| Science
and News Update |
NIMH: Genetic Roots of Bipolar Disorder Revealed by First Genome-Wide Study of
Illness—Targeting Enzyme Produced by a Specific Gene May Lead to
Better Medications
The likelihood of developing bipolar disorder depends in part on the combined,
small effects of variations in many different genes in the brain,
none of which is powerful enough to cause the disease by itself,
a new study shows. However, targeting the enzyme produced by one
of these genes could lead to development of new, more effective
medications. The research was conducted by scientists at NIMH, with
others from the Universities of Heidelberg and Bonn and a number
of U.S. facilities collaborating in a major project called the NIMH
Genetics Initiative. The study is the first to scan virtually all
of the variations in human genes to find those associated with bipolar
disorder. Results were published online May 8, 2007, in Molecular Psychiatry.
Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/mcmahon-bipolar-genetics.cfm |
NIMH: Bipolar Spectrum Disorder May Be Underrecognized and Improperly Treated
A new study supports earlier estimates of the prevalence of bipolar disorder
in the U.S. population, and suggests the illness may be more accurately
characterized as a spectrum disorder. It also finds that many people
with the illness are not receiving appropriate treatment. The study,
published in the May 2007 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationwide
survey of mental disorders among 9,282 Americans ages 18 and older
funded by the NIMH.
Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/bipolarsurvey.cfm |
NIMH: In Second Try to Treat Depression, Cognitive Therapy Generally As Effective
As Medication
Switching to or adding cognitive therapy after a first unsuccessful attempt at
treating depression with an antidepressant medication is generally
as effective as switching to or adding another medication, but remission
may take longer to achieve. These results, which are part of the
NIMH-funded Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression
(STAR*D) trial, are published in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. The STAR*D trial examined four levels of treatment for difficult-to-treat depression,
all of which tested different medications and medication combinations.
Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/stardcognitivetherapy.cfm |
NIMH: Cell Networking Keeps Brain's Master Clock Ticking
Each day, a master clock in the brain synchronizes the timing of lesser clocks
in cells throughout the body to the rising and setting of the sun,
regulating such daily rhythms as sleep, body temperature, eating,
and activity. Scientists funded in part by the NIMH have now discovered
that the secret to this master clock's robust time-keeping ability
lies in the unique way its cells work together. Researchers report
on their study online in Cell, May 3, 2007.
Science update, includes video: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/masterclock.cfm |
NIMH: Cortex Area Thinner in Youth with Alzheimer's-Related Gene
A part of the brain first affected by Alzheimer's disease is thinner in youth
with a risk gene for the disorder, a brain imaging study by NIMH
researchers, has found. A thinner entorhinal cortex, a structure
in the lower middle part of the brain's outer mantle, may render
these youth more susceptible to degenerative changes and mental
decline later in life, propose researchers. They report on how variation
in the gene for apoliproprotein (ApoE), which plays a critical role
in repair of brain cells, affects development of this learning and
memory hub in the June, 2007 Lancet Neurology.
Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/alzheimerscortex.cfm |
NIH Survey Shows Most People With Drug Use Disorders Never Get Treatment: Authors
Recommend National Educational Campaign to Destigmatize Drug Disorders
Only 8 percent of people identified as drug abusers, and fewer than 40 percent
of those diagnosed with drug dependence, have ever gotten any kind
of intervention or treatment, according to the National Epidemiologic
Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The study was
conducted by scientists from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(NIAAA). The survey results, published in the May 2007 issue of
the Archives of General Psychiatry, show that rates of drug abuse and dependence are generally higher among certain
populations, including men, respondents aged 18 to 44 years, and
people who have never married.
Press release: http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR5-07.html |
SAMSHA: Systems of Care Promote Stability, Security, Safety for Children and
Youth With Serious Mental Health Needs—National Evaluation Data
Show Effectiveness of Comprehensive School- and Community-Based
Strategies
Children and youth in systems of care are less likely to engage in self-harmful
behaviors, demonstrate fewer emotional and behavioral problems and
do better in school than before enrollment, according to data released
by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) during a Capitol Hill briefing. Within SAMHSA’s Comprehensive
Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their
Families, children and youth with serious mental health needs make
substantial improvements at home, at school and in the community
when served through systems of care.
Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/070508soc5612.aspx
More information about Systems of Care: http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/ |
FDA Proposes New Warnings About Suicidal Thinking, Behavior in Young Adults Who
Take Antidepressant Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed that makers of all antidepressant
medications update the existing black box warning on their products'
labeling to include warnings about increased risks of suicidal thinking
and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages 18 to 24
during initial treatment (generally the first one to two months).
The proposed labeling changes also include language stating that
scientific data did not show this increased risk in adults older
than 24, and that adults ages 65 and older taking antidepressants
have a decreased risk of suicidality. The proposed warning statements
emphasize that depression and certain other serious psychiatric
disorders are themselves the most important causes of suicide.
Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html |
FDA Approves Neupro Patch for Treatment of Early Parkinson's Disease
The FDA announced the approval of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system), a skin
patch designed to treat symptoms of early Parkinson's disease. Rotigotine
is a drug not previously approved in the United States. Neupro is
the first transdermal patch approved for the treatment of symptoms
of Parkinson's disease.
Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01631.html |
FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Ambien (Zolpidem Tartrate) for the Treatment
of Insomnia
The FDA approved the first generic versions of Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) immediate-release
tablets. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug indicated
for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01616.html |
U.S. Army: Mental Health Advisory Team IV Findings Released
A team of Army experts who studied the mental health of soldiers and Marines
in Iraq between August and October last year concluded that there
is a "robust" system in place to provide mental health
care, but issues continue with the stress of a combat deployment.
This was the first time Marines had been included in this Mental
Health Advisory Team study. At the request of the leadership in
theatre, this team for the first time examined the ethical behavior
of U.S. troops so that battlefield ethics training can be improved.
Press release: http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/news/releases/20070504mhat.cfm
Full report: http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/news/mhat/mhat_iv/mhat-iv.cfm |
| Resources:
Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources |
New Online Fact Sheets on the NIMH Web Site
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet
This revised research fact sheet available only online provides an overview that
summarizes NIMH research into post-traumatic stress disorder.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-research-fact-sheet.cfm
Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts
This revised research fact sheet available only online provides a brief overview
of the statistics on depression and suicide in older adults, with
information on depression treatments and suicide prevention.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/elderlydepsuicide.cfm |
New on the NIDA Web Site
Latest NIDA Notes
This issue of NIDA Notes includes a message from NIDA director on addiction and co-occurring mental disorders
as well as summaries of recent NIDA-funded research findings.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_notes/NNvol21N2/Index.html
Latest NewsScan
This issue of NewsScan highlights NIDA-supported studies that address the multifaceted issues relating
to HIV/AIDS.
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2007/nidanews_05082007.pdf |
Latest SAMHSA News Available
This issue of SAMHSA News highlights the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Initiative, a
federal interagency initiative that helps homeless individuals,
most of whom also have serious mental illnesses obtain benefits.
http://www.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_News/VolumeXV_2/article1.htm |
SAMHSA: Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention Launched
SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention have collaborated to create a Best Practices Registry
specific to suicide prevention. Divided into three sections, including
Evidence-Based Programs, Expert and Consensus Statements, and Adherence
to Standards, this registry is designed to support program planners
in creating effective suicide prevention programs. Users can access
frequently asked questions and learn how to submit their program
for review and possible inclusion in the registry.
http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/index.asp |
SAMHSA: New Faith-Based Resources Addressing Suicide Prevention
Two resources addressing suicide prevention and faith-based communities are now
available from SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC):
Meeting Summary and Recommendations: Clergy Workgroup on Suicide Prevention and
Aftercare
This document summarizes a workgroup meeting held to identify clergy needs related
to preventing and responding to suicide in the church community.
http://www.sprc.org/library/faithbasedconf.pdf
Resource Scan of Faith-based Materials Addressing Suicide Prevention
This resource is a compilation of information on readily available materials
for faith-based communities related to preventing suicide and promoting
mental health.
http://www.sprc.org/library/faithscan.pdf |
SAMHSA: Businesses Materials for a Mental Health Friendly Workplace
This booklet, A Mental Health Friendly Workplace: It’s in Every Company’s Best Interest, invites business leaders to take a serious look at the role of their employees’
mental health and how it relates to both their well-being and the
bottom line. This brochure contains information and tools for human
resource personnel and managers to use in developing a mental health
friendly workplace.
http://allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/business_execs.html |
HRSA Booklet Promotes Greater Awareness of Perinatal Depression
This new booklet on depression during and after pregnancy (perinatal depression)
released by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
contains tips on identifying the condition in mothers and offers
six steps to help treat it successfully. Depression During and After Pregnancy: A Resource for Women, Their Families,
and Friends is designed to increase awareness among women and clinicians of perinatal depression's
impact and pervasiveness. http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/pregnancyandbeyond/depression/ |
OMH: Demystifying Mental Illness in Any and All Languages
This Office of Minority Health (OMH) article discusses the cultural and linguistic
challenges in providing mental health care in a multicultural society.
http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=19 |
U.S. Army: New Behavioral Health Website Offers Answers
This new web site from the U.S. Army Medical Department provides resources and
information regarding mental well-being for soldiers and their family
members. Topics include behavioral-health needs before, during and
after deployments; pre- and post- deployment health assessments;
post-traumatic stress disorder; suicide prevention; Battlemind training;
and resources where soldiers and families can get help. Links and
points of contact are provided for additional information.
http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/ |
| Calls
for Public Input |
| |
| Calls
for Applications |
Alternatives 2007: Scholarships Available
St. Louis, Missouri, October 10-14, 2007
Alternatives 2007, the national mental health conference organized by and for
mental health consumers and survivors is hosted by the National
Mental Health Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse with support from
SAMHSA/CMHS. Scholarship applications are being accepted until May
25, 2007. Download an application: http://www.alternatives2007.org/registration.html |
| Calendar
of Events |
Special Research Track: The Science of Addiction—Translating New Insights into
Better Psychiatric Practice
San Diego, California, May 19-24, 2007
NIDA will present a special research-based program track at the American Psychiatric
Association's 160th Annual Meeting. The sessions will highlight
the translation of the new research findings into psychiatric practice.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR4-19.html |
Health Observance: Schizophrenia Awareness Week
May 20-26, 2007
This special observance helps to raise public awareness regarding schizophrenia.
