| Science
and News Update |
| NIMH: Schizophrenia-Related Gene Linked to Imbalance in Dopamine Pathways
Forms of a gene known to increase risk for schizophrenia may create an imbalance
in brain pathways for dopamine, suggests a recent study by NIMH scientists. The findings
could help explain how this key chemical messenger goes awry in the disorder, which affects
about one percent of adults. It has long been known that dopamine is overactive in schizophrenia
and that some antipsychotic medications work by blocking the D2 subtype of dopamine
receptor on neurons. NIMH researchers sought a mechanism for how a gene implicated in
the illness might affect the number or sensitivity of D2 receptors. Reported online November
7, 2007 in the Journal of Neuroscience, the findings hint at a genetically-influenced imbalance between the pathways mediating D2 and D1 dopamine receptors in schizophrenia.
Science update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/schizophrenia-related-gene-linked-to-imbalance-in-dopamine-pathways.shtml |
| NIMH: Behavioral Therapy Effectively Treats Children with Social Phobia
A behavioral therapy designed to treat children diagnosed with social phobia
helped them overcome more of their symptoms than the antidepressant
fluoxetine (Prozac), according to an NIMH-funded study. The study
is published in the December 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Science update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/behavioral-therapy-effectively-treats-children-with-social-phobia.shtml |
| NIMH: Hurricane Katrina Survivors Lack Access to Mental Health Services
The majority of Hurricane Katrina survivors who developed mental disorders after
the disaster are not receiving the mental health services they need,
and many who were receiving mental health care prior to the hurricane
were not able to continue with treatment, according to an NIMH-funded
study published online December 17, 2007, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Science Update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/hurricane-katrina-survivors-lack-access-to-mental-health-services.shtml |
| NIMH: IQ Boost From Breast Milk Linked to Gene-Environment Interaction
A new study shows that the intellectual boost associated with breast milk is
only attained if a child has inherited one of two versions of a
specific gene. The NIMH funded research is among the first to provide
evidence of a specific genetic-environment interaction involved
in complex mental functioning. Breastfed children are thought to
have a 6-7-point IQ advantage over non-breastfed children, likely
traceable to certain fatty acids found in human milk and important
for brain development, according to the researchers. Findings were
reported online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 5, 2007.
Science update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/iq-boost-from-breast-milk-linked-to-gene-environment-interaction.shtml |
| NIMH: Depression’s Flip Side Shares its Circuitry
Humans tend to be overly optimistic about the future, sometimes underestimating
risks and making unrealistic plans, notes a recent NIMH-funded study. Yet "a moderate
optimistic illusion" appears to be essential for maintaining motivation and good mental
health. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers have now shown that
such "optimism bias" may be rooted in the same brain circuitry as depression,
which is marked by a tendency to be overly pessimistic. The study was reported in the October
24, 2007 issue of Nature.
Science update:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/depressions-flip-side-shares-its-circuitry.shtml |
| NIDA: Early Fine-Tuning of Neural Connections May Turn Destructive Later
in Life
—Mouse Study Implicates Immune Process in Brain Development As Well As Degenerative Diseases The immune system helps to prune excess connections between neurons in the developing
brains of young mice, according to scientists funded by the National Institute
on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The study, published in the December 14 issue of the journal Cell, sheds critical new light upon a fundamental process, while hinting at a likely mechanism behind
neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.
Press release: http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR12-14.html |
| NIDA Survey Shows a Decline in Smoking and Illicit Drug Use Among Eighth
Graders—Prescription Drug Abuse Still High For 12th Graders
The nation's eighth graders took center stage in this year's Monitoring the Future
survey, showing a significant decline in both smoking and illicit drug use in the past
year, part of a downward trend for all measured age groups in the last decade. In addition, eighth
graders showed a substantial long-term decline in past-year alcohol use, down to 31.8
percent from its recent peak of 46.8 percent in 1994. The Monitoring the Future project -
now in its 33rd year - is a series of independent surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders
conducted by researchers funded under a grant from NIDA.
