NAMI route to address mental illness issues

A local organization will offer a course for families big business with mental illness. The Houston Chapter of NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, is offering a free 12-week program to families who are coping with mental illness.

The classes, facilitated by trained volunteers, will combine scientific information and emotional support for those struggling to care for loved ones suffering from mental illnesses. According to the press release, topics roofed during the 12-week course include the symptoms and behavior of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD and borderline personality disorder.

Quit smoking is good for mental health

Although many people believe that smoking can help to relieve pressure and depression, new studies have shown the opposite in that it can have a harmful effect on mental health. With more and more people looking to quit smoking in the New Year, Ash Wales have claimed that this US based research serves to suggest that are health benefits with stopping smoking that we hadn’t previously been aware of. The chief executive of Ash Wales, said: “This new research suggests that giving up smoking actually relieves symptoms of depression and pours cold water on the claim that smoking eases nervousness and depression”

“We already know that quitting smoking results in considerable health benefits, but this study suggests there are also mental health benefits as well.”“There has never been a better time to quit smoking. Smoking kills around 5,650 people in Wales every year and it is the single most unnecessary cause of premature death. “Smoking is an addiction and I know how hard it can be for some people to give up, but there is help and support available from Stop Smoking Wales so you don’t have to go it alone. ”Essentially, the research conducted in Boston shows a clear link between smoking and mood height.

Mental health risk elevated among pregnant war veterans

The risk of mental health issues is higher among pregnant women who earlier served in war. This is according to recent research published in the Journal of Women's Health, which looked at veterans from the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. They discovered that the chances of mental health problems including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and concern are higher among the veterans than their civilian peers.

Susan Kornstein, executive director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, commented: "With the increased number of women helping in the military it is important that we understand their unique health issues such as mental health problems during pregnancy."The authors reviewed the records of more than 43,000 female veterans who completed their military service in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2001 and 2008.The team, from the Yale School of Medicine, wished-for that the risk of mental health issues was increased by pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes happening in the woman's body

Youth fake mental health issues

Youth are faking serious conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and self-harming in an attempt to look cool and copy celebrity sufferers. The teens said stars such as Kerry Katona and Britney Spears, who have spoken about their problems, have been an influence. An alarming 34% admitted lying about having a mental illness in the past, according to online treatment service mentaline.com.

The website’s founder Jesper Buch said: “It’s shocking that so many young people think mental health problems are trendy. “It’s a very sensitive topic, so to see that many teenagers are blasé about the whole thing isn’t good at all. “Many young people are too quick to say ‘I’m depressed’ or try to gain attention by pretending to have some kind of personal issue. Your teenage years should be spent enjoying life, not persuasive people that you have issues that should be taken extremely seriously.”

Animal Signs of Mental Illness

Animal unkindness investigators say they are seeing an increasing number of cases of people who collect pets as objects. It’s known as "animal hoarding" and experts say it is tied to mental illness.

Over the weekend, investigators seized 150 dogs, cats, chickens and horses from a home in Riga. The animals were thin and living in filth. Mental health experts say in many cases, the person collecting pets lives in the same squalid conditions. They also said simply removing the pets is not sufficient to change the behavior.

Compeer Helps Persons With Mental Illness

The winter holidays can be a hectic time for people as they anxiously try to find the perfect gift and decorate their homes. For those recovering from mental illness, this cheerful season can be especially stressful. That's why Compeer of Family Services of Chemung County matches caring adult volunteers with someone of the same gender who is improving from mental illness in one-on-one friendship. Adults referred to Compeer are often alone and without the fundamental support of family and friends, which are a crucial component of mental health recovery.

Mental illness has been called the "loneliest illness," and Compeer believes that volunteers can provide the comfort and inspiration needed to help people in mental health recovery lead happy, productive lives. From talking over mugs of hot chocolate to watching a favorite holiday movie, the relationship between a volunteer and his or her friend is an unbelievable way to bring goodness into the hearts of two people at once. Friendship is a powerful medicine, and research shows that volunteering helps reduce pressure.

Kennedy to undertake mental health issues

Patrick J. Kennedy, leaving Congress after eight conditions representing Rhode Island, says he wants to launch "The Next Frontier" in mental health treatment. Kennedy, who chose not to run for re-election in 2010, admits to some doubt about what lies ahead for a man raised in the nation's most celebrated political family, The Providence (R.I.) Journal reported Sunday.

He says he will take a public role on his signature subject of mental health, influence a national effort on treatment and understanding in the same way his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, once called for a national goal of putting men on the moon as part of his "New Frontier." One main goal, he says, is the need to treat neurologically damaged war veterans, whether suffering from battle-related post-shocking stress or from the physical brain injuries affecting the survivors of roadside bombings.

Mental health targets 'help get better care'

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Edinburgh welcomes the Scottish Government's decision to introduce waiting times goals for a range of conditions, saying it would end the "postcode lottery" for care. However, the organisation said there was possible for other, less common psychological conditions to be included.

