| Science
and News Update |
NIMH
Schizophrenia Initiative Featured in Biological Psychiatry
An NIMH
initiative to fill the gap between advances in basic cognitive neuroscience
and practical clinical applications for patients with schizophrenia
is the topic of the July 1, 2008 issue of Biological Psychiatry.
It contains eight articles on the Cognitive Neuroscience Approaches
to the Treatment of Impaired Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS)
initiative, including a commentary, and descriptions of meetings
related to the effort.
Science
Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/nimh-schizophrenia-initiative-featured-in-biological-psychiatry.shtml
|
HIV-associated
Neurological Disease Prevalent in Asia-Pacific Region
A new study finds a significant rate of HIV-related
neurological disease among HIV-positive populations living in the
Asian-Pacific region. The study, funded by NIMH and the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, was published July
1, 2008, in the journal Neurology.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/hiv-associated-neurological-disease-prevalent-in-asia-pacific-region.shtml |
NIMH: Couples-based Intervention May Limit
HIV Transmission in African Countries
A shift to a couples-based intervention for married
and cohabiting couples in urban Zambia
and Rwanda
could prevent up to 60 percent of new HIV infections that would
otherwise occur, according to an NIMH-funded study published June
27, 2008, in The Lancet. The survey found that 45 to
75 percent of HIV-positive married individuals in Africa
have HIV-negative spouses. Researchers estimate that 55 to 93 percent
of new heterosexual HIV infections occur within marriages or cohabiting
relationships.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/couples-based-intervention-may-limit-hiv-transmission-in-african-countries.shtml
|
NIMH: Mice Expressing Human Genes Bred to Help
Unravel Mental Disorders
New mouse strains engineered to express human genes
related to mental disorders are being developed under a recently-launched
grant program from NIMH’s Division of Neuroscience and Basic
Behavioral Science. The new models are designed to help scientists
understand the molecular workings of variations in genes that may
predispose for – or even help protect against – illnesses
like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They will also
explore how duplications or the differences in the amount of genetic
material affect brain function, and how genes influence response
to treatments.
Science
Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/mice-expressing-human-genes-bred-to-help-unravel-mental-disorders.shtml
|
NIMH: New Grant Supports Stem Cell-Derived
Model of Autism-Related Illness
For the first time, researchers are developing
a test tube model of Rett syndrome, a debilitating autism-like illness,
in neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. The study, recently
funded by a grant from NIMH’s Division of Neuroscience and
Basic Behavioral Science, addresses a crucial gap in understanding
the workings of the rare autism spectrum disorder.
Science
Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/new-grant-supports-stem-cell-derived-model-of-autism-related-illness.shtml |
NIMH: Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some
Alzheimer’s Symptoms, Not Others
Antipsychotic medications may lessen symptoms like hostility and aggression
in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, but do not appear to
lessen other symptoms or improve quality of life, according to a
recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic
Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Alzheimer’s Disease (CATIE-AD)
study. The analysis was published online ahead of print June 2,
2008, in the American Journal
of Psychiatry.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/antipsychotic-medications-may-ease-some-alzheimers-symptoms-not-others.shtml
|
NIMH: New
Grant Aims to Overcome Obesity in People with Serious Mental Illness
A new
grant funded by NIMH will test the effectiveness of a promising
intervention designed to help people with serious mental illness
who are overweight or obese lose weight and keep it off.
Science
Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/new-grant-aims-to-overcome-obesity-in-people-with-serious-mental-illness.shtml
|
NIMH:
Anxious Youth Have Disturbed Brain Responses When Looking at Angry
Faces
When
looking at angry faces so quickly that they are hardly aware of
seeing them, youth with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have
unchecked activity in the brain’s fear center, say NIMH researchers.
This disturbance is greater in those who are more severely anxious.
Science
Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/anxious-youth-have-disturbed-brain-responses-when-looking-at-angry-faces.shtml
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NIDA:
Broad Differences in Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drug Use Across
Countries
A survey conducted by the World Health Organization
(WHO) research consortium found that the United States had among the highest
lifetime rates of tobacco and alcohol use and led in the proportion
of participants reporting cannabis (marijuana) or cocaine use at
least once during their lifetime. The study, funded in part by the
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is published in the July
1, 2008 issue of the open access journal PLoS Medicine.
News Release: http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/08/NR6-30.html
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New
Subcommittee of HHS’ National Biodefense Science Board to
Look at Mental Health Consequences of Disasters
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) announced that it is convening a group of national experts
to develop recommendations on protecting, preserving and restoring
individual and community mental health in catastrophic events.
News Release: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080626a.html
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FDA Approves First Generic Risperidone
to Treat Psychiatric Conditions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
the first generic versions of Risperdal (risperidone) tablets. Risperdal
is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.