Press release: http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR12-11.html |
| NIAAA: Scientists Identify Gene That Influences Alcohol Consumption
A variant of a gene involved in communication among brain cells has a direct
influence on alcohol consumption in mice, according to a new study by scientists supported
by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the U.S. Army.
Scientists do not know yet whether a similar gene variant, with a similar effect
on alcohol consumption, exists in humans. A report of the study appears in the December
2007 issue of Genomics.
Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/dec2007/niaaa-05.htm |
| SAMHSA: Ten States and Puerto Rico Receive SAMHSA Funding for Pilot Programs to Enhance Transformation of Mental Health Systems
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced
the selection of Transformation Transfer Initiative program funding
awards to 10 states and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The program
supports an array of infrastructure and service delivery improvement
activities to further the vision of Transforming Mental Health Systems
for the 21st Century. The states selected are Alabama, Florida,
Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Each of these states and Puerto Rico will receive an award for up to $105,000 for
one year. Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0712110604.aspx |
| FDA: Carbamazepine Prescribing Information to Include Recommendation
of Genetic Test for Patients with Asian Ancestry? Connection of Genetic Information
with Medication Use Can Improve Safe Use of Product
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the manufacturers
of drugs containing the active ingredient carbamazepine have agreed to add to the drugs'
labeling a recommendation that, before starting therapy with the drugs, patients with Asian
ancestry get a genetic blood test that can identify a significantly increased risk of
developing a rare, but serious, skin reaction. Carbamazepine is a drug used for treatment of epilepsy,
bipolar disorder, and neuropathic pain. It is sold under the brand names Carbatrol, Equetro,
and Tegretol.
Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01755.html |
| Resources:
Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources |
| New on NIMH Website—Meeting Summaries Available
Research on Antisocial Behaviors in Children: Future Directions
In April 2007, NIMH hosted a workshop that focused on identifying target areas
for new research in the field of disruptive behavior disorders, specifically related
to conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/2007/research-on-antisocial-behaviors-in-children-future-directions.shtml
Strategies for Developing Novel Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The goal of this October 2007 workshop was to explore novel treatment approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders and strategies for promoting the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/2007/strategies-for-developing-novel-interventions-for-neurodevelopmental-disorders.shtml |
| NIH Research Matters—Mental Health Related Stories
NIH Research Matters is a weekly review of NIH research. Many of the articles are written in an easy-to-read format for the general public.
Preschool Program Improves Cognitive Control
An innovative curriculum significantly improved several cognitive skills in low-income, urban preschool children, a new study supported by NIDA found. The improvement came without any special equipment, using regular teachers in
public school classrooms.
http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/december2007/12102007kids.htm |
| NIA: Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly
This new tip sheet from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers suggestions
for how to write and design health information to accommodate cognitive and physical changes
that often accompany old age. It provides specific examples and includes resources
for more information.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/srfriendly.htm |
| NCPTSD: Newsletter Features Impact of Mass Shootings
The National Center for PTSD’s (NCPTSD) latest issue of PTSD Research Quarterly features the impact of mass shooting on survivors, families, and communities.
The newsletter contains a review article on the topic, a selective bibliography with abstracts,
and a supplementary list of annotated citations.