Adding mental conditions to the list of health improvement, competence, access and treatment targets - which include the likes of cancer and A&E wards - would also make health boards more accountable for the punctual treatment of mental health, the organisation said. Its lead adviser for Scotland, Shane Buckeridge, said: "It is estimated that at any one time there are some 850,000 Scottish people with mental health problems and until now it has been a postcode draw in terms of what is available, leading to a huge disparity in service provision across Scotland."The new targets will hopefully ensure that all patients have access to the services they need in a timely method.

Mental health disaster training a smart move

More law officers should be trained in how to recognize and deal with the mentally ill based on the knowledge one assistant took home from the training. Members of the National Alliance for Mental Illness’ Four Seasons Chapter and other mental health care providers met in February with local law officers to advocate for local officers to be trained. The training gives officers an overview of different types of mental illness they may encounter — from schizophrenia to age-related dementia to post-shocking stress disorder — as well as medications patients may be taking.

It also includes meeting people with mental illness, a tour of local mental health care providers and role-playing situations. Officers deal every day with people going through mental health crises that can include being off medications, matter abuse and family problems. That’s why it is so important that officers get this training.“We walked through all types of mental illness and medications. We were taught the triggers that may cause some patients to become aggressive.”

Joblessness Increases Chances Of Suicide

A new study released by the material Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), almost 20% of American adults in the United States have experienced mental illness over the past year. This translates to over 45 million people. The worst part is though is if you’re unemployed, you’re more likely to be among those people. According to the study, which looks at data from last year, unemployment can make one more likely to experience from several different mental health conditions.

County joins mental health services proceedings

Napa will be joining dozens of California counties asking for legal direction on how to provide mental health services that saw their support slashed by the governor’s line-item veto last October. Beginning in 1984, California state law required counties to provide mental health services to special-needs children who qualify for such backing.

In October, Gov. Schwarzenegger declared the authorization for such mental health services was suspended after using his line-item-veto authority to cut the $133 million used to fund the programs from the state’s budget. In Napa County, slightly more than 100 children receive services under the now-uncertain law. Such services were expected to cost the county $450,000 for the 2010-11 fiscal year, and county officials say the state currently owes Napa County about $4 million for previous reimbursements that were never established.

Malmö cannon may suffer from mental illness

Separately, Mangs, 38, will undergo a major psychiatric assessment, the National Board of Forensic Medicine (Rättsmedicinalverket) said in a statement on Monday. Mangs is suspected of suffering from mental illness, the body wrote in a statement after a so-called paragraph seven examination. Accordingly, the agency has recommended a more comprehensive psychiatric examination to determine whether Mangs should be sentenced to psychiatric care or custody if he is convicted.

In addition to one murder and five attempted murders, for which he is in custody as a suspect with probable cause, Mangs has also been informed of his doubt in two additional attempted murders. The criminal investigation currently under way is also looking at a number of other shootings going further back in time. Chief prosecutor Solveig Wollstad confirmed to news agency TT last week that police are investigating possible links to a number of shootings in Malmö, but she did not go into further detail."The man will remain in custody until December 21st. Only then will there be a decision on whether he shall be charged for additional doubts," she said. Wollstad added that she probable that the investigation will not be completed before the end of the year.

New mental health part to be built

Hundreds of jobs are to be created with the construction of a new mental health facility. The building of the confidential 200-bed care unit in Whitehall, north Dublin, will create 300 jobs immediately. It will take 18 months to complete and will then employ a further 150 people when finished. Health Minister Mary Harney said the scheme will help meet the future needs of older people and those with mental health problems."When this project is complete the quality of the services provided will have a real impact on the lives of populace," Ms Harney said.

"I am familiar with many of the facilities in the Highfield Hospital Group and am confident that the strong commitment to the stipulation of quality person centred services which the Eustace family promote will be continued in this new unit in Whitehall."The 37 million euro facility will be located next to the site of the existing hospital on the Swords Road and Highfield Hospital and Alzheimer Centre will continue to operate during the construction stage. The two-floor new building will have a mix of 100 mental health beds and 90 nursing home beds. There will also be a 10 bed unit built to provide acute psychiatric care for both the mature and older population.

Youth Wants More Admittance to Mental Health Services

The forum was participated by young people aged 15-25. They demanded more access to youth mental health services and spread of more awareness to eliminate the disgrace associated with mental health problems. There was discussion on topics including suicide prevention and psychologist waiting lists. One of the participants from Sydney uttered that he was never aware of what mental disorders were till the time his father got affected with depression and eventually committed suicide. He himself developed depression later on; while, his school had a support network, but they were not well-informed about the mental health problems.

“The main concerns he heard from the participants were negative perceptions of mental illness and a lack of education in schools”, said Mr. Butler. He added that young people were more anxious about stigma associated with mental health problems that they had to face in schools. At the forum, the young children expressed that the mental health needed to be a part of the school curriculum. Experts advise that three-fourth of mental illness commences before the age of 25 and just one in four such young people have access to mental health services.

Researchers Review Gay Youths' Mental Health

One third of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth have attempted suicide in their lifetime, but most of them are mentally strong, new U.S. research suggests. A team at the University of Illinois at Chicago conducted psychiatric interviews with 246 ethnically diverse LGBT youth, aged 16-20, to tax them for major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conduct disorder and suicide attempts.

