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 NIMH
Lastest Update [July 15, 2010]
To subscribe to receive
the Update every two weeks, visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/outreach/partnership-program/subscribe-to-the-update.shtml
NIMH Science and Service News
Updates:
HHS ANNOUNCES NEW PRE-EXISTING CONDITION INSURANCE PLAN
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the establishment of a new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), which will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition. PCIP, which will be administered either by a state or by HHS, will provide a new health coverage option for Americans who have been uninsured for at least 6 months, have been unable to get health coverage because of a health condition, and are a U.S. citizen or are residing in the United States legally. Created under the Affordable Care Act, PCIP is a transitional program until 2014, when insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions, and individuals and small businesses will have access to more affordable private insurance choices through new competitive exchanges. In 2014, members of Congress will also purchase their insurance through exchanges.
Press Release: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/07/20100701a.html
SAMHSA: MODEL PROGRAM EFFECTIVE IN HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS GET MEDICAID COVERAGE UPON RELEASE FROM CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
A new SAMHSA study reports that a model program, implemented to ensure that eligible individuals with serious mental illness were enrolled in Medicaid upon discharge from state correctional facilities, increased Medicaid enrollment among this group by 15 percent. The effort significantly improved access to mental health treatment and services by reducing barriers to health insurance for eligible individuals leaving state institutions.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1006232101.aspx
SAMHSA: NEW NATIONWIDE STUDY SHOWS A DRAMATIC RISE IN THE PROPORTION OF OLDER AMERICANS ADMITTED FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FROM 1992 TO 2008
A new SAMHSA study reveals that between 1992 and 2008 the proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions involving older Americans (aged 50 and older) nearly doubled -- from 6.6 percent of all admissions in 1992 to 12.2 percent in 2008. The study also shows a sharp rise during this period in the proportion of older Americans admissions related to illicit drug abuse -- even though alcohol abuse is still the leading cause for admissions involving this age group.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1006153959.aspx
Full Report: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/229/229OlderAdms2k10.cfm
FDA APPROVES FIRST GENERIC EFFEXOR EXTENDED RELEASE CAPSULES TO TREAT MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic version of Effexor XR capsules (venlafaxine hydrochloride) to treat major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in 37.5 milligram, 75 milligram and 150 milligram strengths have been approved to be manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals, North Wales, Pennsylvania.
Press Release: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm217624.htm
IMAGING REVEALS ABNORMAL BRAIN GROWTH IN TODDLERS WITH FRAGILE X
Differences in brain growth patterns between preschool-aged boys with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, and their healthy peers suggest that the disorder may affect brain development both before and after birth, according to NIMH-funded researchers. In addition, their findings indicate ages 1-5 are an important window for better understanding the effects of FXS on brain development. The study was published May 18, 2010, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/imaging-reveals-abnormal-brain-growth-in-toddlers-with-fragile-x.shtml
Magnetic Stimulation Scores Modest Success as Antidepressant:
Trial of Non-Invasive Treatment Used New, Convincing Sham
Control
Some depressed patients who
don't respond to or tolerate antidepressant medications may
benefit from a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the
brain with a pulsing electromagnet, a study suggests. This
first industry-independent, multi-site, randomized, tightly
controlled trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
(rTMS) found that it produced significant antidepressant effects
in a subgroup of patients, with few side effects. Active rTMS
treatment accounted for remissions in 14 percent of antidepressant-resistant
patients actively treated, compared to about 5 percent for
a simulated treatment. "Although rTMS treatment has not
yet lived up to early hopes that it might replace more invasive
therapies, this study suggests that the treatment may be effective
in at least some treatment-resistant patients," said
Thomas R. Insel, M.D., director of the NIMH which funded the
study.
Press Release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/magnetic-stimulation-scores-modest-success-as-antidepressant.shtml
Novel Model of Depression from Social Defeat Shows Restorative
Power of Exercise -
New Neurons Pinpointed as Central to Exercise Benefit
In a study in a mouse model
that mimics the contribution of social stress to human depression,
an environment that promotes exercise and exploration alleviated
depressive behavior in the mice. The beneficial effect of
activity depended on the growth of new neurons in the adult
brain.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/novel-model-of-depression-from-social-defeat-shows-restorative-power-of-exercise.shtml
Diabetes and Depression Associated with Higher Risk for Major
Complications
People with type 2 diabetes and coexisting major depression
are more likely to experience life-threatening diabetes-related
complications, according to a recent NIMH-funded study published
in the February 2010 issue of Diabetes Care. Science Update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/diabetes-and-depression-associated-with-higher-risk-for-major-complications.shtml
Parent Training Complements Medication
for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive
Developmental Disorders
Treatment that includes medication
plus a structured training program for parents reduces serious
behavioral problems in children with autism and related conditions,
according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH). The study, which was part of the NIMH Research
Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network,
was published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of
the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Press
Release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2009/parent-training-complements-medication-for-treating-behavioral-problems-in-children-with-pervasive-developmental-disorders.shtml
Clinical Trial Participation
News:
NIMH: Major Depression (Adult) Research Study 
Depression & NR2A/B
If you (or someone you know) have been diagnosed with major depression, you may be able to participate in a National Institute of Mental Health research study investigating a novel medication. This treatment study is studying if a research medication can produce a rapid reduction of depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. This 7-week inpatient study is conducted at the NIH?Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and compares the medication to a placebo (inactive salt solution). If you are 18-65 years of age and have been diagnosed with major depression and have taken two antidepressants that did not help, you may be eligible for this clinical trial. Research evaluations and medications are provided at no cost. Transportation reimbursement is covered from anywhere in the United States. To find out if you qualify or for more information, please call 1-877-MIND-NIH (1-877-646-3644)(TTY: 1-866-411-1010) or moodresearch@mail.nih.gov
National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information on research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD click here http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov
Cognitive
disturbance and schizophrenia
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