NIMH: Depressed Adolescents Respond Best to Combination Treatment- Psychotherapy Combined with Antidepressant Medication Most Effective

A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication appears to be the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder more than medication alone or psychotherapy alone, according to results from a major clinical trial funded NIMH. The long-term results of the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS) found that when adolescents received fluoxetine (Prozac) alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over the course of 36 weeks, they recovered faster than those who were receiving CBT alone. The study was published in the October 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/depressed-adolescents-respond-best-to-combination-treatment.shtml

NIMH: Genes Linked to Suicidal Thinking during Antidepressant Treatment

Specific variations in two genes are linked to suicidal thinking that sometimes occurs in people taking the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, according to an NIMH-funded study. Depending on the particular mix inherited, these versions increased the likelihood of such thoughts from 2- to15-fold, the study found. About 1 percent of adult patients were deemed to be at high genetic risk, 41 percent at elevated risk and 58 percent at lower risk. If confirmed, the findings may hold promise for genetic testing, as more such markers are identified. The study is published in the October 2007 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/genes-linked-to-suicidal-thinking-during-antidepressant-treatment.shtml

NIMH: Workplace Depression Screening, Outreach and Enhanced Treatment Improves Productivity, Lowers Employer Costs

Enhanced and systematic efforts to identify and treat depression in the workplace significantly improves employee health and productivity, likely leading to lower costs overall for the employer, according to a study funded by NIMH. Previous studies have shown that employees who are depressed are less productive and are absent more often. Other studies have shown that organized screening and enhanced depression treatment can significantly improve health. However, few employers have implemented such programs, in part because their return on investment is unclear. The results of the study are published September 26, 2007, in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/workplace-depression-screening-outreach-and-enhanced-treatment-improves-productivity-lowers-employer-costs.shtml

NIMH: New Collaboration Evaluates Effectiveness of Mental Illness Educational Project

Two new grants funded by NIMH will examine the effectiveness of educational materials designed to teach young people about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma associated with them. The two-year project is a joint endeavor between the University of Hartford and the Queens/Nassau chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The partnership was developed in response to an NIMH initiative to support collaborative work between consumer, advocacy, and other community groups and researchers aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental illnesses. The evaluation of the Breaking the Silence educational program will determine if the program is successful in shaping middle school students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards mental illnesses and people with mental illnesses.

Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/new-collaboration-evaluates-effectiveness-of-mental-illness-educational-project.shtml

NIMH: Drops in SSRI Prescription Rates May Coincide With Increases in Youth Suicides

A 2004 spike in suicide rates may have coincided with a drop in antidepressant prescriptions for youth, following warnings from U.S and European regulatory agencies that the medications might trigger suicidal thoughts. NIMH grantees make a case for a possible link between changes in prescription patterns, regulatory warnings and suicide rates. Concerned that decreased use of antidepressants could potentially have a negative public health impact, researchers predicted more increases in suicides if current trends continue. However, they based much of their analysis on data from the Netherlands, since U.S. suicide rates for 2005 won’t be available until later this year. The study is published in the September 2007 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/drops-in-ssri-prescription-rates-may-coincide-with-increases-in-youth-suicides.shtml

NIMH: Scientists May Have Found Long-Pursued Binding Site for Antidepressants Discovery Could Lead To Better Medications for Depression, Other Mental Illnesses

NIMH-funded scientists have a major new clue as to where the long-pursued binding site for commonly used antidepressants potentially the site that triggers the medications effects may be on brain cells. The finding could lead to better medications for depression, but also has important implications for other mental illnesses because it addresses a biological flaw that a number of them share. Results were published in the August 23, 2007 issue of Nature.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/scientists-may-have-found-long-pursued-binding-site-for-antidepressants.shtml

NIMH: Family Involvement and Focused Intervention May be Key to Helping Teens with Bulimia

Family-based treatment for adolescent bulimia nervosa (FBT-BN) is more effective than an individual-based therapy called supportive psychotherapy (SPT) in helping teens overcome bulimia according to an NIMH-funded study. Participants who received FBT-BN also showed faster treatment effects than those who received SPT. The study was published in the September 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/family-involvement-and-focused-intervention-may-be-key-to-helping-teens-with-bulimia.shtml

NIMH Mental Disorders Account for Large Percentage of Adult Role Disability

An NIMH-funded study finds that more than half of U.S. adults have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from working or conducting their usual duties (e.g., role disability) for several days each year, and a large portion of those days can be attributed to mental disorders. The study, published in the October 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, is based on data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationwide survey among 9,282 Americans ages 18 and older.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/mental-disorders-account-for-large-percentage-of-adult-role-disability.shtml

NIMH: Newly Funded Center Dedicated to Mental Health Research for Asian Americans