About 70 percent of the youth met no criteria for any mental disorders, but 15 percent met criteria for major despair and nearly 10 percent met criteria for PTSD. The study found that one-third of the youths had made a suicide attempt at some point in their life, and 6 percent had made a suicide attempt in the last year. The occurrence of mental disorders among LGBT youth was higher than that in the general population, but comparable to that of urban and alternative youth, the researchers noted."One of the most important findings from our work is that most of these [LGBT] youth are doing very well and are not experiencing mental health problems,

Mental Health Care Funding needs to be improved

Mental health care in Australia was yet again put under the scanner, with the Australian of the Year, Prof. Patrick McGorry calling for an increase in funding for mental health care. The advice made by McGorry was during a mental health summit being held by the Queensland Government.

While asking for an increase in the federal budget for mental health care, Professor McGorry said that rites for mental health in Australia were currently at $5-billion, and that they needed to be trebled to $15-billion. He also announced that the numbers of wounded because of mental disorders were 2,500 in the country and that an Australian killed them self every three to four hours.
The comments made by Professor McGorry have come after a Briton awaiting exile at a detention centre had died of a suspected suicide in his quarters. Prior to the Englishman, another prisoner awaiting deportation had died in the previous month at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney.

Talking about the increased incidences of people waiting to be deported killing themselves, Professor McGorry said that people seeking protection in Australia were already under enough mental pressure and the long wait of deportation further deteriorated their mental health, which resulted in them committing suicide.

Speak your Mind approximately the clock

mental health charity Mind in Taunton and West Somerset are now able to speak to someone 24 hours a day. Mindline, the charity’s confidential helpline, has teamed up with WAND helpline, Mindinfoline and the Taunton Samaritans. If callers are unable to get through to Mindline itself they are offered a menu option to button to another service. Mindline manager Andy Pritchard said: “We believe that it is important whatever the time of day or night you are calling you can speak to a real person.”

The Mindline Volunteers are fully taught and are people who have experienced mental distress themselves or have an understanding of what mental distress may mean for others. You do not have to say who you are and what you do say is completely secret. Mindline Somerset is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8pm and midnight, so if you call outside these hours or can’t get through you will be offered the menu option to switch to another service.

Mental health key to child defense

Better mental health services could reduce the number of Tasmanian children in the wellbeing system, according to the Mental Health Council. Council CEO Michelle Swallow has told a state parliamentary inquiry into child protection that a significant number of children in the system come from families affected by mental illness.

Ms Swallow says many of them experience depression, attachment nervousness and trauma."There has to be some strategies to allow people to say 'can somebody come and work with my family before it implodes'," Ms Swallow explained."I think supporting foster carers and providing them with ongoing training and appropriate payment is really important."

The mentally ill still face stigma

Glenn Close is right on when she speaks about the stigma of being diagnosed with a mental illness. The stigma so often linked with mental illness is a serious barrier to seeking help: Millions of individuals — children and adults — go without the critical services that can make a world of difference. The article is timely, as a recently released Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. Administration survey shows that nearly one in five mature Americans has experienced mental illness in the past year, but only 38 percent received help or treatment.

Additionally, 2 million young people, ages 12 to 17, had a major depressive episode. The Mental Health Association of Westchester County Inc. and other groups are devoted to working to overcome this stigma, so that no one who has an emotional problem feels alone, and no one goes without the help that they need. We encourage anyone who has ever been touched by a mental illness to join us. As Ms. Close says, we need to "get over the fear of saying it out loud, get free of the shame."

Officers receive mental health disaster training

Sussex County has by now received two hours of training on responding to a mental health crisis and understanding the cipher and symptoms of mental illness. This training is provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of New Jersey and includes a 25-minute video produced by the organization entitled “The Community I Serve.”

Municipal police officers were also given an hour of training about compulsion as a progressive and treatable illness. They learned about the progression of addiction, and were given resources to call upon for those affected and their families and loved ones.

Each officer was given a resource card with phone numbers of the many mental health and substance mistreatment services available in Sussex County. The officers have been asked to use the card as a source of referral information for families struggling to find help for their loved ones with mental illness and/or addictions.

The program has been brought to the county through the combined hard work of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s office, Newton Memorial Hospital’s Department of Psychiatric Emergency Services, the county Mental Health Advisory Board, the Sussex County Division of Community and Youth Services, Saint Clare’s Intensive Family Support Services and the Sussex County affiliate of NAMI.

Halle Berry raising awareness of mental illness

The actress plays Frankie Murdoch, a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder in Frankie & Alice. She is keen to make people face the problem of mental illness head on, explaining it is much more productive than people think. Halle has suffered from depression in the past, and says many don’t even understand what having that illness is like.“We should talk about it, I hope this movie incites people to talk about the issue,” she explained. “I see homeless people on the street and I think people think they’re just derelicts or drug addicts, but many of them really undergo with real mental issues.”