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/publications/publications/ncpbl_rq.jsp |
| NIJ: Helping Inmates Obtain Federal Disability Benefits
This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) guide examines three programs—one in
Texas, one in Philadelphia, and one in New York—that help inmates prepare and file prerelease
applications for federal disability benefits so they can continue to receive
treatment without interruption after they are released from prison or jail. http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/216297.pdf |
| SAMHSA: New Reports from the Office of Applied Studies
Male Admissions with Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
This short report based on SAMHSA's Drug and Alcohol Services Information System, provides data on the substance use and treatment history of male substance
abuse treatment admissions with and without a co-occurring psychiatric disorder.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/maleDual/maleDual.cfm
2005 National Estimates of Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits
This annual report is based on the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), the primary source of national data on drug related emergency department visits.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/DAWN/2k5ed.cfm |
| New CDC Study Finds 5.5 Percent Increase in Injury Mortality from 1999
to 2004
—Increases in deaths among 20–to–29 and 45–to–54 year olds contribute to first
overall increase in years Injury death rates nationally rose more than 5 percent after a two–decade period
of decline, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report indicates the largest increases
were seen in the 20–29 and 45–54 year age groups. The total injury mortality rate includes
deaths from unintentional injury, suicides, homicides, and injuries of undetermined intent.
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2007/r071213a.htm |
| Calls
for Nominations |
| Calls
for Public Input |
| NIMH Draft Strategic Plan: Opportunity for Public Review and Comment
In May 2007, NIMH launched the process to develop a new Strategic Plan that will
serve as a guide to the Institute for advancing mental health science over the next
3-5 years. The Institute has now completed a draft of this Strategic Plan, and seeks public
feedback before the main text is finalized. Deadline for comments is December 21, 2007.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/nimh-draft-strategic-plan.shtml |
| SAMHSA Seeking Nominations for Voice Awards—Honoring Those Who Make a
Difference for Mental Health
The Voice Awards acknowledge entertainment writers and producers who give a voice
to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and
accurate portrayals of individuals with mental illnesses into film and television productions.
A program of the SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services, the Voice Awards also provide
the opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of mental health consumer leaders
to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems. Entertainment industry nominations are due Friday, January 4, 2008. Mental health consumer nominations are due Friday, January 18, 2008. http://www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov |
| Calls
for Applications |
| Calendar
of Events |
| Teleconference: Clinical Decision Making for Child and Adolescent Behavioral
Health Care
December 20, 2007, 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
This conference call produced by SAMHSA’s National Technical Assistance Center
for Children's Mental Health will explore different types of tools and protocols
that states are using as they seek to make decisions about individualized services and provide
oversight to ensure quality outcomes for children and families. http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/tacalls2007.html |
| Workshop: Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma
St. Louis, Missouri, January 29-30, 2008
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime is offering this workshop
to provide an overview of the definitions and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious
trauma, and secondary post-traumatic stress disorder, and will include an interactive
exploration of self-care techniques, strategies for recognizing symptoms of compassion fatigue,
and strategies supervisors can use to ensure balance and self care for those they
supervise. http://www.sei2003.com/ovcttac2008/compassion.htm |
| CSAP's 4th Annual Community Prevention Day
Washington, DC, February 11, 1008
Sponsored by SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) this gathering
of CSAP grantees, community organizations, prevention leaders, and public health
activists from across the country come together at one venue to receive training and technical
assistance specific to substance abuse prevention, as well as network with other grantees,
and partners within their region. These participants will also have the opportunity to share
experiences and information, establish new relationships in regional networking sessions, and
take part in workshops to develop strategic organizational skills. http://cadca.org/events/forum/forum18/csap.asp |
| Workshop: Responding to School Violence
Portland, Oregon, March 11-12, 2008
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime is offering to this training,
to explore strategies to create a culture of nonviolence within schools, strategies to intervene
and prevent potential school attacks, immediate, short- and long-term strategies to respond
to a violent episode, and strategies to address reactions to violent episodes. http://www.sei2003.com/ovcttac2008/SchoolViolence.htm |
| National GAINS Center Conference—Creating More Effective Services
Washington, DC, March 18-20, 2008
The SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services’ National GAINS Center Conference
represents a unique opportunity for practitioners and researchers working at
the interfaces of the criminal justice and mental health systems to network, learn, and share
knowledge on creating effective services for justice-involved individuals with mental illness.