A new, five-year, NIMH-funded project will establish a national center to study mental health issues affecting Asian Americans. The Asian American Center on Disparities Research will be housed at the University of California Davis, and will coordinate a network of researchers throughout the United States studying the unique mental health challenges faced by Asian Americans.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/newly-funded-center-dedicated-to-mental-health-research-for-asian-americans.shtml

NIA: Scientists Suggest New Pathway Causing Cell Death in Dementia

Scientists have discovered a link between a mutated gene and a protein found in dead brain cells of people who suffer from a form of dementia and other neurological disorders. The finding, reported in the September 26, 2007, issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, demonstrates for the first time a pathological pathway that ultimately results in cell death related to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). The discovery could eventually play a role in the design of new drug therapies. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2007/nia-26.htm

NIH: Two NIH Institutes Share Emmy Award for HBO's The Addiction Project

Two Institutes at NIH have been honored with the prestigious Governors Award by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for their contribution to HBO's Addiction Project. Addiction is a 14-part documentary television series and multimedia initiative revealing the science of addiction, its treatment, recovery, and its costs to families and society. A diverse group of people who were battling alcohol or drug addiction were featured, as well as addiction experts from around the country. The celebrated Governors Award is the Television Academy's highest honor and is given to individuals or organizations committed to important social causes. HBO developed the series, which includes the documentary, independent films, and a website, in partnership with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2007/nida-17.htm

More about the documentary: http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/hbo_addiction.html

NIH Director Invests in Innovation, New Investigators

NIH is making a major investment in the future of science with five-year grants totaling more than $105 million to 41 exceptionally innovative investigators, many of whom are in the early stages of their careers. This is the first group of New Innovator Awards and the fourth group of Pioneer Awards. Both programs are part of an NIH Roadmap for Medical Research initiative that tests new approaches to supporting research. Pioneer Awards support scientists at any career stage, while New Innovator Awards are reserved for new investigators who have not received an NIH regular research (R01) or similar grant.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2007/od-18a.htm

NIH Expands National Consortium to Transform Clinical and Translational Research

NIH announced the expansion of the national consortium that is transforming how clinical and translational research is conducted at academic health centers across the country. Ultimately, this consortium will enable researchers to provide new treatments more efficiently and quickly to patients. Led by the National Center for Research Resources and funded through Clinical and Translational Science Awards, the consortium adds 12 more academic health centers to the 12 announced last October.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2007/ncrr-18.htm

AHRQ and FDA to Collaborate in Largest Study Ever of Possible Heart Risks with ADHD Medications

Two HHS agencies will collaborate in the most comprehensive study to date of prescription medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the potential for increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Researchers supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will examine the clinical data of about 500,000 children and adults who have taken medications used to treat ADHD to determine whether those drugs increase cardiovascular risks.

Press release: http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2007/adhdmedpr.htm

NIA: What Happens Next? A Booklet About Being Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease or A Related Disorder

A new booklet specifically for people dealing with the beginning stages of dementia is now available from the NIA. Readers will find firsthand views about diagnosis, what to expect, how to talk with others about the disease, and more. The 12-page booklet also includes a list of helpful organizations that offer written materials about dementia, information about support groups and services, and ways to get involved in research that may help others in the future.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/WhatHappensNext.htm

ARHQ Research Activities: New Summaries

Studies Examine the Safety of Prescribing Antipsychotics, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors, and Beta-Blockers to Older Adults

Two studies supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AQRQ) examined the safety of prescribing antipsychotic medications, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), and beta-blockers for the elderly. The first study concluded that conventional antipsychotics and the newer atypical antipsychotics are equally risky for use in the elderly. The second study found that use of AchEIs, typically contraindicated for elderly persons with chronic airway disorders, is safe for this group as physicians are currently prescribing them, but beta-blockers are not.

http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep07/0907RA17.htm

The Potency of Laws Equalizing Coverage for Mental Health Care Varies Between States

Although many states have passed parity laws, the potency of the laws varies from state to state. This is primarily due to the exemptions for self-insured firms and small firms as well as limits on the types of conditions covered, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed the 1997 to 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Insurance Component to examine the extent and scope of state parity legislation in terms of the number of insured private-sector employees covered.

http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep07/0907RA19.htm

Medicare Part D Provides Coverage Protection for Mental Health-Related Drugs, But Certain Drugs Still May Not Be Covered

Legislation in 2003 created Medicare Part D, a voluntary prescription drug benefit available to all Medicare beneficiaries. Health plans are required to cover a minimum of two drugs in each therapeutic drug class. However, plans must cover "all or substantially all" distinct drugs in three psychotropic drug classes: antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Health plans are not required to cover both the generic and brand version of the same drug. These special protections afforded to these drug classes under the Part D benefit will help to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries with a mental illness have access to needed medications. However, despite these protections, certain product formulations may not be covered, according to a new study.