In the movie, one of Frankie’s personalities is racist although her being a black woman. That concept intrigued Halle greatly, and she is keen to see how the story is received by fans.“A black woman who splits off into a white racist, right there that’s got to be a story worth telling,” she explained to Pop Tarts. “I really wanted to understand how that could happen, why that would happen and I wanted to see her journey of how she healed herself because our character actually triumphs.”

Koch donates $2 million to research on bipolar disorders

University of Iowa graduate Roger L. Koch donated $2 million to research on bipolar disorders and support for the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, according to a UI press release. The donation, providing $1 million to each program, established the Roger L. Koch Mental Illness Research support and the Roger L. Koch Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Advancement Fund.

The research fund for bipolar disorders is prepared to explore brain morphology and physiologic position of the body and other influences on the onset of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Koch, of North Miami, Fla., received his bachelor's degree in general science in 1973 and chemical engineering in 1977. The donations were made from side to side the UI Foundation.

Police Ask For Help To Find lost Man

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department asked for help from the public to find a lost 31-year-old man. Nathan Howard left his home in the 10000 block of Cornell Avenue at about 11 p.m. Thursday.

Police said Howard suffers from mental illness and isn't currently delightful his medication. Howard is about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has light brown hair and greenish-blue eyes. Howard was last seen tiring blue jeans and a blue University of Michigan windbreaker.

NHS chart defines health variations across England

An Atlas showing variations of health expenses and outcomes across England has been published by the Department of Health. The Atlas containing amongst it, 34 maps, shows some clear variations between the 152 primary care trusts along with local authorities and strategic health authories.

Varied topics of the Atlas variety from mental health disorders to hip replacements across the country and have been mapped to show which PCTs, LAs and SHAs record the highest and lowest results. The publication states: "In the recent White Paper, justice and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, there is a commitment to increasing value from the resources allocated to the NHS. This requires us to address variations and reduce unnecessary variations in activity and expenditure."

Pillowcases Tell Stories Of Mental Illness

Art in any form is an expression, and expression on any canvas can be helpful. Through a program at the Fulton State Hospital, individuals dealing with mental illness use their pillowcases to express struggles that whirl in their minds. In the program, called "Pillows of Unrest," coordinators give patients a white pillowcase and sharpies and ask the patients to represent their struggle and improvement."If their pillows could talk, they would talk and they would tell their story of trouble," says Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer, Assistant Director of Social Services at the hospital.

"One that begins within but is often fed by an environment that lacks understanding."Reed-Lohmeyer says the program allows patients and the hospital to raise awareness in the community about mental illness."Pillows of Unrest is about educating the community; educating those persons so there is less stigma about mental illness," Reed-Lohmeyer says. The Pillows of Unrest display travels to different businesses around the area, in hopes of making the hospital's clients "real to people who can't meet our clients," Reed-Lohmeyer adds.

Ministers 'continuing to focus on mental health of armed forces organization'

Further steps are being taken by members of the coalition government to try and enhance the mental health services which are on offer to workers who operate within the nation's armed forces division. Recommendations which were included in Andrew Murrison MP's Fighting Fit report will continue to be developed through partnership work between the Department for Health, Ministry of Defence and Combat Stress, it has been exposed.

Simon Burns, health minister for the government, has highlighted one step which is being taken already to help armed forces staff. He stated: "Work is already underway on delivering a dedicated 24-hour support line for veterans, and we are working closely with Combat pressure and other service charities to ensure that veterans receive the care that they deserve."Andrew Robathan, the coalition's minister for defence personnel, welfare and veterans, recently confirmed that the UK's armed forces are among the world's best at the moment.

Mansfield Mental Health Court graduating

The Mansfield Municipal Mental Health Court will mark off seven in a ceremony at 11 a.m. Mansfield’s Mental Health Court started in 2004, the result of a teamwork among Mansfield Muni Court, The Center for Individual and Family Services, ichland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Richland County. It was the third of its kind in Ohio. It was developed to coordinate court supervision services with treatment providers to divert non-violent wrong offenders with severe mental illness from repeated encounters with law enforcement and the jails by increasing treatment compliance and access to services.

Services include medication, housing, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, education and employment. The project has required no additional backing from Mansfield or Richland County residents. The voluntary diversion program provides strong supervision of offenders involving home visits, curfew checks, drug and alcohol testing and increased communication with the treatment providers. The length of a participant’s involvement in the program is determined by their individual needs and growth and by community safety needs. The court has served over 300 participants; 69 have successfully completed the program.

School district gets mental health contribution

The State College Area School District was awarded about $374,000 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Grants for the addition of Schools and Mental Health Systems Program, administered by the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.

With help from the funds, the district will try to improve student access to mental health services. The district will be partnering with Penn State’s Psychology Clinic, Centre County Mental Health and Mental Retardation office, and Centre County audition and Parole office. The grant is for two years, from July 2010 through June 2012. Nationally, only 16 applicants established funds.

Gov't review: 1 in 5 adults suffered mental illness last year

The government says 1 in 5 American adults suffered from mental illness through the past year. Most didn't receive treatment. A survey being released Thursday by the Substance ill-treatment and Mental Health services.

