risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder following their diagnosis, new research suggests.

Problems Identified With Diagnosis Of Bipolar Disorder ( Lifespan 12-May-08 )

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers reports that fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder based on a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview - -the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID).

University Of Leicester To Lead Audit Of Adults With Autism ( UL 12-May-08 )

The University of Leicester is leading on a national study to calculate the number of adults with autism, it has been announced.

Charity Welcomes Landmark UK Autism Announcement ( NAS 12-May-08 )

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is celebrating a crucial win for people with autism, as the Government announced that for the first time, adults with the disability and their needs will be counted.

DOH Announces UK Adult Autism Srategy ( DoH 12-May-08 )

Care services Minister Ivan Lewis announced £500,000 for Government research into the numbers of adults with autism and their specific transitions needs.

Autism In Children And Mental Disorders In Parents Linked ( UNC 9-May-08 )

Parents of children with autism were roughly twice as likely to have been hospitalized for a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, than parents of other children, according to an analysis of Swedish birth and hospital records by a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher and colleagues in the U.S. and Europe.

New Evidence-Based Guidelines For Antidepressants ( Sage 9-May-08 )

A new revision of clinical guidelines to help doctors manage patients with depression has challenged the rationale behind the UK government's policy of rolling out of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for milder depression.

Ibuprofen Linked To Reduced Alzheimer's Risk ( MNT 9-May-08 )

Researchers in the US studying a large patient population have shown that use of the anti-inflammatory and painkiller ibuprofen is linked to lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Patients who used the drug for more than 5 years were 40 per cent less likely to develop the disease compared with patients who did not use that type of drug at all.

Elderly in Long-term Care More Depressed than Those Cared for at Home ( Newswise 9-May-08 )

Elderly in a long-term care setting are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants and to self-report depression compared to those in a home-health care setting, according to a study by social work students at Indiana State University.

Memory Manipulation Questioned By Moral Philosopher ( EWO 2-May-08 )

Is medicated memory manipulation ethically sound? And perhaps more importantly, who should be charged with the decision to deliver such a treatment: patient or physician?

Is Panic A Pharmaceutical Invention? ( P & P 1-May-08 )

A paper by Giovanni A. Fava and associates of the University of Bologna published in the April issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics summarizes the evidence which supports the seriousness of agoraphobia as an invalidating disease. At the same time it questions the excessive emphasis on panic and the role of pharmaceutical industry in this attribution.

Buyer Beware Of Psychiatric Genetic Tests ( HMHL 1-May-08 )

You can now buy a commercial genetic test that claims to assess your risk of developing bipolar disorder. Genetic tests for major depression and schizophrenia are also expected to reach the market soon. However, although the suspects are numerous, the genes responsible for most brain disorders remain unknown.

Counseling Trauma Victims Causes Secondary Trauma ( GHS 1-May-08 )

Hearing repeated stories of suffering from trauma victims causes serious psychological stress in clinical social workers, a new Geisinger-led study suggests.

Antipsychotic Drugs Increase Risk Of Developing Pneumonia In Elderly ( W-B 1-May-08 )

Elderly patients who use antipsychotic drugs have a 60 percent increased risk of developing pneumonia compared to non-users. This risk is highest in the first week following prescription and decreases gradually thereafter. These findings are published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Building A Competitive Mental Health Sector ( NSWHealth 29-Apr-08 )

New South Wales is tackling the mental health skills shortage by growing its own specialist community workers in the NGO sector Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch said the Iemma Government was working with the Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) to train tomorrow's mental health work force.

Improving Australian Mental Health Services ( DoHA 28-Apr-08 )

Social Form Of Bullying Linked To Depression, Anxiety In Adults ( UFHSC 28-Apr-08 )

Spreading rumors and gossiping may not cause bruises or black eyes, but the psychological consequences of this social type of bullying could linger into early adulthood, a new University of Florida study shows.

Suicide Rates Significantly Higher Among Veterinarians ( AVJ 24-Apr-08 )

A new study finds that Australian veterinarians are four times more likely to commit suicide as compared to the general adult population - thus highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the rate of suicide and its contributing factors.

