NIMH: Increased Burden of Rare Genetic Variations Found in Schizophrenia —Two New Sites of Deletions Implicated in Largest Study of its Kind

People with schizophrenia bear an “increased burden” of rare deletions and duplications of genetic material, genome-wide, say researchers supported in part by the NIMH. “Although many of us have these changes in our genetic material, they are about 15 percent more frequent in people with schizophrenia,” explained Pamela Sklar, M.D., Ph.D., of Harvard University and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research. “We also discovered two large areas of chromosomal deletions that confer a great deal of risk for schizophrenia and confirm involvement of a third previously reported area.” Sklar and colleagues in the International Schizophrenia Consortium team, representing 11 research institutes worldwide, report on the largest study of its kind to date, online July 30, 2008, in the journal Nature.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/increased-burden-of-rare-genetic-variations-found-in-schizophrenia.shtml

NIMH: Mechanism for Postpartum Depression Found in Mice—Discovery May Lead to Better Treatments

Researchers have pinpointed a mechanism in the brains of mice that could explain why some human mothers become depressed following childbirth. The discovery could lead to improved treatment for postpartum depression. Supported in part by the NIMH, the study used genetically engineered mice lacking a protein critical for adapting to the sex hormone fluctuations of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Researchers report on their findings in the July 31, 2008 issue of Neuron.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/mechanism-for-postpartum-depression-found-in-mice.shtml

NIMH: Health Risks Associated with Certain Antipsychotics Warrant Extra Monitoring

Some atypical antipsychotics may be more likely than others to cause metabolic and cardiovascular side effects, according to recent analyses using data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). The two studies were published recently in Schizophrenia Research. Metabolic changes that lead to weight gain or signs of insulin resistance (e.g., elevated blood glucose or increased serum triglycerides) are known side effects of several antipsychotics. In addition, people with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) like schizophrenia are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease compared to people without SMI. Such risk may be associated with antipsychotic treatment or inadequate treatment of common conditions like high blood pressure. They may also result from lifestyle factors, such as smoking or limited exercise.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/health-risks-associated-with-certain-antipsychotics-warrant-extra-monitoring.shtml

NIMH: Errant Stress/Immune Indicators Detected in Depression-Prone Women’s Sweat—Skin Patch Test Could Predict Risk for Inflammatory Illnesses

An experimental skin patch test detected abnormal levels of markers for immune function and stress in the sweat of women with histories of depression, NIMH researchers say. If confirmed, the non-invasive technique could become an easier alternative to a blood test for predicting risk for inflammatory disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes, which often occur with depression. Researchers published their findings online July 29, 2008 in Biological Psychiatry.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/errant-stress-immune-indicators-detected-in-depression-prone-womens-sweat.shtml

NIMH: Age-related Decline of ADHD Symptoms Disrupted by Middle School

Although symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) can last into adulthood, typically they decline as a child gets older. But a new study indicates that the stressful transition from elementary school to middle school complicates this pattern and may even disrupt it. The study, which analyzed data from the NIMH-funded Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA), was published July 2008, in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/age-related-decline-of-adhd-symptoms-disrupted-by-middle-school.shtml

NIMH: Newer Antipsychotics No Better Than Older Medications in Reducing Schizophrenia-related Violence

Antipsychotic medications can reduce the risk of violence among people with schizophrenia, but the newer atypical antipsychotics are no more effective in doing so than older medications, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). The study was published July 1, 2008, in the British Journal of Psychiatry. CATIE compared the newer atypical medications quetiapine (Seroquel), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal) and ziprasidone (Geodon) with the older antipsychotic perphenazine. Previously reported results showed that perphenazine was no less effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms than the newer atypicals. This new analysis examined whether any of the medications specifically reduced the frequency of violence, a rare symptom associated with the disorder.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/newer-antipsychotics-no-better-than-older-medications-in-reducing-schizophrenia-related-violence.shtml

NIMH: Common Mechanisms May Underlie Autism’s Seemingly Diverse Mutations—Study Implicates Disruption of Genes Regulated by Early Experience

Many of the seemingly disparate mutations recently discovered in autism may share common underlying mechanisms, say researchers supported in part by the NIMH. The mutations may disrupt specific genes that are vital to the developing brain, and which are turned on and off by experience-triggered neuronal activity. Researchers found two large sections missing on chromosomes in people with autism and traced them to likely inherited mutations in such genes regulated by neuronal activity. They report their findings in the July 11, 2008 issue of Science. The study was also supported in part by the NIH's National Center for Research Resources, National Human Genome Research Institute, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/common-mechanisms-may-underlie-autisms-seemingly-diverse-mutations.shtml

