During this webinar, Dr. Andrew Nierenberg of Massachusetts General Hospital will give an overview of the most up-to-date research and current data available on the long-term course of Bipolar Depression and its treatment.
This month, The Trevor Project released results from its fourth annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health in which it surveyed 34,000 youth aged 13-24. Almost half (45%) of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide last year, with youth of color reporting higher rates of suicide attempts. More than half (60%) of LGBTQ youth wanted mental health care in the past year and were unable to receive it. The report also found that having access to affirming homes and schools as well as supportive parents, caregivers and friends, serve as protective factors against suicidality. To learn more, see the results from the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.
A recently published study investigated the experiences of 8,500 veteran patients between 2015 and 2020 in primary care who were referred to behavioral and/or mental health care programs. After controlling for variables, White veterans were nearly two times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants in primary care settings compared to Black veterans. This holds true for those with severe depression as well. These findings emphasize the disparity and bias in quality of treatment Black patients face despite having access to care. Future research should continue exploring these disparities and identify methods to combat them. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
A recent study found a significant decrease in the number of mental health services offered in Spanish despite the growth of the Hispanic population nationwide. Between 2014 and 2019, there was a 17.8% decrease in the proportion of mental health treatment facilities offering services in Spanish, impacting 44 out of the 50 states. These changes coincide with an upward trend in mental health disorders among Hispanics with a 60% increase in serious mental health conditions and 34% increase in major depressive episodes. The study concludes that offering more mental health services in Spanish is one way to deliver culturally responsive health care and promote equity across populations. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examined 13 studies to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns influenced the symptoms and treatment plans of individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Selected studies included populations from the U.K., U.S., and other countries. During the pandemic, about 60% of individuals with EDs reported a worsening of symptoms such as binge eating, purging, food restriction, and concerns surrounding food intake, as well as increases in anxiety and depression related to their ED. The researchers also found that individuals with EDs may have difficulties engaging with telehealth – one of the key methods of health care access during the pandemic. To learn more, see the study in the Journal of Eating Disorders.
This month, the CDC released results from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), the first national survey analyzing the wellbeing of high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report shows how high school students’ mental health has worsened with 37.1% reporting poor mental health during the pandemic. A sense of school connectedness to peers and adults – even virtually – was identified as a protective factor against poor mental health, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. The report highlights the pivotal role schools can play in supporting youth mental health outcomes and calls for increased support. To learn more, see the reports from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has entered into a partnershipwith Trilogy Integrated Resources, creators of the Network of Care comm unity Web sites, to familiarize NAMI members with the powerful on-line resources provided by the Network—and to promote its adoption by state and local government agencies nationwide.
Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI CAO, sees the rising prominence of mental health issues as an inevitable result of the record number of Americans dealing with conditions like depression and anxiety. “We know now, more than ever, that people need care,” Wesolowski said. “The conversations for better or worse show that there's recognition that we have to […]
NAMI applauds the FCC for taking steps to ensure 988 help seekers get connected to their local call centers Arlington, VA — Yesterday, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) led a group of over 40 national organizations in urging leadership at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human […]
Jump To: Episode Share About the Host During Black History Month, guest host and manager of HBCU engagement Juno Pitchford speaks with award-winning author Antonia Hylton about her newly released book, “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum.” Tune in to hear more about the legacy of slavery and segregation in mental health […]
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