Administration found that 45 million experienced some form of mental illness in 2009, from major depression to more serious problems such as suicide attempts. Fewer than 4 in 10 received treatment for their mental health condition. the review found a strong link between mental health problems and alcoholism and drug abuse. Mental illness was also more likely among the out of a job, young adults and women. Overall, more than 8 million had serious thoughts of suicide, and 1 million tried to carry them out.

Oestrogen connected to Mental Performance

Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine are reported to have linked the hormone estrogen with mental presentation. They have claimed that oestrogen making physically works in brain cells causing mental performance to boost. Oestrogen, an elixir for the brain causes the mental performance in humans and animals to increase. The team outlined that oestrogen boosts the number of synapses for the development of nerve cells in the brain thereby raising mental performance.

The link is witnessed to work as a treatment for brain disorders in humans like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Besides, the team is hailing to have discovered out the way to fetch all the benefits linked to oestrogen, escaping the risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke. It is reported that researchers have developed a special compound that poses similar effects as of oestrogen on cortical brain cells. Researchers found that the compound worked to activate the estrogen receptors on brain neurons causing a reaction attach inside the cells thereby boosting the number of dendritic spines on the neurons.

Man killed by Spokane police was spiritually ill

A man killed in a shootout with Spokane police last week had a history of mental illness and suicide attempts. The Spokesman-Review reports that a 2008 details from Eastern State Hospital found that Ethan A. Corporon saw drug-induced images of aliens, dreamed of killing himself with a shotgun and had deep mood swings that made him dangerous. The 29-year-old was killed after firing a shotgun at officers.

Improving Access To Hospital Services In Waterloo section

Ontario is expanding services at Grand River hospital to make certain that residents of Waterloo Region can get better access to the quality care they need, close to home. The province is providing $4,967,300 in additional operating money to help the hospital provide services in the space created through its recently-completed redevelopment project.

The money will help the hospital provide more services in the following areas: For the Patient Care Development and the Long Term Mental Health Project Grand River hospital is one of 32 newly-redeveloped hospitals across the region expanding services. Investing in front line health care is part of the province’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services and improve quality and responsibility for patients.

Man accused For Raping Young Girl

An Elk Point man accused of raping a child has been sentenced to hand round 30 years in prison. Union County State's Attorney Jerry Miller says 37-year-old Trent Hemmingsen was sentenced on charges of sexual contact with a child under 16 and first-degree rape. He'll be eligible for parole in about 20 years.

Hemmingsen initially pleaded at fault but mentally ill. Miller says the judge reserved accepting the plea until Hemmingsen completed a mental health evaluation. Hemmingsen later changed his plea to guilty based upon the results of the evaluation. Court documents show Hemmingsen raped the girl, who is younger than 10, in his home during the summers of 2008 and 2009. He was ordered to pay the girl's medical and analysis costs.

Appeal - Hospital escapee

Latvian-born 39-year-old Kiril Jakusevics went missing from the Gordon Hospital in Bloomberg Street, Westminster. He absconded from the grounds on 5 November. Westminster Magistrates' Court issued a warrant for his arrest yesterday (11 November) after he failed to appear at the court where he was owed to appear on doubt of a common assault against an elderly woman last month.

Mr Jakusevics is described as thin, six foot two inches tall, with shoulder-length 'shaggy' brown hair and brown eyes. He is known to sometimes wear glasses. He had been living as a homeless person, sleeping bumpy in various parts of London, earlier to being arrested and charged on suspicion of assaulting an 86-year-old woman in Luxbury Street, SW1, on 2 October. Following his arrest he was remanded in custody to appear at court the next day. On 14 October he was remanded on the condition that he resided at Gordon Hospital until his next court emergence. Westminster police have issued his photograph today, 12 November in an effort to suggestion him.

Glenn Close opens up on the subject of mental health

Hollywood actress Glenn Close will open up about her family's history with mental illness at a future meeting. The star, who is famous for films such as 101 Dalmatians and TV series such as Damages, will speak at the upcoming Neuroscience 2010 episode. Close's sister suffers from bipolar disorder and her nephew Calen has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

It is also thought she may touch on her own experiences with mental health issues, having admitted to suffering from mild depression in the past. The actress works with the contributions bringchange2mind.org which aims to remove the stigma from mental health disorders. She appears in a public service announcement for the charity, along with her sister Jessie. Neuroscience 2010 will take place in San Diego, US, between November 13th and 17th. Neuroscientists from around the world will be in attendance to discuss cutting-edge research into the brain and anxious system.

Man lost from mental health hospital

Police warned the public not to approach a man accused of assaulting an elderly woman after he disappeared from a mental health hospital in London. Latvian-born Kiril Jakusevics, 39, is wanted by police in Westminster, central London, after a magistrate issued a deserve for his arrest. He went missing from the Gordon Hospital in Bloomberg Street where had been held under the Mental Health Act.

Homeless Jakusevics failed to appear in court on Thursday where he is charged with assaulting an 86-year-old woman in Luxbury Street on October 2.Police warned that he behaves erratically and could be dangerous, influence anyone who sees him to dial 999 and not to approach him. Jakusevics was described as thin, 6ft 2ins tall, with shoulder-length hairy brown hair and brown eyes. He may be sleeping rough at railway stations.