NIMH: Abnormal Surge in Brain Development Occurs in Teens and Young Adults with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may occur, in part, because brain development goes awry during adolescence and young adulthood, when the brain is eliminating some connections between cells as a normal part of maturation, results of a study suggest. The new report appears online July 8, 2008 in Molecular Psychiatry. Comparing a group of adolescents and young adults who had recently had their first bout of schizophrenia with a group of healthy peers, researchers found that this loss of tissue began around the same time and in the same brain areas in both groups. But the rate of loss was more pronounced and covered a greater area of the brain's surface in the youth with schizophrenia. The new finding adds to evidence that changes in brain development which lead to schizophrenia aren't limited to the prenatal stage and early childhood, but also occur during the late-teen and young-adult years - the ages when symptoms usually begin to appear.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/abnormal-surge-in-brain-development-occurs-in-teens-and-young-adults-with-schizophrenia.shtml

SAMHSA: Mental Health Services Should Be More Accessible in Primary Care Settings

A new report released by three agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposes strategies to overcome barriers associated with the reimbursement of mental health services provided in primary care settings. Key actions recommended focus on a variety of stakeholders, including primary care providers, state Medicaid officials, and others billing for mental health services in the public sector, working together to promote a greater understanding of mental health reimbursement policy. The report was jointly funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration, with the technical expertise of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0807233954.aspx

SAMHSA: Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Provides Vital Help to More Than 55,000 Callers in Its First Year

First-of-a-kind hotline launched by two government agencies proves successful in providing specialized help to thousands of veterans in crisis. The Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline,

1-800-273-TALK (8255), has provided immediate, often life-saving, help to tens of thousands of veterans and their loved ones during the year since its inception. Over 22,000 calls have come directly from veterans, with the remainder coming from others seeking help for veterans who are family members or friends. The hotline was launched last summer as a collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and SAMHSA to meet the special needs of veterans who are in personal crisis.

Press release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0807254324.aspx

FDA Approves First Generic Divalproex Sodium to Treat Seizures, Migraine Headaches and Bipolar Disorder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic versions of Depakote delayed-release tablets (divalproex sodium). Depakote is approved by the FDA for the treatment of seizures, bipolar disorder and migraine headaches

Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01867.html

NIMH Strategic Plan Now Available

The new NIMH Strategic Plan is now available online. This document represents the culmination of a year-long initiative launched by NIMH to develop a new Strategic Plan that will serve as a guide to the Institute for advancing mental health science over the next five years. Its development has been a collaborative effort among scientific experts, advocacy groups, Institute staff and more than 500 members of public who provided input.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/index.shtml

New NIDA Notes Available

NIDA Notes covers drug abuse research in the areas of treatment and prevention, epidemiology, neuroscience, behavioral science, health services, and AIDS. This latest issue available includes findings of a new therapy that reduces drug abuse among patients with severe mental illness.

http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNIndex.html

New Resources from SAMHSA

Latest SAMHSA News Available

This issue of SAMHSA News features SAMHSA’s Young Offender Reentry Program. Funded by SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the program aims to teach young offenders how to stop the cycle of crime and recidivism, get treatment for substance abuse.

http://www.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_News/VolumeXVI_3/article1.htm

SAMHSA Launches New Homelessness Resource Center Web Site

SAMHSA has launched an update to its Homelessness Resource Center Web site, designed to support individuals working to improve the lives of people affected by homelessness who have mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and histories of trauma. Topics, such as how to reach out to the homeless, the transition from homelessness, health care, self care, and housing, are included to promote recovery-oriented and consumer-centered homeless services.

http://www.homeless.samhsa.gov

New E-Journal on Technology Transfer: The Bridge

This e-Journal is being launched by SAMHSA’s Addiction Technology Transfer Center National Office as a forum for transmitting new knowledge about technology transfer, a vehicle for moving evidence-based practices to substance abuse treatment settings.

http://www.attcnetwork.org/find/news/attcnews/epubs/bridge_v1i1.html

Pathways to Partnerships with Youth and Families in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

This new report offers members of SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network and other agencies that provide trauma treatment a structure for examining and expanding the role of youth and families in their organizations on both the clinical and organizational levels. Self-assessment tools, along with sample goals, objectives, activities, and strategies help users evaluate current participation and target areas for further integrating youth and families.

http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top_youth

The Role of Recovering Support Services in Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care White Paper

The purpose of this paper from SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is twofold: (1) to describe our understanding of the present state of recovery support services; and (2) to lay a framework for future activities and products that will support the continuing development of recovery support services

Order report online: http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17855

SAMHSA New Office of Applied Studies

Serious Psychological Distress among Adults Aged 50 or Older: 2005 & 2006

This short report from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides data on rates of serious psychological distress among adults aged 50 or older by demographics as well as their receipt of mental health treatment and unmet mental health treatment need.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/SPDolder/SPDolderAdults.cfm

The 2005 Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): Discharges from Substance Treatment Services Report

This annual report provides overall figures for the 34 states that report discharge data to TEDS, but also breaks this information down into a wide variety of programmatic and demographic criteria that can help provide greater perspective on the experiences of those who have undergone substance abuse treatment.

http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/teds05/tedsd2k5index.htm

2008 America's Children in Brief Now Available

The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008. The annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth, presenting up-to-date federal statistics in one convenient reference.

http://www.childstats.gov/

CDC: Diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disability: United States, 2004–2006

