Metal Animated Health

Missing In Action: 'Where Is The New National Mental Health Plan?' Asks SANE Australia
Australians affected by mental illness are worried by repeated delays in producing a new National Mental Health Plan - SANE Australia calls for prompt action by the Rudd Government and COAG. 2008 is drawing to a close and the Rudd Government is now in its second year in office, yet there is still no new national plan for mental health services, despite widespread acceptance of the urgent need.

New Strategies For The New Year: Resolving To Break An Addiction? Help From Harvard Medical School
Addiction affects people from all walks of life-presidents struggling to stop smoking, doctors dependent on pain pills, elderly widows who gamble too much, and teenagers abusing stimulant drugs. Nearly a quarter of Americans have a nicotine addiction at one point or another, and more than one in seven grapple with a drug or alcohol use disorder.

Well-Developed Community Mental-Health Services Are Associated With Lower Suicide Rates
Well-developed community mental-health services are associated with lower suicide rates than are services oriented towards inpatient treatment provision in hospitals. Thus population mental health can be improved by the use of multi-faceted, community-based, specialised mental-health services.

Psychiatric Patients Have Greater Usage Of Mental Health Services With Insurance Plans That Provide Equal Cost Sharing
Following a psychiatric discharge, Medicare patients in insurance plans that provide equal cost sharing for mental health services have higher use of those services compared to patients in plans that require greater cost sharing, according to a study in the December 24/31 issue of JAMA.

Abortion And Miscarriage Bring Psychiatric Risk
Drug and alcohol problems and psychiatric disorders are more likely in women who have had an abortion or miscarriage, a University of Queensland study has found. PhD candidate Kaeleen Dingle found young women who lost a pregnancy were more susceptible to depression, anxiety, alcohol dependency and illicit substance abuse than women who had never been pregnant.

Better Service Integration Needed For Co-Occurring Substance Use And Mental Disorders
Canadians are becoming aware of the prevalence of mental health issues and of substance use problems, but how well equipped are we to help the many people who contend with both? Two studies published in the December issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry have found that multilevel integration is needed for mental health and substance use services to adequately address the needs of people diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.

Life Sciences Discovery Fund Awards Health Research Program Grants
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund (LSDF) has announced its latest grant recipients. Four Washington State-based research organizations will receive life sciences program grants totaling more than $18 million.

Janssen-Cilag International N.V. Withdraws Its Application For An Extension Of Indication For Invega (paliperidone)
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has been formally notified by Janssen-Cilag International N.V. of its decision to withdraw its application for an extension of indication for the centrally authorized medicine Invega (paliperidone) prolonged-release tablets. Invega was expected to be used for the treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Invega was first authorised in the European Union on 25 June 2007.

True, False Or Unproven? Medical Myths For The Holiday Season
In a study published in the Christmas 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal, Aaron Carroll, M.D., M.S., and Rachel Vreeman, M.D., M.S., of the Indiana University School of Medicine, explore the science behind six myths commonly associated with the holidays yet relevant year-round. Sugar makes kids hyperactive. Suicides increase over the holidays. Poinsettias are toxic.

FDA Requires Warnings About Risk Of Suicidal Thoughts And Behavior For Antiepileptic Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it will require the manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to add to these products' prescribing information, or labeling, a warning that their use increases risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality). The action includes all antiepileptic drugs including those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.

Health Minister Invites Nominations For Nursing Awards
Fourth annual awards to recognise mental health and learning disability nurses Health Minister Edwina Hart today encouraged patients and staff to nominate mental health and learning disability nurses for a top Welsh award. The annual award scheme, which is now in its fourth year, aims to recognise the significant - but often overlooked - contribution of mental health and learning disability nurses to the NHS in Wales.

MU Researcher Identifies Possible Genetic Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is more common than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and is estimated to affect 2 percent of the population.

More Infant Health Care Sought By Abused Women
According to a study published in the November 2008 issue of Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, women who are victims of intimate partner violence seek health care for their infants significantly more often than non-abused women. The University of Missouri (MU) researchers who conducted the study advise doctors to be aware of mothers who frequently have health concerns for their infants, as it may be an indicator of being in an abusive relationship.

California Republicans Release Budget Proposal That Includes Reductions To Health Care
California Republican lawmakers on Monday released a plan to address the state's projected $41.8 billion budget deficit in part by redirecting funds for mental health services and children's health care, the Los Angeles Times reports (Rau, Los Angeles Times, 12/16). The $22 billion plan is an effort by state Republicans to avoid tax increases by raising $6.

New System Of Scoring IQ Tests Benefits Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Researchers develop method which provides more accurate view of children's potential Parents of children with intellectual disabilities have long been frustrated by IQ testing that tells them little to nothing about their children's long-term learning potential.