Depression Research Employs Laser Dissection ( Molecular Psychiatry 24-Apr-08 )

Researchers have collaborated using for the first time a combination of new elegant methodology in Depression research. They used post-mortem brain tissue and investigated the hypothalamus, that is known to be of crucial importance for the development of symptoms of depression.

How To Recognize The Signs Of Anxiety And Depressive Illnesses ( MNT 24-Apr-08 )

The most common signs of anxiety and depression include feelings of being down or blue, phobias, uncontrollable worrying, poor concentration, loss of pleasure, sleeping problems, panic attacks, unexplainable aches, pains or headaches, obsessions, rituals and ongoing feelings of nervousness or tension.

First-Ever Look At Treatment Practices For Nonepileptic Seizures ( Lifespan 24-Apr-08 )

A new nationwide clinician survey provides the first comprehensive look at what is community care non-epileptic seizures, laying the groundwork for clinical trials aimed at identifying effective treatments for this neuropsychiatric disorder.

Elderly Epilepsy Patients Have Higher Risk Of Cognitive Decline ( WB 24-Apr-08 )

For persons with chronic epilepsy, little is known about the impact of aging on the course of cognitive and brain health, the prevalence of clinical disorders of aging (mild cognitive impairment, dementia), or the disease burdens and risk factors associated with abnormal cognitive and brain aging.

Depression: Less-Educated Men More Prone To Stigma ( BioMed 22-Apr-08 )

Personal stigma associated with depression is higher among men and the less well educated, according to new research. The findings by the Australian team highlight the importance of developing programs to tackle the stigma associated with depression.

Multidisciplinary Approach To Mental Health Welcome ( ANF 22-Apr-08 )

The Australian Nursing Federation welcomed the Health Minister's announcements of an extra AU$15 million for multidisciplinary mental health education, and improved incentives to encourage mental health nurses to remain in the workforce.

High Anxiety? ( MNT 22-Apr-08 )

Right now, about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety disorder don't get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way to predict who will, and who won't, benefit from each anti anxiety prescription they write.

One Benefit Of Aging Is Happiness ( Uni of Chicago 21-Apr-08 )

Americans grow happier as they grow older, according to a University of Chicago study that is one of the most thorough examinations of happiness ever done in America.

Anticholinergic Drugs May Increase Cognitive Decline In Older People ( AAN 21-Apr-08 )

Anticholinergic drugs, such as medicines for stomach cramps, ulcers, motion sickness, and urinary incontinence, may cause older people to experience greater decline in their thinking skills than people not taking the drugs, according to new research.

Mental Health Improves With Just Twenty Active Minutes Per Week ( MNT 18-Apr-08 )

Performing as little as twenty minutes of any physical activity, including housework, per week is enough to boost mental health. Physical activity curtails the risk of a number of serious diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.

Elderly Epilepsy Patients Have Higher Risk Of Cognitive Decline ( WB 18-Apr-08 )

Male postnatal depression affects child behaviour ( Guardian 18-Apr-08 )

Postnatal depression in fathers can have long-term psychological effects on their children, a new study reveals.

Ethnic clothes mental health link ( BBC 18-Apr-08 )

Teenage girls from some minority communities who stick to their family customs have better mental health, researchers say.

Higher Healthcare Costs Among Patients With OCD Compared To Patients With Depression ( BME 17-Apr-08 )

BioMedEcon Health Economics and Outcomes Research has just delivered an oral presentation summarising the results of a pioneering study that compares healthcare costs of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to those of patients with depression.

How Big Is Your Brain? Its Size May Protect You From Memory Loss ( AAN 17-Apr-08 )

From autopsies, researchers have long known that some people die with sharp minds and perfect memories, but their brains riddled with the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease. New research shows that those people have a larger part of the brain called the hippocampus.

Cognition In Alzheimer's May Be Improved By Chinese Club Moss Extract ( WB 17-Apr-08 )

Existing evidence suggests that patients with Alzheimer's disease who have taken Huperzine A have improved general cognitive function, global clinical status, functional performance and reduced behavioural disturbance compared to patients taking placebos.

Alzheimer's Study Links Brain Size to Mental Decline ( MNT 17-Apr-08 )

Scientists in the US discovered that elderly people who had no mental decline had larger brains than Alzheimer's patients, even though their brain tissue showed signs normally associated with the disease.

