Month: December 2011

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On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Americans took the time to reflect upon the events of that horrific day. Observances and ceremonies were conducted throughout the country to pay respect to the victims and to memorialize the heroes that emerged from that devastating day. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but many more continue to acutely feel its after-effects.

Ten years later, many 9/11 first responders and those that followed them to “ground zero” to address the aftermath are not only experiencing severe physical ailments, but are suffering with serious mental health issues as well. The lives of these individuals have been forever changed as they continue to deal with the repercussions of that fateful day.

A Traumatic Impact

As millions around the world watched the terrifying and almost surreal scene unfold in the middle of New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the impact was intensely magnified for those in close proximity to ground zero. After having been directly involved with such a traumatic event, thousands of responding firefighters, police personnel, doctors, nurses and even construction and utility workers developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety problems and depression in its wake.

Attempting to Heal

In January 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was federally approved. This bill offers assistance to ground zero workers suffering from a physical or mental illness as a result of 9/11. It also establishes medical and mental health centers dedicated in part to the treatment of those affected by the travesty.

The Zadroga Act has greatly benefited workers and their families experiencing mental health issues. Those who might lack the financial means to receive treatment for depression , PTSD  and treatment for other mental health issues associated with the traumatic events of 9/11 are now able to get the help they need.

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UC Award Photo - Keck, McElroy
Dr. Susan L. McElroy, Dr. Thomas Boat and Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr

 

Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr., President and CEO and Dr. Susan McElroy, Chief Research Officer Honored for 20 Years of Faculty Service

December 13, 2011– Mason, OH – The University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Office of Faculty Affairs honors faculty members who have dedicated 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 continuous years of service. This year, at the Faculty Service Recognition Awards event held December 8, 2011, Dr. Thomas Boat recognized Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr. and Dr. Susan L. McElroy as faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience for the past 20 years. Dr. Boat is Dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs.

Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr. is an internationally recognized researcher in Bipolar Disorder and psychopharmacology, is the author of over 500 scientific papers in leading medical journals and was the 7th most cited scientist in the world published in the fields of psychiatry and psychology over the past decade. As President and CEO of Lindner Center of HOPE, Dr. Keck provides leadership and direction for the overall operation of the Center. Dr. Keck is the editor or author of 6 scientific books, serves on the American Psychiatric Association’s Workgroup to Develop Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorders and currently serves on the APA Institute for Research and Education. Dr. Keck is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Gerald Klerman Young Investigator & Senior Investigator Award from the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association; the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from NAMI; the Philip Isenberg Teaching Award from Harvard Medical School; Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association; the Wyeth-Ayerst AADPRT Mentorship Award; Outstanding Physician Partner Award of the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine; and two Golden Apple Teaching Awards from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He is listed as Best Doctors in Cincinnati; Best Doctors in America, a directory of the top one percent of physicians in the United States as rated by their peers; and as one of the nation’s Best Mental Health Experts by Good Housekeeping Magazine.

Dr. Susan L. McElroy is an internationally recognized researcher and educator in bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obesity, impulse control disorders and pharmacology. As Chief Research Officer at Lindner Center of HOPE she oversees multiple ongoing studies in bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, genetics and binge eating disorder. Dr. McElroy has published more than 500 academic articles, books, abstracts and professional letters in the fields of psychiatry and clinical neurology. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including being recognized among the Best Mental Health Experts by Good Housekeeping Magazine, Top Doctors in America, and Top Doctors in Cincinnati. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Phillip L. Isenberg Teaching Award for dedication and excellence in the education of residents, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching of residents, University Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; and a co-recipient of the Gerald L. Klerman Young Investigator Award of the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association.

About Lindner Center of HOPE:
Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, residential services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally.

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Leah Casuto, MD

Dr. Leah Casuto recognized for Community Outreach Efforts

December 19, 2011 — Mason, OH — Dr. Leah Casuto, a psychiatrist and researcher at Lindner Center of HOPE has been selected as a Health Care Hero finalist by the Business Courier for her community outreach efforts. Through a rigorous process and evaluation by community leaders, individuals are chosen based on their impact on health care in the community through their concern for patients, their research and inventions, their management skills, their innovative programs for employees and their service to the poor and uninsured.

In 2010, what started out as a training program for three local high schools quickly spread to the installation of the nationally renowned Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP). Dr. Casuto worked to implement ADAP in eight schools with trainings to 40 school representatives. The program spread further as those representatives took the curriculum back to their schools to present to students in a classroom setting.

“Depression is a potentially fatal illness and Dr. Casuto recognizes the critical need to educate students, parents and school staff about its symptoms,” said Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr., President & CEO of Lindner Center of HOPE. “She believes in the first line defense of depression and suicide-that which incorporates education and treatment.”

This school-based program, designed to educate high school students, faculty, and parents about adolescent depression is developing around the country. Dr. Casuto’s efforts hope to combat the third leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds and the second leading cause of death amongst college students – suicide. “As an advocate for increased awareness and education she works with schools to help develop and incorporate mental health curriculum as part of their school based health programs,” said Dr. Keck. “This education increases awareness about depression and the need for evaluation and treatment.”

Dr. Casuto recognizes that Major Depression is a common medical illness experienced by at least 5% of American teenagers. With 1 in 20 teenagers experiencing depression, it is nearly as prevalent as asthma. It is crucial to treat depression–to ease the pain and hopelessness experienced by those with the illness. Sometimes it’s not enough to sit in an office and help patients that come in for treatment. One needs to go to the source. “That’s what’s so remarkable about Dr. Casuto and ADAP,” said Dr. Keck. “She goes to the schools, where these issues are present and makes a direct impact when and where these issues arise, not just through ADAP but in her own presentations to faculty, staff and students. Because depression is also associated with increased risks of substance abuse, unemployment, early pregnancy, and educational underachievement, there are overwhelming reasons to identify and treat anyone suffering from depression. Dr. Casuto does just that,” Keck added.

About Lindner Center of HOPE:
Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research, comprehensive diagnostic assessments and residential services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Lindner Center of HOPE is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children. In the U.S., ADHD affects roughly 8 percent of children ages 3-17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), up to 60 percent of children with ADHD will experience symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood.).

Countless studies from reputable health organizations have been conducted on the causes, symptoms and treatment of ADHD. But a decisive ADHD diagnosis can often be difficult to pin down, especially in young children.

Core Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms. While the “attention deficit” and “hyperactivity” aspects of this disorder can occur separately, they coincide in cases of ADHD. Attention deficit characteristics include trouble listening, inattention to detail, forgetfulness, lack of organization and an inability to stay focused on a subject or activity. Hyperactivity symptoms include the inability to sit still,  the constant need to be in motion and excessive talking.

Not Hard to Misdiagnose

Some of the symptoms of ADHD can also be present in adolescent depression, bipolar disorders and other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. While ADHD can occur in conjunction with another disorder, it is also possible for a child exhibiting symptoms common to ADHD diagnosis, to be actually be suffering from a different  problem altogether.

When a child is disruptive in class or has difficulty listening and cannot sit still at home, ADHD is often the first concern  a teacher or parent has. However, a recent Michigan State University study reports nearly one million children in the U.S. might  have been misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can translate into ADHD treatment such as medication being initiated too soon, which in some cases might have a negative long-term impact on a child’s health.

It is important for a child displaying ADHD symptoms to be thoroughly evaluated over a period of time by a mental health professional. Any initial treatment should begin with behavioral therapies in lieu of medication.