Program for Mentally Ill spotlight of FBI Investigation

It is not just smaller organizations closure right now, In Mecklenberg County, North Carolina the county’s mental health department has detached its ties with a $6 million-a-year program called Open Door and it is dissolving. Open Door is currently under investigation by the FBI for a string of clear misdeeds.

One problem that surfaced was the use of residents’ social security money, which was supposed to be put into custodial accounts for the organization’s in service budget. This money has since been replaced by the organization. Also HUD cited the 25-year-old agency for scarce record keeping and then an internal investigation at Open Door found that unauthorized advances and credit card expenses totaling $200,000 were taken from the organization by the executive director. Another organization will be adopting much of the work of Open Door.

Man who ill-treated children hospitalised

A 51-year-old man from Victoria has been sent to Mount Carmel hospital after he pleaded responsible to defiling six boys aged between eight and 15 and a girl, aged eight. In handing down judgment, the Court took into consideration that the man was himself sexually badly treated by adult men as a boy and this had affected his mental health.

After encouraging the children to take part in sexual action with him, he used to give them some money. The court heard that this had been going on for a number of years and during the Court process, he started receiving psychiatric care. At the recommendation of a psychiatric experts, he was being kept at the Psychiatric growth of the Gozo General Hospital. The accused has a long psychiatric history and he was certified to suffer from schizophrenic paranoia when he was in Australia in 1984. He had spent time at a psychiatric hospital over there. According to his psychiatrist, the man was delusional, even in his memories. His mental state was also touching his sexual thoughts.

Warming winter walks for people with a disability

A weekly walk in the picturesque background of Wolverhampton’s West Park is encouraging residents with a disability or mental health need to improve their health and well-being. The Flourish 2BU walk, which takes place every Friday, is intended at wheelchair users and people with a learning disability or mental health need. It is part of Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust’s award-winning walking for health scheme and is being run in combination with Wolverhampton City Council with the aim of encouraging more people with specific needs to take part.

And an extra motivation for would-be participants to brave the cold weather is free tea or coffee for everyone joining the Friday walk during November. Mark Evans, community walking developer with the walking for health team, said: “Taking part in regular exercise is vital to help people maintain their health and well-being. Sometimes this can be more difficult for people with a disability, and these weekly walks give them an opportunity which meets their needs.” The walks are fitting for all ages, although the under 14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Playing with your kids 'improves their mental health'

A new study suggests that positive relations between parents and kids can discourage personality disorders later in life. The research said that spending time with a child by reading with them, helping with homework or teaching them organizational skills helps to foster better psychological health in adulthood.“The strong interpersonal connectedness and social skills that children learn from having active, healthy engagements with adults fosters positive psychological development. With it, a child develops his or her association system.

"Without it, the way a child connects with other human beings can be harshly impaired. And as I found out, it is this impairment that predicts the appearance of schizoid personality disorder symptoms in emerging adulthood and beyond,” he added. The relationships foster a willingness to engage with others, which is the psychological foundation of the human experience but for some PD sufferers, this willingness to connect with other people is markedly absent. The study also suggests that the experience of a rich proximal process in early life foster the development of a strong affiliation system and healthier personality adjustment in maturity.

Elizabeth Smart: 2002 kidnap Trial

Elizabeth Smart went in face of the jurors Monday and told them about the 2002 kidnapping. This was the first day of testimonials in the federal trial of Brian David Mitchell, accused abducting a minor. Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was kidnapped at knifepoint and was establish nine months after. Mitchell’s lawyer told the Slat Lake City jurors that his client’s actions were partial by a mental illness and, in addition to that, an extreme religious belief that he was doing God’s work at the moment of the kidnapping.

” His life here is marked by an intense idiosyncratic set of beliefs. This is, as you will see, a pattern with Brian, a search for a deep connection and a belief that he has found something that has given him a confidence and a meaning in life”, Mitchell’s lawyer argued. Elizabeth Smart’s mother remembers being awakened by her 9-year-old daughter Mary Katherine who told her what happened to Elizabeth that night:” She said a man has taken Elizabeth with a gun and that we won’t find her. He took her either for liberate or hostage” If found guilty, Mitchell will spend the rest of his life in jail.

Council panel wants state to let city supporters raise taxes for mental health

The City Council Finance Committee today voted to back a state compute that would allow Chicago voters to approve higher property taxes in their neighborhoods to boost spending for local mental health services. In November 2008, Northwest Side residents by a wide margin approved such a referendum for the North River Mental Health Clinic, but the question was just advisory and led to no action.

The Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers now wants to allow compulsory referendums that would allow higher taxes without aldermen having to vote on them.“My neighborhood understood the upsetting effect mental illness can have on people’s lives, quite possibly because most of us have a family member or friend who suffers from mental illness,” said Carole Spreitzer, a volunteer with the coalition. The idea is to fill a gap in funding created as the state has called back financial support for mental health services, including $91 million cut in the current budget, aldermen said. If the full council approves the measure Wednesday, it lets state legislators know that city leaders back the effort.