Risk Of First Depression Episode Late In Life Revealed By Personality Study ( UMRC 16-Apr-08 )

Even after the age of 70, people prone to feelings of anxiety, worry, distress and insecurity face a risk for a first lifetime episode of clinically significant depression, according to a unique study.

Bill Of Rights For Families Living With Mental Illnesses ( 16-Apr-08 )

The children's mental health coalition has created a Bill of Rights for Children with Mental Health Disorders and their Families.

Depression And Alzheimer's ( NHS Choices 15-Apr-08 )

"Depression may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's", The Daily Telegraph says. The study found that those who developed the disease had more symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study.

The Connection Between Mitochondrial Disease And Autism ( UMDF 14-Apr-08 )

Recently published reports about the potential links between mitochondrial disorders and autism demonstrate the urgent need for more research into mitochondrial disease, a devastating and often fatal illness that has also been implicated in Alzheimer's Dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, heart disease and diabetes.

Arthritis Drug Success With Alzheimer's Prompts Calls For More Investment ( MNT 14-Apr-08 )

A private clinic in California, USA, appears to be getting dramatic reductions in dementia symptoms by injecting an arthritis drug called etanercept into the neck of Alzheimer's patients.

Social Integration Affects Mental Health In Unexpected Ways ( Norwegian Institute of Public Health 14-Apr-08 )

Social integration affects the mental health of non-Western male immigrants in a positive way. For women however, social integration gives an increased risk for mental problems according to a new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Cultivating Mental Health On The Farm ( BioMed Central 14-Apr-08 )

Time down on the farm with animals could provide therapeutic benefit for people with mental illness, according to researchers writing in the open access journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health. The results come from the first randomised controlled study of the benefits of farm animals, as opposed to domestic pets.

Young Macho Men With Serious Injuries Often Abuse Alcohol ( University of Missouri-Columbia 14-Apr-08 )

Men with serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, must deal with a range of emotions. If these men have strong traditional masculine ideas and abuse alcohol, it becomes even more difficult to help them heal and come to terms with their emotions and situations.

Abnormalities Found In Brain Of Recently Diagnosed Schizophrenics ( The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research 14-Apr-08 )

Patients recently diagnosed with schizophrenia have abnormalities in a specific part of the brain's white matter. The study suggests that brain signals passing through the temporal lobe may get "crossed" and lead to some of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Vigorous Housework Good For Your Mental Health ( MNT 14-Apr-08 )

If you clean your house vigorously for twenty minutes non-stop once a week, your anxiety, distress or depression may improve, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Progress Being Made On $1.05b Investment In Mental Health ( NSWHealth 10-Apr-08 )

Premier Morris Iemma said the NSW Government was delivering on its commitment to better mental health services with a new report showing a decline in hospital re-admission rates and better access to emergency care.

Antipsychotic Drug Found To Cause Changes In Metabolism Earlier Than Expected ( APS 10-Apr-08 )

Schizophrenia is a complex type of psychotic mental illness characterized by thoughts that are uncoupled from reality. Huge gains in the effective treatment of individuals with the disease began in the 1950s with the development of the first generation of antipsychotic drugs. The medications allowed physicians to treat the "positive" effects of the illness (delusions and hallucinations) and, to a lesser extent, the "negative" symptoms (apathy).

Cannabis Should Be A 'Class B' Drug ( Unite/MHNA 9-Apr-08 )

Any decision to keep cannabis as a class C drug was criticised as 'deeply regrettable' by Unite/Mental Health Nurses Association.

Release Of Forensic Patients In Hands Of Specialist Division ( NSWHealth 8-Apr-08 )

A specialist division of the Mental Health Review Tribunal will be established to oversee the release of forensic patients, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch announced today. Mr Lynch said the specialist division strengthened the role of victims of crime, allowing them to make submissions on key events and decisions.