News Release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01855.html |
FDA
Issues an Information Sheet for Healthcare Professionals Sheet for
Antipsychotics
The FDA is notifying healthcare
professionals that conventional and atypical antipsychotics are
associated with increased risk of mortality in elderly patients
treated for dementia-related psychosis.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/antipsychotics_conventional.htm |
| Resources:
Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources |
Inside NIMH Newsletter:
Summer 2008
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/newsletter/2008-july-inside-nimh.html
|
NIH Research Matters:
Success Quitting Smoking Based Partly on Genetics
Smokers' genetic make-up influences
their chances for successful quitting. According to a new study,
it may also help determine which treatment is most likely to help
them quit.
http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2008/06232008quitting.htm |
NIH
News In Health: More than a Feeling How the Arts Affect Your Health
For thousands of years, people have
searched for the meaning and beauty of life in music, painting,
poetry and other arts. Now scientists are finding that the arts
can benefit both your mental and physical health.
http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2008/June/docs/01features_01.htm |
NIDA
InfoFacts - Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction - Revision
This
is a fact sheet covering research findings on effective treatment
approaches for drug abuse and addiction.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html
|
New SAMHSA Report
Pinpoints Substance Use and Mental Health Problems in Individual
Localities Throughout the Nation
Mental health and substance abuse
problems affect every local community throughout America
– but in unique, and sometimes surprising ways, according
to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA). The report offers highly detailed analyses of
the substance abuse and mental health problems occurring within
these smaller geographical areas.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/substate2k8/toc.cfm |
SAMHSA: New Nationwide Report Estimates that 40 Percent
of Underage Drinkers Received Free Alcohol from Adults Over 21
More than 40 percent of the nation’s
estimated 10.8 million underage current drinkers (persons aged 12
to 20 who drank in the past 30 days) were provided free alcohol
by adults 21 or older, according to a nationwide report by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The study also indicates that one in 16 underage
drinkers (6.4 percent or 650,000) was given alcoholic beverages
by their parents in the past month.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/underage2k8/toc.htm |
AHRQ
Podcast Features Patient Advisory Councils and Advice on Choosing
a Health Plan
On Healthcare 411, Agency
for Health Research and Quality Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D.,
offers consumers advice on how to select a health plan.
This podcast also features the toolkit for creating community-based
patient advisory councils and a News & Number story about online
prescriptions
http://healthcare411.ahrq.gov/column.aspx?id=382
|
Living
With Ma’i Suka: Individual, Familial, Cultural, and
Environmental Stress Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
and Their Caregivers in American Samoa;
Preventing
Chronic Disease, Volume
5: No. 3, July 2008
The U.S.
territory of American Samoa
has a disproportionate number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
compared with neighboring Samoa and the U.S.
mainland. The purpose of this research was to study perceptions
of diabetes among people with type 2 diabetes in American
Samoa in order to design culturally appropriate
interventions to prevent and manage diabetes effectively.
http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2008/jul/07_0101.htm |
GAO: Young Adults
With Serious Mental Illness: Some States and Federal Agencies Are
Taking Steps to Address Their Transition Challenges
Due to concerns about young adults
with serious mental illness transitioning into adulthood, the Government
Accountability Office was asked to provide information on (1) the
number of these young adults and their demographic characteristics,
(2) the challenges they face, (3) how selected states assist them,
and (4) how the federal government supports states in serving these
young adults and coordinates programs that can assist them.
http://www.gao.gov/docdblite/summary.php?rptno=GAO-08-678&accno=A82485 |
New
PTSD Research Quarterly Newsletter (RQ)
The National
Center produces
the newsletter: PTSD Research Quarterly (RQ). Each RQ contains a
review article written by guest experts on specific topics related
to PTSD.
Spring 2008:
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/nc_archives/rsch_qtly/V19N2.pdf
|
| Calls
for Nominations |
| Calls
for Public Input |
Request
for Information: Input on Public Mental Health Research Questions
for NIMH’s interest in Suicide Prevention Efforts in Emergency
Medicine Departments
The NIMH is seeking input on strategies to enhance
suicide prevention efforts within emergency medicine department
(ED) settings, where many individuals at high risk for suicide are
seen. Advice on identifying the most important mental
health research questions is sought from the emergency medicine
and clinical research communities, mental health professionals,
suicide prevention and patient advocates, individuals who have survived
a suicide attempt, private and public mental health service systems
and providers, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, and
other interested groups or individuals.
Responses Due: July 25, 2008
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-08-013.html
|
Request
for Information: What Role Might the NIH (Neuroscience Blueprint)
Play in Developing Neuroscience-Related Educational Materials for
the K-12 Community?
The NIH Neuroscience Blueprint has released a Request
for Information regarding neuroscience-related educational efforts
for K-12 students. Biomedical science offers exciting opportunities
and challenges to students. Discussions of the brain and nervous
system can span many different courses, levels, and settings. The
NIH Blueprint is interested in knowing what topics and curricula
might be useful at the high-school level.
