NIMH: Brain Matures a Few Years Late in ADHD, but Follows Normal Pattern

In youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the brain matures in a normal pattern but is delayed three years in some regions, on average, compared to youth without the disorder, an imaging study by researchers at NIMH has revealed. The delay in ADHD was most prominent in regions at the front of the brain’s outer mantle (cortex), important for the ability to control thinking, attention and planning. Otherwise, both groups showed a similar back-to-front wave of brain maturation with different areas peaking in thickness at different times. The study was published in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on November 12, 2007.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/brain-matures-a-few-years-late-in-adhd-but-follows-normal-pattern.shtml

NIMH: Researchers Suggest Updating Criteria for HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders

After 10 years since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the criteria for classifying HIV-related neurocognitive disorders may need to be revised and updated, according to a working group designated by NIMH and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to study the issue. The current criteria, first established in 1991, describe two categories of neurological disorders associated with HIV infection—HIV-associated dementia and the less severe minor cognitive motor disorder. However, in the decade since HAART became widely available, the treatment has been shown to modify the progression of HIV-associated neurological disorders, leading the working group to conclude that the existing categories no longer encompass all forms of HIV-associated neurological conditions. The study was published October 30, 2007, in the journal Neurology.

Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/researchers-suggest-updating-criteria-for-hiv-associated-neurocognitive-disorders.shtml

NIMH: Preschoolers With Three or More Coexisting Disorders Show No Response to ADHD Medication Treatment Preschoolers who are diagnosed with ADHD are not likely to respond to treatment with the stimulant methylphenidate, regardless of dosage, if they also have three or more coexisting disorders, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment Study (PATS). Previously reported PATS results showed that overall, low doses of methylphenidate were safe and effective in treating 3-5-year-olds diagnosed with ADHD. This most recent study is one of seven new PATS articles published November 5, 2007, in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, sought to identify individual characteristics that may affect how a child would respond to treatment.

Press release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/preschoolers-with-three-or-more-coexisting-disorders-show-no-response-to-adhd-medication-treatment.shtml

NIMH: Memory-sustaining Enzyme May Help Treat PTSD, Cognitive Decline—Rat Memory Eraser Study Challenges Prevailing Theories

Chemically blocking an enzyme in a specific area in the brain’s cortex, or outer mantle, erased a long-term memory of an aversive event that rats had learned, an NIMH-funded has found. The erasing occurred even if the blocking agent was administered weeks after the event and appeared to be permanent. This and related discoveries suggest that the enzyme, known as PKMzeta, may be required for sustaining memories throughout the brain. Most current theories instead hold that long-term memories are encoded as enduring structural changes in the connections between neurons – and thus would not be chemically erasable. The study is published in the August 17, 2007, issue of Science.

Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/memory-sustaining-enzyme-may-help-treat-ptsd-cognitive-decline.shtml

NINDS: Imaging Neural Progenitor Cells in the Living Human Brain

For the first time, investigators have identified a way to detect neural progenitor cells, which can develop into neurons and other nervous system cells, in the living human brain using a type of imaging called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The finding, supported by the NINDS and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for depression, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, and a host of other disorders. The study results are published in the November 9, 2007, issue of Science.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/nov2007/ninds-08.htm

NIH Funds 10 Science Education Partnership Awards: More Than $9 million Dollars will be used to Engage Students and the Public in Health Sciences

The NIH is increasing the public's understanding of biomedical research and promoting science careers in rural and underserved populations by using interactive museum exhibits to explain the genetic factors of health; and disseminating an HIV/AIDS documentary by inner-city high school students. NIH announced it has provided over $9 million to fund 10 Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA). Led by the National Center for Research Resources(NCRR) — a part of the NIH — SEPA grants provide two to five years of support to stimulate curiosity and encourage scientific investigation through hands-on activities. By supporting interactions between scientists, educators, and community organizations, the SEPA program helps improve public understanding of NIH-funded medical research and encourages the participation of young people in science careers.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/nov2007/ncrr-13.htm

New NIMH Publication—Now Available Online and in Print

Depression (Easy to Read)

This easy-to-read booklet describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping with depression.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-easy-to-read.shtml

New on the NIMH Website

Questions and Answers about the NIMH Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS)—Revised

This resource provides detailed answers to questions about TADS, the multi-site clinical research study examining the short- and long-term effectiveness of an antidepressant medication and psychotherapy alone and in combination for treating depression in adolescents ages 12 to 17. The web page was recently revised to incorporate the results from 36-week treatment period which were released in October 2007.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials/practical/tads/questions-and-answers-about-the-nimh-treatment-for-adolescents-with-depression-study-tads.shtml

New Issue of Inside NIMH Newsletter

The Fall 2007 edition of Inside NIMH is now available. This e-mail newsletter alerts researchers to NIMH funding opportunities, trends, and plans.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/newsletter/2007-november-inside-nimh.html

NIH News in Health Newsletter Available

The November issue of NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter with practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research, is now available. This issue includes a “health capsule” about treatment for depressed teens.

http://newsinhealth.nih.gov

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.

Lack of Sleep Disrupts Brain’s Emotional Controls

Experience tells us that sleepless nights can lead to overwrought emotions. Now scientists have uncovered some of the first evidence of how this occurs. Imaging studies show that lack of sleep can lead to greater activation of the brain’s emotional centers and disrupt the brain circuits that tame emotional responses.

http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/november2007/11052007sleep.htm

New SAMHSA Resources

Promotion and Prevention in Mental Health: Strengthening Parenting and Enhancing Child Resilience

This new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Report to Congress promotes the use of research-based approaches that provide parenting support skills and child resilience – even in the face of adversity. The report emphasizes that these proactive approaches help prevent mental health problems from developing or can greatly mitigate them if they do occur – especially among children and youth.