New Study Suggests Clinical Benefits Of Risperdal(R) ConstaTM ( J-C 8-Apr-08 )

Patients with psychosis treated early on in the course of their illness with Risperdal® ConstaTM (risperidone long-acting injection), demonstrated high response and remission rates with low relapse rates according to a preliminary study published in the April edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

New Technologies Help Determine Whether Cognitive Impairment Will Lead To Alzheimer's ( HMHL 7-Apr-08 )

With nearly 10 million baby boomers at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, researchers are taking a closer look at a condition known as mild cognitive impairment. This is a state between the normal forgetfulness that comes with aging and the more pronounced thinking deficits of dementia.

Antipsychotics And Alzheimer's ( NHSChoices 7-Apr-08 )

"Medication 'worsens Alzheimer's'" reads the headline on the BBC News website. The BBC reports that a study in 165 people with Alzheimer's has found that antipsychotics "offered no long-term benefit for most patients with mild symptoms of disturbed behaviour". It says that about 60% of people with Alzheimer's in nursing homes are given antipsychotics to control problem behaviours, such as aggression.

Link Between Insomnia And Depression In Young Adults ( APSS 3-Apr-08 )

A study published in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP confirms the persistent nature of insomnia and the increased risk of subsequent depression among individuals with insomnia.

Transference More Pronounced When We Are Tired ( APS 3-Apr-08 )

Sigmund Freud hailed the phenomenon of transference as fundamental to the process of dynamic psychotherapy. Freud depicted transference as a false connection between patient's memories of a past relationship and the therapeutic context. He noted it as an integral part in the psychoanalytic cure. New theories present a very different interpretation of transference. In that, it transcends the therapeutic context and constitutes part and parcel of everyday social perception.

Extent Of Public Paranoia Revealed By Virtual Reality Underground Ride ( WT 3-Apr-08 )

A virtual reality Underground ride has been used by researchers to reveal the extent that paranoia occurs in the general public. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, demonstrates that suspicious or paranoid thoughts are much more common in the general population than was previously thought and that they are almost as common as anxiety and depression.

Genetic Errors And Schizophrenia Linked ( UW 3-Apr-08 )

A team of researchers at the University of Washington and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories has uncovered genetic errors that may shed light on the causes of schizophrenia. The scientists found that deletions and duplications of DNA are more common in people with the mental disorder, and that many of those errors occur in genes related to brain development and neurological function.

For People with Schizophrenia, New Antipsychotic Drugs Are Not Better Than Old Ones ( MNT 3-Apr-08 )

Research reported in The Lancet finds that when treating a first episode of schizophrenia, second-generation antipsychotic drugs are not necessarily better than the first-generation drug haloperidol. Second-generation drugs were introduced over ten years ago. Compared to first-generation drugs, they were designed to be more effective and cause fewer motor side-effects such as stiffness and tremors. However, there is no conclusive evidence to show that this claim about second-generation drugs is true.

Federal Government Responds To Psycho-geriatric Patients ( DoHA 2-Apr-08 )

The Minister for Ageing, Minister Justine Elliot, said there had been a number of recent incidents that raised the appropriate care for people with significant psycho-geriatric illness. Currently more than 75 per cent of people living in aged care homes have some form of dementia or some other form of cognitive impairment. A small minority can behave aggressively or inappropriately towards other residents or staff.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Associated With More, Longer Hospitalizations ( BU 2-Apr-08 )

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) have found post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with more hospitalizations, longer hospitalizations and greater mental healthcare utilization in urban primary care patients.

Famous Bipolar People Contest Raises Awareness, Encourages Research ( BPL 1-Apr-08 )

Famous bipolar people include some of the world's foremost musicians, actors, writers, composers and scientists. A new contest launched on YouTube uses the current interest in bipolar celebrities to raise awareness about bipolar disorder.

Students Go It Alone Under Uni Stress ( UQ 1-Apr-08 )

Some university students are drowning in psychological distress and many are not seeking specialist help as new research shows the student life is not as carefree as it might appear.

Agoraphobia Is A Disease ( P & P 1-Apr-08 )

A landmark epidemiological study has been published in the third 2008 issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics by H.U. Wittchen and collaborators at the University of Dresden.

Mind Awards 2008: Book Of The Year Shortlist Announced ( MIND 1-Apr-08 )

Today mental health charity Mind announces the shortlist for its annual Book of the Year Award. The award, now in its 27th year, celebrates writing that contributes to a greater understanding of mental health issues in all their forms.