This new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report presents national estimates of the prevalence of diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD) in U.S. children 6–17 years of age and describes the prevalence of these conditions for children with selected characteristics. The use of educational and health care services and the prevalence of other health conditions are contrasted for children with ADHD without LD, LD without ADHD, both conditions, and neither condition.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/series/ser.htm#sr10_237

ACF: Parenting a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents

This factsheet from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) includes information to help foster and adoptive parents of children who have been sexually abused. It includes information about child sexual abuse, tips for establishing guidelines for safety and privacy in the family, and guidance on when and how to seek help, if needed.

http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_abused/

NIH COPR 2009 Nomination Process Is Now Open

The Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking nominations to fill vacant appointments to the 2009 Council of Public Representatives (COPR) roster. The COPR is designed to (1) obtain the broadest public input for the NIH Director on matters of public importance concerning biomedical research and (2) conduct the broadest outreach to increase the public’s understanding of the NIH and its programs.

NIH will host a teleconference to present information on NIH and the COPR from the perspectives of the staff and current Council members on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. You must register to participate in this teleconference.

Nominations are due Friday, September 26, 2008.

For more information about COPR and the nomination process: http://copr.nih.gov/nomination.asp

Teleconference: Mental Health and Women in the Military: Promoting Social Acceptance and Inclusion

August 6, 2008, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center) is sponsoring this training to (1) explore research on women in the military, their mental health, and feelings of fear and shame that keep women from seeking care; and (2) provide an overview of strategies that may help promote acceptance and understanding and reduce negative attitudes in the military related to women, mental health and trauma issues.

http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/registration/Default.aspx

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

Health Observance: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

September 2008

The 2008 Recovery Month recognizes the impact that real people and real stories have on recovery, and celebrates those who have worked to advance the treatment and recovery landscape. The 2008 Recovery Month Kit is now available.

http://www.recoverymonth.gov/2008/kit/default.aspx

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 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

NIH Summit: The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities

December 16-18, 2008, National Harbor, MD

Join the NIH Institutes, Centers, Offices, and their many partners engaged in research on minority health and health disparities to: (1) highlight the research progress of the NIH on health issues among racial/ethnic minority and medically underserved populations; (2) increase awareness and understanding of disparities in health; (3) showcase best-practice models in research, capacity-building, outreach, and integrated strategies to eliminate health disparities;

(4) identify strengths and gaps in health disparities research; (5) network and dialogue with the nation’s leading experts on minority health and health disparities.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/announcements/2008/nih-summit-the-science-of-eliminating-health-disparities.shtml

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

NIMH Funding Opportunity: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Returning Combat Veterans in the Community

This NIMH Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits applications to study the impact of existing national, state, and/or local community-based programs addressing the adjustment and mental health needs of recent combat veterans, including returning National Guard, Army Reserve, and newly separated active duty personnel. Research projects supported through this FOA will produce new information concerning effective strategies for fostering successful transition from combat to civilian roles for returning service members. NIMH expects that knowledge gained will benefit service members and their families, employers, and relevant federal, state, and local agencies, and will inform future initiatives for recently returned combat veterans.

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-070.html

SAMHSA: Campus Suicide Prevention Grants

http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/2009/sm_09_001.aspx

HRSA: Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program

https://grants.hrsa.gov/webExternal/SFO.asp?ID=99865F79-FF7E-4A12-80D6-0C51287F1E14

Selected NIH Program Announcements (PAs)

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

Drug Abuse Prevention Intervention Research

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-217.html (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-218.html (R21)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-219.html (R03)

Deep Sequencing and Haplotype Profiling of Mental Disorders

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-198.html (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-199.html (Collaborative R01)

Technological Innovations for Interdisciplinary Research Incorporating the Behavioral and Social Sciences (SBIR [R43/R44])

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-202.html

Meetings, Conferences, and Networks for Research Partnerships to Improve Functional Outcomes (R13)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-207.html

Developmental Pharmacology

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-215.html (R03)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-216.html (R21)

Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-212.html (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-213.html (R21)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-214.html (R03)

Selected NIH Request for Applications (RFAs)

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

Pilot Clinical Trials of Pharmacotherapies for Substance Related Disorders (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-005.html

Novel NeuroAIDS Therapies: Integrated Preclinical/Clinical Program (U19)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-040.html

Implementation Planning Grants for Educational, Behavioral, or Social Studies for Translation of Genetic Factors in Common Diseases (U34)

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

Translation of Common Disease Genetics into Clinical Applications (R21)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-08-004.html

Research on Causal Factors and Interventions that Promote and Support the Careers of Women in Biomedical and Behavioral Science and Engineering (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-09-012.html

Epigenomics of Human Health and Disease (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-017.html

Molecular Libraries Screening Instrumentation (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-020.html

Renewal of the National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways Program (U54)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-021.html

Development of New Technologies Needed for Studying the Human Microbiome

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-026.html (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-027.html (R21)

Neural and Behavioral Profiles of Cognitive Aging (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-09-010.html