Mental Health in the Headlines: Week of March 30, 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?
A thinning of the brain’s right cortex might be associated with a higher risk of depression…more
*TODAY’S NEWS
Major Players Reaching Consensus on Health Care Overhaul
Recent action on Capitol Hill and by major health care reform players suggests that an overhaul of the system is possible this year. But major differences remain over how to pay for expanded coverage and whether a new government-sponsored program should be offered to people who have trouble buying private insurance. A coalition of groups released a report last week endorsing changes that could cut in half the number of uninsured Americans. Known as the Health Reform Dialogue, the group calls for creating an "individual mandate" that would require every American to have some type of health coverage. Anyone who cannot afford insurance would be eligible for subsidies or expanded government programs such as Medicaid. (The Washington Post, 3/28/09)
Health Insurers Offer to Stop Charging Sick People More
The health insurance industry said last week it was willing to stop charging sick people more if Congress passed a health reform plan that covered all Americans. The new stance could make it easier to reach a health reform agreement. But the industry remains opposed to the creation of a government-run insurance plan, which would compete directly with private insurers. (The New York Times, 3/25/09)
Panel Recommends Screening of Teens for Depression
A government-appointed panel is recommending that doctors routinely screen all American teenagers for depression. The benefits of screening kids 12 to 18 years old outweigh any risks if doctors can assure an accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, says the independent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The panel sets guidelines for doctors on a wide array of health issues. It said evidence shows that detailed but simple questionnaires can accurately diagnose depression in primary care settings such as a pediatrician’s office. (Associated Press, 3/30/09)
Senator Calls For Reform of Prison System
Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) has introduced legislation to create a panel whose charter would be recommending concrete recommendations to reform the U.S. prison system. Calling the current system a disgrace, he noted that the U.S. has five percent of the population but 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. The panel would look at how to improve responses to gang violence, overhaul drug criminalization, improve mental illness treatment, improve prison administration and establish a system to reintegrate prisoners into society. (AFP, 3/26/09)
Latest Research
Health Worse for Older African American Women Exposed to Violence: Older African American women exposed to high levels of family violence feel physically and mentally worse than their peers who have experienced less violence in their lives, according to a study in the Journal of Women's Health. "There's a definite link between being exposed to different types of violence in the home as an adult and worse health status," Dr. Anuradha Paranjape of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, who led the study. But while these women perceived their mental and physical health as being worse, they actually had the same number of health problems as women exposed to less violence, Paranjape noted. (Reuters, 3/25/09)
Sleep Problems Common in Children with ADHD: Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are not receiving medication often have sleep disturbances characterized by difficulty falling asleep and short duration of sleep and of REM sleep, Canadian investigators have found. "Clinicians have reported sleep problems in an estimated 25 to 50 percent of children with ADHD, and treatment of sleep problems has been shown to improve behavior and decrease the need for stimulant medication in children with ADHD," said lead author Dr. Reut Gruber at McGill University. (Reuters, 3/26/09)
Study Links Depression to Thinning of Brain’s Cortex: A thinning of the brain’s right cortex, the outermost surface, might be associated with a higher risk of depression, researchers say. Scientists, who reported their findings in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, conducted brain imaging of 131 people, aged 6 to 54, including those who did and did not have a family history of depression. Brain scans revealed that those with depression in their family history had a 28 percent thinning of the right cortex, the brain's outermost surface. No thinning was seen in those with no family history of the disorder. (The New York Times, 3/25/09)
*Mental Health America MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Mental Health America supports the mental health courts program in Genesee County, MI, but with reservations. The group is concerned that mental health courts divert money away from Community Mental Health organizations into the courts. There also is worry that the court programs criminalize the mentally ill, who typically are required to plead guilty to a crime in order to enroll in the program, said David Shern, chief executive officer of the group. Shern said inadequate treatment, such as sending someone through the criminal justice system, ends up costing taxpayers more money. "We end up wasting enormous amounts of money by getting people involved in the criminal justice system where they really don't belong," he said. Flint Journal, “Mental health courts like those in Genesee County draw some criticism, debate over savings,” March 28, 2009
Mental Health America says the death of a loved one is always difficult, but when it results from a war or a disaster, it can be even more troubling given the sudden and potentially violent nature of the event. Denial, disbelief, confusion, despair and guilt are some of the wide range of emotions that are often experienced. But the organization says grief can often extend beyond the aforementioned and transform itself into other ailments such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances or loss of energy. "Of all life's stresses, mourning can seriously test your natural defense systems," notes Mental Health America. "Existing illnesses can worsen or new conditions may develop. Profound emotional reactions can include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide."
The Daily Gleaner (Canada), “Like a Family, We Mourn the Loss of Our Canadian Soldiers,” March 25, 2009
Stay Up to Date With More News, Views and Tools
- Register Today for Mental Health America’s Centennial Conference, June 10-13, 2009 in Washington, D.C. For information about speakers, the agenda and how to register, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference
- Mental Health America’s 2009 Media Awards to honor excellence in reporting of mental health issues
- Survey reveals obstacles to health care for people who have schizophrenia
- New report reveals link between states’ depression status and access to treatment
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Mental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by Mental Health America. Mental Health America's Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Steve Vetzner, senior director, Media Relation and Sarah Jones, communications coordinator.
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