Discovery Of Role Of Rare Gene Mutations In Schizophrenia ( CSHL 1-Apr-08 )

Using an important new method that can be applied in the study of other psychiatric illnesses, scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Washington (UW) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), have identified multiple, individually rare gene mutations in people with schizophrenia that may help explain how that devastating illness is caused.

Cognitive 'Rigidity' In Compulsive Gamblers ( BMC 1-Apr-08 )

Gambling addicts don't learn from their mistakes, according to a study published in the open access journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health. The problem could be explained by a kind of mental rigidity that leads to harmful compulsive behaviour in sufferers.

Can Physical Symptoms In Depression Be A Consequence Of Low Energy Production Rates? ( P & P 31-Mar-08 )

A report in the March issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics introduces a new hypothesis on the mechanisms of physical symptoms in depression: energy production rates toward the lower end of the spectrum may predispose the individuals to develop depression and physical symptoms.

Third Annual Mental Health Festival Day at Manly will be held on 30th March 2008 ( MCC 29-Mar-08 )

Third Annual Mental Health Festival Day at Manly will be held on 30th March, 2008, a festival of wellness with entertainment, fun, social inclusions and information.

Treating SSRI Resistant Depression ( Elsevier 29-Mar-08 )

When your antidepressant medication does not work, should you switch to a different medication from the same class or should you try an antidepressant medication that has a different mechanism of action? This is the question asked by researchers in a new report scheduled for publication in Biological Psychiatry on April 1st.

Tenders Called For 24-hour Mental Health Line ( NSWHealth 27-Mar-08 )

A new 24-hour Mental Health access line to provide instant assessment and referral services will be established by the NSW Government. Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch said the State-wide line would be staffed by mental health professionals. Mr Lynch said it was expected to be available to rural communities in late 2008. The line would then be rolled out across the State within the next 12 months.

The Increasing Use Of Antidepressants: Some Reasons For Concern ( P & P 25-Mar-08 )

Two articles in the March issue of the European Journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics raise serious concern about the increasing use of antidepressant medications. In the first article, David Healy and collaborators (University of Cardiff) formulate a critique of many studies which try to support the use of antidepressants on the basis of variations in suicide rates.

Does Writing Help Overcoming Traumatic Stress? ( P & P 25-Mar-08 )

A randomized controlled trial performed by researchers of the University of Amsterdam evaluates writing therapy in posttraumatic stress disorder in the March issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

Can Psychotherapy Reverse Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? ( P & P 25-Mar-08 )

A randomized controlled trial by Lyon investigators discloses the difficulties in treating chronic posttraumatic stress disorder with psychotherapy in the March issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

Australian Psychological Society Supports Medicare Review ( APS 25-Mar-08 )

The Government's intention to review Medicare expenditure on mental health was today welcomed by Australian psychologists.

Hope And Help For People Who Experience Claustrophobia ( WP 21-Mar-08 )

Author Andrea Perry, an integrative psychotherapist, developed full-blown claustrophobia after a distressing incident on a train going through the Channel Tunnel. "Despite knowing intellectually and professionally that avoidance wouldn't help", she says, "the overwhelming sense of dread I experienced subsequently made using lifts, tunnels, the underground, even revolving doors practically impossible. The anxiety was highly debilitating".

NCD Says Let People With Psychiatric Disabilities Become Part Of The American Dream ( NCD 21-Mar-08 )

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a paper entitled Inclusive Livable Communities for People with Psychiatric Disabilities, calling on Congress and the Administration to fully include and integrate people with psychiatric disabilities into America's livable communities. Let people with psychiatric disabilities become part of the American dream.

Regulating Negative Emotions And The Impact On Brain Activity ( Elsevier 21-Mar-08 )

Emotions play an important role in the lives of humans, and influence our behavior, thoughts, decisions, and interactions. The ability to regulate emotions is essential to both mental and physical well-being.

Pine Bark Improves Memory In Elderly ( MWW 21-Mar-08 )

New research accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, demonstrates Pycnogenol, (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improves the memory of senior citizens.