http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep07/0907RA20.htm

Medications that Relieve Pain and Anxiety in Acute Trauma Patients Hold Promise for Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Between 10 and 50 percent of injured youths and adults who are hospitalized develop high levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which can range from insomnia, tormenting flashbacks, and nightmares to hypervigilance, anxiety, and depression. The medications doctors currently prescribe for trauma patients at hospital discharge may be candidate medications to test for prevention of PTSD among patients who have suffered traumatic injuries.

http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep07/0907RA18.htm

CDC: Nonfatal Self-Inflicted Injuries Among Adults Aged >65 Years — United States, 2005

To characterize nonfatal self-inflicted injuries among older adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed emergency department visits using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program. The results indicated that, in 2005, older adults made an estimated 7,105 emergency department visits for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries; 80.4 percent of these visits were attributed to suicidal behavior. Older adults also were more likely than younger adults to require hospitalization after emergency department visits attributed to suicidal behavior.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5638a1.htm

ED Announces New Emergency Response and Crisis Management Newsletters

The U.S. Department of Education (ED)'s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, in collaboration with ED's Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) Technical Assistance Center, is pleased to announce the release of three new publications.

Tapping into Nontraditional Community Partners for Emergency Management

Discusses various partners and strategies that can be used to support school and district emergency management efforts.

http://ercm.ed.gov/views/documents/TapIn2CmunityPartnrs4ERMgmt.pdf

Coping with the Death of a Student or Staff Member

Highlights the range of impact death can have on a school community; offers suggestions for responding to a loss; and discusses strategies for recovery. http://ercm.ed.gov/views/documents/CopingW_Death_StudentOrStaff.pdf

Emergency Management Opportunities and Challenges for Non-Public Schools

Provides an overview of non-public schools as well as the challenges and opportunities they have as it relates to school-based emergency management. http://ercm.ed.gov/views/documents/ERMgmtOppts_Challngs4N_PS.pdf

SAMSHA: Call for Papers Issued for 21st Annual Research Conference on Children's Mental Health Service Systems

The Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health, jointly funded by ED's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) invites papers for its 21st Annual Research Conference to be held February 24-27, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. You are invited to add your knowledge and experience to the research base for systems of care serving children with mental health challenges and their families. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2007.

http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/rtcconference

SAMHSA: 2008 National GAINS Conference' Call For Presentations

The 2008 CMHS National GAINS Center Conference, "Creating More Effective Services," will be held in Washington, D.C., March 18-20, 2008. In keeping with the theme of "Creating More Effective Services," CMHS is seeking proposals that focus on programs and practices that are innovative and creative, especially those that have solid empirical data supporting their effectiveness. The focus of all presentations will be services for people with mental illness who are in contact with the justice system. The deadline to submit presentation proposals has been extended to October 30, 2007.

http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/2008conference/call_for_presentations.asp

SAMHSA: Call for Manuscripts for a Special Issue of the Journal of Rural Mental Health

The Journal of Rural Mental Health is seeking manuscripts for a SAMSHA special issue, Innovations in the Rural Behavioral Health Workforce for Children and Families, which seeks to identify innovative and promising approaches to developing and maintaining a rural behavioral and mental health workforce for children and families in state, tribal, and local communities. The journal will showcase innovative workforce programs and practices in areas of recruitment and retention of a behavioral health workforce; financing of behavioral health services and programs; training a new or existing behavioral health workforce; use of evidence-based interventions; school-based mental health practices; and linkages of children's behavioral health with primary care. Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2007.

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/consumersurvivor/listserv/081307.asp

Online Chat: Drug Facts Chat Day

October 12, 2007, 8:00 am 6:00 pm EST

For the first time ever, top scientists from NIDA will be live online to answer questions about drugs and their impact on the teen brain and body. During Drug Facts Chat Day, students can ask some of our nation's experts about illicit drug use as well as abuse of prescription drugs, which is becoming a growing problem among our nation's teens.

http://www.nida.nih.gov/chat/

Teleconference: Child Traumatic Stress—Understanding and Serving through a Cultural Lens

October 18, 2007, 1:00 2:30 pm ET

This conference call produced by SAMHSA's National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is offered in collaboration with SAMHSA's National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This call will begin with an overview of child traumatic stress and the intersection of culture and trauma, followed by a discussion of how primary care and mental health practitioners can collaborate to address the needs of children and families from diverse cultural groups who have experienced trauma.

http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/tacalls2007.html

21st Annual National Meeting on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention in Higher Education

Omaha, Nebraska, October 18-21, 2007

This U.S. Department of Education-sponsored meeting examines issues around alcohol and other drug abuse and violence prevention on college campuses and in their surrounding communities. The National Meeting includes keynote speakers, workshops, showcases, town meetings, poster presentations, and exhibits.