Boyle: 'Hyperactivity was misdiagnosed'

The star, who shot to renown after competing on TV show Britain's Got Talent last year (09), suffered minor brain damage after her mother was forced to have an emergency Caesarean section birth.

Doctors claimed Boyle would grow up with emotional and learning difficulties, but the 49 year old is immovable their predictions did her more harm than good. She tells broadcaster Piers Morgan, "Some people in the medical profession said to my mother when I was one years old, 'Don't expect too much of her.'

"How can they foretell that at that young age? They can't. Hyperactivity in the '60s was considered a mental illness. It's not; it's Attention debit Disorder, they call it now. I think with myself, it was the wrong misrepresentation. My mum and dad knew it was, (doctors were) professionals and they tended to think that doctors were God and they knew everything, but they don't know everything."

Mental illness stigma lingers despite organism known as brain disease

Public perception of mental illness and dependence has changed significantly - and for the good - in the past 15 years. That doesn't mean, however, people feel comfortable working or living near or being friends with someone with mental illness, according to a major new survey.

Ten years of research: The study compared people's responses to vignettes involving mental illness and addiction to gauge public understanding of the illness and feelings toward those who are ill or enthusiastic. The surveys took place in 1996 and 2006.
The idea, the researchers said, was to charge whether major efforts to improve the treatment of mental conditions and eliminate stigma in the United States is working. Several sweeping efforts have been made in the past two decades to educate Americans on mental illness. A major theme of these campaigns is that mental illnesses and addiction are biological, brain-based, sometimes-inherited illnesses that are each "a disease like any other."

Vegetarians at danger of brain disorders

Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, milk and their by-harvest are some of the biggest sources of Vitamin B-12. "Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 can reduce working capacity of the brain and result in progressive memory loss that has an impact on day to day activities," Praveen Gupta, consultant neurologist at Artemis Health Institute in Gurgaon, said in an Interview. "Since majority of the Indian population is vegetarian and milk consumption has reduced considerably, they are more prone to early onset of dementia. Those who suffer from lactose fanaticism are also at risk," Gupta explained.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India had nearly 3.5 million alzheimer's and dementia patients in the year 2000. "We see at least 30 patients under the age of 40 every month -- suffering from memory loss and other manifestations due to deficiency of vitamin B-12. Once diagnosed, these patients react very well to vitamin B-12 supplements," Gupta added. Forgetting day to day activities, names of familiar people, frequent irritability, panic episodes and despair are some of the common symptoms of the mental disorder. WHO estimates that there are currently about 18 million people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer's. The figure is projected to nearly double by 2025.

Harmful Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, dissocial personality disorder and sociopathy are constructs that have usually been used to predict recidivism and dangerousness, alongside being used to exclude patients from treatment services. However, 'antisocial personality disorder'has recently begun to appear as a treatment diagnosis, a development reflected within cognitive behaviour therapy and mentalisation-based psychotherapy. Many of the behaviour character of antisocial personality disorder are, at the same time, being targeted by interventions at criminal fairness settings. A significantly higher proportion of published articles focusing on antisocial personality worry treatment when compared to articles on psychopathy.

Currently, the proposal for antisocial personality disorder for the Diagnostic and Statistical physical of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, suggests a major change in the criteria for this disorder. While the present definition focuses mainly on observable behaviours, the proposed amendment stresses interpersonal and emotional aspects of the disorder drawing on the concept of psychopathy. The present commentary suggests that developments leading to improvement in the diagnosis of this type of disorder should, quite than focusing exclusively on elements such as dangerousness and risk assessment, point us to ways in which patients can be treated for their problems.

Broadmoor Hospital care stealer in convict sex investigation

A therapy assistant at Broadmoor Hospital is under arrest over charges that she had sex with a crook. The 29-year-old woman was called off from her duty and has since quit over the supposed incidents over the summer. She was taken under arrest on Friday on doubt of being a care employee connected with sexual activity with a mentally disordered individual who was later bailed. An internal inquiry has been started on at the psychiatric hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
A spokesperson for West London Mental Health NHS Trust, which Broadmoor Hospital belongs to, spoken in a statement that where there is any doubt that patients and staff are busy in or subject to unsuitable behaviors, punctual action is taken below the hospital's disciplinary process and where essential, the hospital present full provision to the police in any questions or action which may go after. There overarching worry is to defend the security and rights of the susceptible people in their care.

Former first lady Rosalynn transporter to speak at mental health conference

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will be the keynote speaker at an international conference focusing on women's mental health that is scheduled to happen from Oct. 27-30 at Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh.
About 500 researchers, clinicians and mental-health advocates are expected to attend the 2010 Marce Society International Conference: "Perinatal Mental Health Research: Harvesting the Potential." Research presentation and conversation topics will include the biology and genetics of psychiatric illness during pregnancy and postpartum and causes of perinatal mental disorders.
The conference is organism co-sponsored by Postpartum Support International and supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, Staunton Farm Foundation, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, the UPMC Health Plan and Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, the Fine Foundation, and the Heinz Foundation.