The purpose of this conference is to develop and expand the research base for effective criminal
justice/mental health programs and policies. Registration, which is free, is
open until March 1, 2008. http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/2008conference/ |
| Save the Date: Blending Addiction Science and Treatment—The Impact of
Evidence
-Based Practices on Individuals, Families and Communities
Cincinnati, Ohio, June 2-3, 2008
This NIDA conference provides an important opportunity for clinicians and providers
to interact with the developers of empirically supported treatments in awareness
raising workshops focused on treatment implementation. The goal of the Blending Addiction
Science and Practice Conference is to improve addiction treatment practices so more people
recover from addictive disorders. http://www.NIDABlendingConference.info |
| Save the Date: The National Center for Trauma-Informed Care Learning
Exchange
Washington, DC, July 9-10, 2008
The SAMHSA CMHS funded National Center for Trauma-Informed Care will be hosting
a two-day learning exchange and networking transformation forum to highlight useful
and practical strategies for moving forward together with the implementation of trauma-informed
care in organizations, programs, and services. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/nctic/ |
| Funding
Information |
| NIMH Grant Funds Available to Support Partnerships to Research Stigma
Reduction Efforts
The program announcement, Reducing Mental Illness Stigma and Discrimination (Collaborative R01), was recently released by the NIMH. This Funding Opportunity
Announcement (FOA), issued by the NIMH, and conceived in collaboration
with the SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) will
provide funding for partnerships to assess the effectiveness of
existing stigma and discrimination reduction programs and approaches, including media-oriented approaches such as public service announcements; develop innovative new programs and approaches; and examine the role of media
in perpetuating and changing mental illness stigma and discrimination. These partnerships must include (1) consumer and/or advocate organizations, communities, or state
and local agencies with hands-on expertise in developing and implementing stigma reduction
programs and strategies, and (2) social, behavioral, and/or communication scientists with
expertise in stigma research design and methodology. Partnerships to further information
exchange with public stakeholders and organizations to improve the accuracy of public awareness
about effective treatments for mental disorders; and to examine how service delivery
organization and mental illness treatment financing (e.g., non-mental health parity, separate
behavioral health insurers) impact mental illness stigma and discrimination are also appropriate.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-040.html |
| ED: Grants for The Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems
The Department of Education’s (ED) Grants for the Integration of Schools and
Mental Health Systems opened on December 7, 2007 and will close on January 30, 2008.
The goal of the program is to increase student access to quality mental health care
by developing innovative approaches to link local school systems with the local mental health
system. http://www.ed.gov/programs/mentalhealth/applicant.html |
| Programmatic
Funding Opportunities |
| CDC: Research for Preventing Violence and Violence-Related Injury
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=HyyQ1PlJwYGJGM2NrvN11RyjRN
vB2KKtyHJlp22rHnphvRJvvg9P!-1732193024?oppId=16253&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW |
| ED: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Programs
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2007-4/121307a.html |
| HRSA: Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Grant Program
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=HyyQ1PlJwYGJGM2NrvN11RyjRN
vB2KKtyHJlp22rHnphvRJvvg9P!-1732193024?oppId=16155&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW |
| NIJ: Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/drugcourts.html |
| NIJ Research and Evaluation on the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of
Elderly Individuals and Residents of Residential Care Facilities
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000817.pdf |
| NIJ: Crime and Justice Research
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000820.pdf |
| 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 ]
Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Testing of Potential Treatment Agents
for Drug Addiction (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-041.html
NIDA Research "Center of Excellence" Grant Program (P50)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-046.html
|
| NIH Request for Applications (RFAs)
[Full listing of NIH RFAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/index.html ]
Extinction and Pharmacotherapies for Drug Addiction (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-024.html
Extinction and Pharmacotherapies for Drug Addiction (R03)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-025.html
Exploratory Centers for Translational Research on the Clinical Neurobiology of Drug Addiction (P20)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-022.html
The Interaction of HIV, Drug Use, and the Criminal Justice System (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-007.html |