http://www.higheredcenter.org/natl/2007/

Webcast: Trauma Treatment Needs of Children and Families in Rural Communities

October 25, 2007, 2:00 3:30 pm ET

Sponsored by SAMHSA's National Child Traumatic Stress Network this free webcast will provide information on child trauma in rural communities.

http://www.nctsn.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_train_tele_culsched

Frontiers in Addiction Research NIDA Mini Convention at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

San Diego, California, November 2, 2007

Outstanding scientists will present recent findings and discuss future directions in the neurobiology of drug abuse and addiction. The NIDA-sponsored mini-convention includes four symposia, the SfN Jacob Waletzky Memorial Lecture, and a poster session for early career investigators.

http://www.sei2003.com/ nida/frontiers2007/

Conference: Tribal Consultation and Training in New Mexico

Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, November 27-30, 2007

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, SAMHSA, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Native Affairs, will hold a Government to Government Consultation, Training, and Technical Assistance conference. Topics will include funding opportunities, sexual assault, detention facilities, methamphetamine training, suicide prevention, interoperability and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.

http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/enews/07juvjust/070927.html

SAMHSA Funding Announcements

$28 Million to Help Children and Adolescents Suffering from Trauma

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it is awarding 15 grants totaling almost $28 million over four years to organizations that help children and adolescents deal with traumatic experiences. The grants are part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative which is dedicated to addressing child trauma issues by creating a national, cooperative network of organizations that can effectively deal with this problem.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709170847.aspx

Almost $17.5 Million Awarded to Help Homeless Individuals and Families

SAMHSA announced that it is awarding nine grants totaling almost $17.5 million over five years to local organizations working to end chronic homelessness in their communities. The program has a targeted focus to serve chronically homeless individuals with serious psychiatric conditions and those with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders who live in supportive housing settings. In these settings, the new grant funds will support intensive individualized services that are known to improve residential stability and reduce psychiatric symptoms.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709262959.aspx

More Than $5 Million to Support Alternatives to the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Mental Health Facilities

SAMHSA announced the award of eight grants totaling more than $5 million over three years to support states in reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in institutional and community-based settings that provide mental health services. The Alternatives to Restraint and Seclusion State Incentive Grant (SIG) is one of SAMHSA’s infrastructure grant programs.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/070921rs_award3327.aspx

Almost $65 Million in FY 2007 Grants to Tribal Programs Promoting Mental Health, Preventing and Treating Substance Abuse, and Supporting Recovery

SAMHSA will provide almost $65 million in multiyear grants, starting in fiscal year 2007, to tribal organizations serving the mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. These awards are contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709261150.aspx

$21 Million Awarded to Help States Enhance Mental Health Data Recording and Reporting Systems

SAMHSA has announced 55 grant awards totaling approximately $21 million over three years to help states and territories enhance their capacity to record and report on the performance of their mental health services. A Uniform Reporting System will be used to ensure program consistency and thoroughness among state grantees.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709265213.aspx

Program Expands Client Choice in Substance Abuse Treatment Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced $98 million in new Access to Recovery grants to provide people seeking drug and alcohol treatment with vouchers allowing them a greater range of choice in selecting the services most appropriate for their needs. Of the $98 million, approximately $2 million will be used to fund an independent evaluation of the program.

Press release: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/09/pr20070920a.html

$24 Million to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment in Targeted Areas

SAMHSA announced the award of 16 grants totaling about $24 million over three years to enhance or expand substance abuse treatment capacity in targeted areas of need. Targeted Capacity Expansion grants are funded to address gaps in substance abuse services or to increase the ability of communities to help specific populations or geographic areas with serious, emerging substance abuse problems.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709283130.aspx

$39 Million for 15 Addiction Technology Transfer Centers

SAMHSA announced the award of $39 million over five years to fund 15 Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs). Fourteen regional centers and one national coordinating center are the recipients of these awards. Together with Single State Authorities, treatment provider associations, addictions counselors, multidisciplinary professionals, faith and recovery community leaders, family members of those in recovery, and other stakeholders, the ATTCs assess the training and development needs of the substance use disorders workforce. http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/070914awarded3414.aspx

SAMHSA Conference Grants

SAMHSA is accepting applications for SAMHSA Knowledge Dissemination Conference Grants. The purpose of the Conference Grant program is to disseminate knowledge about practices within the mental health services and substance abuse prevention and treatment fields and to integrate that knowledge into real-world practice as effectively and efficiently as possible. Application deadline is October 31, 2007.

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=1614&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW

CDC: Improving Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15565&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW

NIH Program Announcements (PAs)

[Full listing of NIH PAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/index.html ]

None.

NIH Request for Applications (RFAs)

[Full listing of NIH RFAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/index.html ]

Optimizing Prevention and Healthcare Management for the Complex Patient (R21)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-08-003.html

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