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/svp%2D0186/

A Guide to Evidence-Based Practices on the Web

SAMHSA has developed this new web page to assist the public in identifying evidence-based programs and practices that can prevent and/or treat mental and substance use disorders. The site features 37 Web sites that contain information about specific evidence-based interventions or provide comprehensive reviews of research findings.

http://www.samhsa.gov/ebpWebguide

Building Bridges: Mental Health Consumers and Representatives of the Disaster Response Community in Dialogue

This publication highlights recommendations and identified opportunities for improved disaster responses to people with mental illnesses. These came from a facilitated roundtable meeting in August of 2006 that brought together twenty mental health consumers, policymakers, providers and others involved in the disaster response community who shared their experiences, perspectives and insight.

Order online at: http://nmhicstore.samhsa.gov/publications/ordering.aspx

Latest Issue of SAMHSA News

The September/October 2007 issue of SAMHSA News features a program funded by SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) to help states and treatment providers reduce long waits for appointments and other barriers to efficient services.

http://www.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_News/VolumeXV_5/article1.htm

SAMHSA: New Reports from the Office of Applied Studies

Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Young Adults

This new report indicates that young adults who have suffered from depression within the past year are at a higher risk of initiating substance use including cigarette smoking and use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Data from SAMHSA's National Surveys on Drug Use and Health were used to examine the following among young adults in the past year: major depressive episode, initiation of alcohol or illicit drug use, and the association between such new alcohol and/or illicit drug use and major depressive episode.

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/newUsers/depression.cfm

Older Adults in Substance Abuse Treatment, 2005

This short report, based on SAMHSA’s Drug and Alcohol Services Information System, highlights information from the Treatment Episode Data Set on substance abuse treatment admissions for individuals aged 50 or older.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/older/older.cfm

Serious Psychological Distress and Substance Use Disorder among Veterans

This short report presents combined data from SAMHSA's 2004 - 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health on serious psychological distress and substance abuse disorders among veterans aged 18 and older.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/veteransDual/veteransDual.cfm

BJS: Arrest-Related Deaths in the United States, 2003-2005

This report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) provides counts of all arrest-related deaths reported by 47 states and the District of Columbia over a 3-year period (2003-2005). It includes information on the cause of death, characteristics of the deceased, and circumstances involved in the death. It also profiles manner of death, including homicides, suicides, alcohol or drug intoxication deaths, accidental injuries, and fatal medical problems.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/ardus05.htm

Webcast: Adapting Trauma-focused Treatments for Culturally Diverse Populations

November 29, 2007, 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET

Sponsored by SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network, this free webcast will provide information on trauma-focused treatments.

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

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

NIH Director’s Pioneer and New Innovator Award Programs Launch 2008 Application Cycles: Highly Innovative Research Proposals Sought

The NIH is calling for applications for 2008 NIH Director’s Pioneer and New Innovator Awards. Both programs support exceptionally creative scientists who take highly innovative — and often unconventional — approaches to major challenges in biomedical or behavioral research. Pioneer Awards are open to 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. The programs, part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, complement other NIH efforts to fund innovative research and support scientists in the early stages of their independent research careers.

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/nov2007/nigms-13.htm

SAMHSA to Fund Cooperative Agreements for Youth Suicide Prevention

SAMHSA is soliciting applications for Cooperative Agreements for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention programs, pending the availability of FY 2008 funds. The agreements will support efforts by states and tribes to develop and implement statewide or tribal youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies. Such efforts must involve public/private collaboration among youth-serving institutions and should include schools, other educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, foster care systems, substance abuse and mental health programs, and other child and youth supporting organizations. Applications are due January 11, 2008.

http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0711062945.aspx

Funding Available for 15 Campus Suicide Prevention Grants

SAMHSA is soliciting applications for grants to prevent suicide on college campuses, pending the availability of FY 2008 funds. This program is designed to assist colleges and universities in their efforts to prevent suicide attempts and completions and to enhance services for students with mental and behavioral health problems, such as depression and substance abuse that put them at risk for suicide. Applications are due January 18, 2008.

http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0711063132.aspx

SAMHSA to Fund Systems of Care

SAMHSA is accepting applications for Cooperative Agreements for Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families. The purpose of the cooperative agreements is to develop and expand systems of care for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families, pending the availability of FY 2008 funds. Applications are due February 1, 2008.

http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/071107soc3928.aspx

HRSA: Child and Adolescent Injury and Violence Prevention Resource Centers Cooperative Agreement

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=H9Lc5hQmvLvPhFWw3cmpSqXdJBcvftphNB12RB9nLvQ1LkpschR1!-1293521107?oppId=15837&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW

NIH Program Announcements (PAs)

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

Predictive Multiscale Models of the Physiome in Health and Disease (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-023.html

AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-022.html

NIH Request for Applications (RFAs)

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

2008 NIDA Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (DP1)

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

Assessing the Effects of Interpersonal Violence Prevention on Suicide (U49)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CE-08-007.html

National Study of Disability Trends and Dynamics (U01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-08-007.html

Youth Violence Prevention through Community-Level Change (U49)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CE-08-001.html

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