This year’s theme is “Realizing Recovery, Shattering Stigma.”
http://www.healthfinder.gov/library/nho/nho.asp?year=2007#368 |
Webcast: Working with Homeless and Runaway Youth
May 24, 2007, 2:00-3:30 PM ET
This call is a part of SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network Culture
and Trauma Teleconference Series.
http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top_train_tele_culsched |
Webcast: The Financial and Medical Benefits of Treatment for Health Care Providers
and Insurers
June 6, 2007
This Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast will examine the insurance
and health care benefits and options for individuals seeking treatment
or individuals already in recovery from addiction to drugs and/or
alcohol. In addition, the show will examine the cost benefits to
health care providers and insurers of investing in treatment for
substance abuse and mental health disorders, and will provide tips
for screening, diagnosing, treating, or referring a patient with
a substance use disorder.
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=492 |
2007 IHS/SAMHSA National Behavioral Conference—Weaving It All Together
Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 11-14, 2007
The purpose of this national conference sponsored by the Indian Health Service
(IHS) and SAMHSA is to develop mental health, alcohol and substance
abuse treatment and prevention discussions, recommendations, and
opportunities for collaboration and coordination in the interest
of behavioral health in Indian communities. Additionally the conference
provides CEU training opportunities for behavioral health professionals
in areas such as cultural competencies and ethics.
http://www.kauffmaninc.com/2007bhconference/ |
Webcast: Treatment and Recovery—Reducing the Burden on the Justice System and
Society
July 5, 2007
This Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast will look at the relationship
between addiction treatment and recovery and the criminal justice
system. It will focus on both the practical and economic benefits
to society from treating substance abuse and dependence issues surrounding
the criminal justice system.
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=493 |
NIMH Annual International Research Conference on the Role of Families in Preventing
and Adapting to HIV/AIDS
San Francisco, California, July 25-27, 2007
This NIMH conference is designed to present research findings on family processes
and HIV disease. This year’s conference theme is “Responding to
the Social Context of HIV Risk: The Role of Families and Support
Networks.”
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/scientificmeetings/hivaids2007.cfm |
Conference: Research for Native Health—Strengthening Partnerships, Promoting
Trust, and Increasing Communication
Denver, Colorado, August 22-23, 2007
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Public Health and
Science is hosting this conference to provide opportunities to improve
the dialogue between Tribal Nations, academic scientists, government
researchers, American Indian community representatives, policymakers,
and funders regarding key issues involving human research, ethics,
tribal sovereignty, and the role of Institutional Review Boards
in tribal decision making.
http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=5042&lvl=1&lvlID=11 |
2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit—Creating a Culture of Wellness
Washington, DC, November 27-29, 2007
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
will host this event to unite health professionals, business entrepreneurs,
and government leaders at all levels who are dedicated to health
promotion, chronic disease prevention, health preparedness, birth
defects, disabilities, genomics, and wellness. The summit will feature
prominent national speakers, the Secretary’s Innovation in Prevention
Awards, and an opportunity to showcase new approaches to prevention
and health promotion – including innovations that promote regular
physical activity, eating a healthful diet, taking advantage of
medical screenings, and making healthy choices to avoid risky behaviors.
Abstract submissions are now being accepted through June 11, 2007
at: http://www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/index.htm |
| Funding
Information |
Children's Bureau Discretionary Grant Announcements Available
The Children's Bureau has begun to publish discretionary grant announcements
for fiscal year (FY) 2007. The Bureau uses a competitive peer-review
process to award discretionary grants for research and demonstration
projects to state, Tribal, and local agencies; faith-based and community-based
organizations; and other nonprofit and for-profit groups. Separate
funding announcements will be released for each discretionary grant.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/fy07_index.htm
|
| Programmatic
Funding Opportunities |
HRSA: Geriatric Training Program for Physicians, Dentists, and Behavioral and
Mental Health Professions
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=13600&mode=VIEW
|
| Research
Funding Opportunities (PAs and RFAs) |
NIH Program Announcements (PAs)
[Full listing of NIH PAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/index.html ]
AIDS International Training and Research Program (D43)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-348.html |
Preapplication for Cheminformatics Research Centers (X02)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-353.html |
National Institutes of Health Rapid Access to Interventional Development (NIH-RAID
Pilot) (X01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-358.html |
Implicating Noncoding RNAs in the Genetics of Mental Disorders (Collaborative
01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-370.html |
Implicating Noncoding RNAs in the Genetics of Mental Disorders (Collaborative
R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-371.html |
Implicating Noncoding RNAs in the Genetics of Mental Disorders (R21)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-372.html |
Medications Development for the Treatment of Cannabis-Related Disorders (R21)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-366.html |
|
Preapplication for the Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network
(MLPCN) [X02]
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-368.html
|
| NIH Request for Applications (RFAs) |
|
|
