Mental Health in the Headlines: Week of September 28, 2009
Mental Health in the Headlines offers summaries of the latest news and views in the mental health field. Coverage of news items in this publication does not represent Mental Health America's support for or opposition to the stories summarized or the views they express.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Seventy-five percent of cases of pediatric bipolar disorder are diagnosed late...more
*HEALTH REFORM UPDATE
Senate Finance Bill May Only Serve As Rough Draft
As the Senate Finance Committee resumes work this week on its version of a health reform proposal, it is likely to serve only as a rough draft that will be rewritten once it goes to the Senate floor. Some of the areas that will be strongly debated include whether to create a government-sponsored insurance option and how to fund coverage. Nevertheless, administration officials are heartened by the progress on the legislation. (The Washington Post, 9/26/09)
Parity Amendment Included in Finance Committee Bill
An amendment to the Senate Finance health reform bill requires health insurance plans in the small-group and non-group market to adhere to mental health parity provisions passed by Congress last year. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) along with Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), makes clear that the legislation bars health plans from placing any limits or restrictions on addiction and mental-health coverage that do not apply to any other type of healthcare services. (MHH Reporting, 9/28/09)
Dutch System Seen as Model for U.S.
Some are pointing to the health care system in the Netherlands as a model for the U.S. That system is run by private insurance companies; some are for-profit, others are not-for-profit. However, health insurers are regulated much more closely to prevent them from cherry-picking the healthiest customers and individuals are required to have insurance. (The New Republic, 10/07/09)
*TODAY’S NEWS
Government Sues Company For Firing Individual With Mental Illness
The federal government is suing a company for discrimination against an employee with a mental health condition. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges that Smith International Truck Center of North Carolina relied upon "myths, fears and stereotypes about mental impairments" when it unlawfully terminated an employee who took leave for a mental health problem. The employee had taken one week off from work to obtain medical treatment and have medication adjusted for a mental health condition. He was fired shortly after returning to work with no restrictions. EEOC charged the firing violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and relied on a false stereotype to dismiss the individual. EEOC says discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions is a pervasive problem. (The National Law Journal, 9/23/09)
Mental Health Advocate Wins MacArthur “Genius” Award
Elyn Saks, a law professor and mental health advocate, was one of 24 individuals who were awarded “genius” grats from the MacArthur Foundation last week. The awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping a better future for all. Saks suffered from schizophrenia all her life, but kept it hidden while achieving academic excellence. Her 2007 memoir, "The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness," describes her struggle with her condition and the often-inhumane treatment she had received at mental health facilities. (The Los Angeles Times, 9/22/09)
Latest Research
Pediatric Bipolar Diagnosed Late: Seventy-five percent of cases of pediatric bipolar disorder are diagnosed late, according to a new study. The study, conducted in Spain, found that only about 25 percent of children with bipolar disorder were diagnosed within 7 months of symptom onset. For another 50 percent, it took a year and a half to about three-and-a-half years to be diagnosed correctly. The final 25% took even longer, according the study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology at the University Hospital of Navarra in Spain. Almost all of the children in the study had multiple disorders; the most common comorbid illness was ADHD. (Sciencedaily, 9/23/09)
Group Therapy Benefits Homeless Vets Who Have Abused Partners: Group therapy can benefit homeless veterans who have admitted taking physical or emotional abuse against their partners, a new study finds. Researchers examined the cases of 130 homeless veterans who had admitted to committing either emotional or physical abuse against their partners. The group treatment involved a 13-week psycho-educational program, with sessions led by a master level social worker. The researchers say the support led to dramatic results in curbing domestic violence among homeless veterans. The average 9.5 score in reporting abuse before treatment dropped to an average score of 4 after group treatment, with the most drastic drops reported in physical abuse. (Sciencedaily, 9/25/09)
Spanking May Lower Kids’ IQ: Being spanked as a child is linked to having a lower IQ, according to a new study. Researchers reviewed data on IQ scores from 806 children between 2 and 4 years old and another 704 kids aged 5 to 9. When their IQs were tested again four years later, children in the younger group who were not spanked scored five points higher, on average, than did children who had been spanked. In the group of older children, spanking resulted in an average loss of 2.8 points. "How often parents spanked made a difference," said lead researcher Murray Straus, a professor of sociology and co-director of the Family Research Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire. “The more spanking, the slower the development of the child's mental ability. But even small amounts of spanking made a difference." (The Los Angeles Times, 9/24/09)
HEADLINES at Mental Health America
Mental Health America Pushes for Strong Parity Regulations: Mental Health America, along with other organizations, worked to win signatures by U.S. Representatives on a letter in support of strong parity regulations.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MentalHealthAm
Become a Fan of Mental Health America on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthamerica
*Mental Health America MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Researchers are trying to determine why Utahns report being both the happiest and most depressed people in America. A study in 2007 by Mental Health America, using federal data from 2002-2006, showed Utah was the most depressed state in the nation. Deseret News, “Study aims to identify Utahns' ups, downs,” September 23, 2009
The sentencing of juveniles to life without parole is inconsistent with any purpose which ordinarily guides sentencing, writes David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America, in a guest column. Latina Lista, “Mental health professionals join campaign to stop sentencing juveniles to Life Without Parole,” September 25, 2009
Stay Up to Date With More News, Views and Tools
- Survey reveals obstacles to health care for people who have schizophrenia
- New report reveals link between states’ depression status and access to treatment
- Join Mental Health America’s Advocacy Network
- Check out previous issues of Mental Health in the Headlines
Mental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by Mental Health America. Mental Health America's Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Steve Vetzner, senior director, Media Relation.
To subscribe to Mental Health in the Headlines, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/action/subscribe.
To find out more about the Mental Health America, including how to make a tax-deductible contribution to help support Mental Health in the Headlines and the association's other educational activities, visit http://mentalhealthamerica.net/ or call 800-969-6MHA (6642).
For comments and suggestions, send an e-mail to Mental Health America at postmaster@mentalhealthamerica.net.