Responses Due: July 30, 2008
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-08-012.html
|
ICDR Public Stakeholder
Meeting
The Interagency Committee on Disability
Research will be conducting public meetings for disability stakeholders
on August 5 and August 13, 2008 from 9 am–12 pm and 1 pm–4
pm on both days in Arlington, Virginia
with access by teleconference or Webcast. For more information on
attending, providing written or oral testimony on disability research
issues and concerns or watching the proceedings, go to: http://www.icdr.us/stakeholders/index.html
Deadline for Comments: July 21,
2008 |
| Calls
for Applications |
| Calendar
of Events |
The National
Center for Trauma-Informed Care Learning
Exchange
July 11-12, 2008, Washington,
DC
The SAMHSA Center for Mental Health
Services-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.
https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=606344
|
2008 NIH Summer Institute on Health Services Research:
Cross-Systems Research to Improve Health Outcomes
July 27 - August 1, 2008, Bethesda,
Maryland
The 2008 NIH Summer Institute will
address essential conceptual, methodological, and practical issues
involved in planning and carrying out cross-systems health services
research. The Institute is intended for investigators who have completed
their doctorate and who plan to develop entry-level (e.g.: R03,
R21, or R34) NIH grant applications for research in this area. Faculty
will include established investigators from social work and other
fields. The goal is for every participant to develop a draft grant
proposal by the end of the training that will eventually lead to
a grant submission to the relevant NIH institute.
http://conferences.thehillgroup.com/obssr/summerinstitute2008/index.html
|
Paving the Road Home: The National Behavioral Conference
on Returning Veterans and Their Families
August
11, 2008, Bethesda, Maryland
Sponsored by SAMHSA, Department
of Defense, and Department of Veteran Affairs, this national conference
will help Federal, State, and local partners improve and enhance
mental health and substance abuse services for returning veterans
and their families. The conference will facilitate nationwide sharing
of information on mental health and substance abuse services and
supports across multiple health care delivery systems. Attendees
will be provided science-based information to assist veterans and
their families in building resiliency and preventing and/or treating
complex conditions, including mental disorders (e.g., TBI, PTSD)
substance use disorders, suicide, homelessness, domestic violence,
and co-occurring disorders.
http://samhsa.gov/vets/NationalConference_Vets.pdf
|
AHRQ's 2008 Annual Conference: Promoting Quality
— Partnering for Change
September
7-10, 2008, Bethesda, Maryland
The Agency for Healthcare Research
Quality’s (AHRQ) 2008 Annual Conference will The conference
will again bring together the best of the Agency's research and
provide examples of how that research is being implemented at all
levels in health care delivery. http://www.ahrq.gov/about/ahrqconf08.htm
|
3rd National Conference on Women, Addiction and
Recovery
September 15-17, 2008, Tampa,
Florida
SAMHSA’s 3rd National Conference
on Women, Addiction and Recovery brings together the leaders, directors
and other stakeholders in women’s services to hear current
research, discuss implementation and promote effective leadership
to professionals and stakeholders to assist women with substance
use disorders and their families.
http://www.samhsa.gov/spotlights/WomenConference.aspx
|
The 13th Annual Conference on Advancing School
Mental Health
September 25-27, 2008, Phoenix,
Arizona
Sponsored by the Health Resources
and Services Administration’s Center for School Mental Health
and the IDEA Partnership, this year’s conference theme is
“School Mental Health for All Students: Building a Shared
Agenda for Youth, Families, Schools, and Communities.”
http://csmh.umaryland.edu/conf_meet/AnnualConference/index.html
|
The 14th NIMH Biennial Research Conference on the
Economics of Mental Health: Toward Building a High Performance Mental
Health System
September 25–26, 2008, Washington,
DC
This biennial economics conference
is an integral part of the dissemination and research portfolio
development activities of the Division of Services and Intervention
Research of NIMH. These scientific conferences are convened
exclusively for presentation and discussion of original, rigorous
and innovative technical research papers in mental health economics.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/announcements/2008/the-14th-nimh-biennial-research-conference-on-the-economics-of-mental-health-toward-building-a-high-performance-mental-health-sy.shtml
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|
National
Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect Call for Abstracts
March
30 - April 4, 2009, Atlanta,
GA
The 17th National Conference on
Child Abuse and Neglect, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services Children's Bureau Office on Child Abuse and Neglect
(OCAN). The theme for the 2009 conference, "Focusing on the
Future: Strengthening Families and Communities," emphasizes
the need for every child to enjoy a healthy family life in a nurturing
community. The deadline for
submission is August 15, 2008.
http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/articles.cfm?issue_id=2008-07&article_id=1626
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| Funding
Information |
| Programmatic
Funding Opportunities |
| Research
Funding Opportunities (PAs and RFAs) |
Selected NIH Program
Announcements (PAs)
[Full listing of NIH PAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/index.html]
Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic and Translational
Mental Health Research (P50)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-194.html
Novel
Lentiviral Models of HIV Neuropathogenesis
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-178.html
(R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-179.html
(R21)
Medications Development for Polydrug Addiction Treatment
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-187.html
(R21)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-186.html
(R01) |
Selected NIH Request
for Applications (RFAs)
[Full listing of NIH RFAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/index.html]
Criminal Justice Drug
Abuse Treatment Studies 2 (CJ-DATS 2) (U01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-006.html
Improving Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation
Interventions and Programs in Low Income Adult Populations
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-022.html
(R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-023.html
(R21)
|