CIHR, RX&D - HRF to support research projects on mental illness, palliative care

Six research projects on co-existing heath problems related with mental illness and one project on palliative care among First Nations received over $9 million in funding announced today. This amount is provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Rx&D Health Research Foundation (HRF).
"Rx&D is proud to associate with CIHR to support research that can lead to the development of new treatments, effective health-care programs and medicines to ensure Canadians live longer and healthier lives," said Russell Williams from the Rx&D Health Research Foundation. "We believe that partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to tackling the most serious health challenges we face in Canada and around the world, and to making Canada a leader in research and innovation."

Such co-morbidity is of interest to the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction because it is more so the regulation than the exception. In addition, this collaboration is dedicating resources to the increasing number of Aboriginal Canadians facing end of life each year and the challenge to provide health services to this population.

WHO simplifies cure of mental and neurological disorders

Millions of people with common but untreated, mental, neurological and matter use disorders can now benefit from new simplified diagnosis and treatment rule released today by the World Health Organization. The guidelines are designed to facilitate the management of depression, alcohol use disorders, epilepsy and other common mental disorders in the primary healthcare. The intervention guide extends competence in diagnosis and management to non-mental health specialists including doctors, nurses and other health providers.

The WHO estimates that more than 75 per cent of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders - including nearly 95 million people with sadness and more than 25 million people with epilepsy - living in developing countries did not receive any treatment or care. Improvement in mental health services does not require complicated and expensive technologies. An estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In the majority of countries, less than two per cent of health funds are spent on mental health. As a result, a large majority of people with these disorders receive no care at all.

Women fight the effects of chemotherapy stretched after treatment ends

For some women, the effects of breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women, do not end when they disappear the hospital. A lot of times people get mentally and emotionally ready to contract with chemotherapy and they receive a lot of support during that time," said Stephanie Reid-Arndt, an assistant professor of health psychology in the School of Health Professions.

The study found that people unwilling to seek out social support, including therapy and informal support networks, following chemotherapy reported a lower quality of life and higher incidences of depression. People in rural communities value close relationships with family, the community and religious organizations and find solace in these support systems after chemotherapy, according to research on this topic. Women in rural areas also reported increased breast cancer related symptoms such as body-image issues and fatigue. "There tends to be strong community support for patients in rural areas that will accommodate varying levels of function,"

Fun day helping increase awareness

MORE than 400 people attended the first Ipswich considered Mental Health Action Group (SMHAG) fun day as a part of Mental Health Week. The fun day was held at the St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall on Brisbane Street last Thursday to party the achievements of people who have a mental illness and raise awareness of mental health in the Ipswich community.

One of the highlights of the day integrated the connecting of 16 painted panels created by different mental health service groups in the Ipswich region to form an impressive mural. Other activities include art, drumming and recording workshops, belly dancers, music and games. Ozcare’s Mary-Louise North, whose group was occupied in organising the fun day, said they were extremely happy with the large turnout. “There were a lot of activities and you could see everyone who came down enjoyed the day,” she said. “I think the day proved what a positive difference it makes when different services work together to look after people’s mental health needs.”

Wellness center expands contributions

Health awareness is now more accessible with the development of Health Education, a component of the Wellness Center. In contrast to the Health Center's treatment of illnesses, the Wellness Center is dedicated to the support of health and the prevention of illness. Assistant Director of Student Wellness Amanda Smith said she is excited about the expansion of the Wellness Center.


Before the center was motivated to the Student Services Building health education couldn't be provided whenever Smith stepped out of the office. With the expansion of the Wellness Center UTD has been able to add a wellness coordinator, Kacey Luker, and an administrative assistant, allowing the center to stay open.

Along with Smith, Luker wants students to connect in more health and fitness activities across the campus. Luker will assist students who want to obtain a health and exercise program by fitting it just for them. The Wellness Center team has been increasingly requested to speak at different activities and events around campus Smith said. At these engagements they cover various topics ranging from women's and men's health to mental disorders. The Wellness Center also raises awareness about alcohol, drugs and sexual responsibilities.

Schizoid Qualities Disorder: Latest Medical Breakthroughs

People with schizoid personality disorder lean to avoid any kind of social activity. A recent study has grouped schizoid disorder with other kinds of personality disorders. People afflicted with this type of borderline personality disorder are known to consistently shy away from any kind of interaction with others. Though there is a subset of the human population who are deemed "loners," medical breakthroughs propose that there is an underlying difference between them and people with schizotypal personality disorder. Some of the tell-tale signs of schizoid personality disorder include aloofness, humorlessness, and dullness.

The latest medical breakthroughs based on schizoid disorder case studies reveals that people with this disorder exhibit a highly flattened or limited spectrum of emotions. They always appear to be indifferent to all that’s going on around them. Some of the latest medical research in this area aims to understand the underlying brain chemistry of someone with schizotypal personality disorder in order to formulate a suitable treatment. One medical breakthrough indicates that personality disorder treatment needs to address the private and inner lives of patients. More often than not, people with a borderline personality disorder tend to be extremely sensitive.