Is The Brain Damaged By Stress? ( Elsevier 20-Mar-08 )

Individuals who experience military combat obviously endure extreme stress, and this exposure leaves many diagnosed with the psychiatric condition of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD is associated with several abnormalities in brain structure and function.

Symptoms Of Depression In Children Are Different From Those In Adults ( DAI 19-Mar-08 )

Depression is not always manifested in children as dejection and anhedonia. Depending on the age of the child, the dominant features may be weeping, irritability or defiance, as explained by Prof. Claudia Mehler-Wex and Dr. Michael Kolch of Ulm University in the new edition of Deutsches Arzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int 2008; 105(9): 149-55).

Second Chance Act Improves Mental Health Services For US Prisoners ( APA 18-Mar-08 )

The American Psychiatric Association applauds recent Congressional efforts led by Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., to improve treatment for the large number of people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders who are currently incarcerated in U.S. jails and prisons.

Top Employers Show Investing In Health And Well-Being Leads To Business Success ( APA 18-Mar-08 )

Feeling overworked, underpaid, worried about job security and making ends meet, three-fourths of Americans say they are stressed about work and money. But workplaces that invest in the well-being of employees reap rewards for employer and employees alike, including benefits such as reduced stress, lower employee turnover and enhanced organizational performance.

The Yin And Yang Of Genes For Mood Disorders ( MP 17-Mar-08 )

Individual genes do not cause depression, but they are thought to increase the probability of an individual having a depression in the face of other accumulating risk factors, such as other genes and environmental stressors.

A First, Treats OCD Patients And Their Partners ( UNC 17-Mar-08 )

Most people occasionally worry about germs, strange noises in the night, or whether they forgot to turn off the oven before leaving on vacation. But for as many as 5 million Americans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such anxieties are constant and can almost literally take over their lives.

Long-Acting Injections Reduce Hospital Admissions ( JCL 14-Mar-08 )

A new UK study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology shows that the number of hospital admissions for people diagnosed with schizophrenia is significantly reduced following the initiation of treatment with risperidone long-acting injections (risperidone LAI)1. The study investigators concluded the results are significant since re-admission to hospitals is a strong indicator for relapse in people suffering from the disease1.

TSA Celebrates The House Passage Of LONG-AWAITEDMental Health Parity Legislation ( TSA 14-Mar-08 )

The national Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. (TSA), is hailing last night's vote in the United States House of Representatives approving The Mental Health Parity Act by a vote of 268-148. Also known as The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424), the Mental Health Parity Act would provide mental health coverage as part of health insurance packages equal to the coverage in the plans for physical illnesses.

Child And Adolescent Psychiatrists Applaud Landmark Mental Health Parity Bill ( AACAP 14-Mar-08 )

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) commends the 110th Congress for passing "The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act" (H.R.1424). Introduced by Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN), the bill will secure greater access to mental health and addiction treatment by prohibiting health insurers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment.

Robot Psychologist: A New Era In Mental Health Services With MindMentor ( MM 14-Mar-08 )

Two clinical psychologists associated with the Institute for Eclectic Psychology in Holland, Jaap Hollander and Jeffrey Wijnberg, have developed the first robot psychologist, named "MindMentor." MindMentor is an online computer program that helps people solve problems and achieve goals. It has the unique quality, as compared with other on line psychological help systems, of requiring no live human intervention and being completely automated.

Researchers May Have Found Test For Depression ( UIC 13-Mar-08 )

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine have discovered that a change in the location of a protein in the brain could serve as a biomarker for depression, allowing a simple, rapid, laboratory test to identify patients with depression and to determine whether a particular antidepressant therapy will provide a successful response.

New Clues For Uncovering The Mysteries Of Mental Illness ( CAMH 13-Mar-08 )

Scientists have discovered epigenetic changes (i.e. chemical changes to a gene that do not alter the DNA sequence) in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This is the first epigenome-wide investigation in psychiatric research, and this groundbreaking data may be a significant step on the journey to fully understanding major psychosis.

First Evidence That Acute Stress Impacts Brain-Cell Communication Involved With Memory Formation ( UCI 13-Mar-08 )

Short-term stress lasting as little as a few hours can i