Month: October 2013

Return to news >

Lindner Center of HOPE today was named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

Mason, OH, October 31, 2013 – Lindner Center of HOPE today was named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. Lindner Center of HOPE was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. The clinical processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism , as well as inpatient psychiatric services. New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza.

Lindner Center of HOPE is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Lindner Center of HOPE was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: Hospital- Based Inpatient Psychiatric Services. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year. The list of Top Performer organizations increased by 77 percent from last year and it represents 33 percent of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals reporting accountability measure performance data for 2012.

Lindner Center of HOPE and each of the hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures must: 1) achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures; 2) achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases; and 3) have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measure have a performance rate of 95 percent or above. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice.

“Lindner Center of HOPE and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinctions. This truly shows that we are approaching a tipping point in the hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”

“We understand that what matters most to patients at Lindner Center of HOPE is safe, effective mental health care. That’s why Lindner Center of HOPE has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Lindner Center of HOPE is proud to receive this distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, says Dr. Paul Keck, President and CEO.

In addition to being included in The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Lindner Center of HOPE will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality check website, www.qualitycheck.org. The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]

Return to news >

Technology capable of reaching deeper brain areas may provide relief of symptoms for patients resistant to medication

October 22, 2013, Cincinnati, Ohio, – For more than four million Americans in the United States, the symptoms of depression are not relieved by the use of antidepressant medications. This class of depression falls into one of two categories, treatment resistant depression (TRD)or treatment intolerant depression (TID). The TRD group often tries and fails several different types of medications – either alone or in combination – while the TID group has medication side effects so debilitating that they cannot tolerate the treatment.

For these patients, an entirely new type of treatment is being studied at the Lindner Center of HOPE, led by John Hawkins, M.D., chief of psychiatry at the center. The technology, called multicoil repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or simply TMS, is a non-medication, non-systemic and non-invasive approach to treating depression.

“TMS offers patients that either do not respond to, or cannot tolerate medication, a new treatment option,” said Dr. Hawkins. “Our clinic is currently studying a new approach to this technology and we are hopeful that it will provide relief for these patients that have been suffering from depression in some cases for several years.”

Depression is thought to occur because of less than optimalchemical activity in the brain. TheTMS treatment currently under study by Dr. Hawkins and his team uses multiple magnetic fields, generated by coils placed on a patient’s scalp, to stimulate specific brain regions both on the surface and in deeper regions of the brain. This research is important in understanding whether TMS treatment restores normal brain chemical activity, thereby reducing the symptoms of depression. To date, more than 100 patients have been studied using this approach without the occurrence of serious side effects related to the device.

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable, a decrease in energy, feelings of low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite and difficultyin concentrating.1 Depression often comes with symptoms of anxiety and these problems can become chronic, substantially impairing the ability of an individual to take care of everyday responsibilities. On a global scale, depression affects more than 350 million people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.2

To find out more information about the TMS study at Lindner Center of HOPE contact 513-536-0712 or visit http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01909232.

1Marcus, M. et al. Depression: A Global Public Health Concern. World Health Organization 2012, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/who_paper_depression_wfmh_2012.pdf.Accessed 04.6.2013.
2Marcus, M. et al.

Return to news >

Ranking Places Four Doctors at the Top Locally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October, 24, 2013, Mason, OH – The Frances and Craig Lindner Center of HOPE is pleased to announce the following doctors were ranked among the best doctors in the nation and among the top specialists in the Tri-State as indicated by The Best Doctors in America 2012-2013 database:

Paul E. Keck, Jr., MDPaul E. Keck, Jr., MD, CEO., President-CEO, Lindner Center of HOPE, is a nationally renowned psychiatrist and researcher in Bipolar Disorder and psychopharmacology. He authored over 700 scientific papers in leading journals and was the 7th most cited scientist in the world published in the fields of psychiatry and psychology over the last decade.

 

Michael A. Keys, MDMichael A. Keys, MD., Dr. Keys is a regionally known and respected expert in Geriatric Psychiatry with more than 25 years of experience. He currently serves as Director of Senior Adult Psychiatry at the Lindner Center of HOPE. He is also a member of several national and international psychiatric associations and editorial boards.

 

Susan L. McElroy, MDSusan L. McElroy, MD., A nationally recognized researcher and educator, Dr. McElroy is internationally known for her research in bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obesity, impulse control disorders and pharmacology. As Chief Research Officer for the Lindner Center of HOPE, she currently oversees multiple ongoing studies in bipolar disorder, major depression, binge eating disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

 

Anne Marie O'Melia, MS, MDAnne Marie O’Melia, MS, MD., Dr. O’Melia specializes in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders and serves as Medical Director of The Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE. Board certified in pediatrics and psychiatry, she has additional subspecialty board certifications in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine.

 

 

This is the fourth consecutive year these doctors were included in this database. All four physicians hold faculty appointments with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and are part of UC Physicians.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]

Return to news >

The Frances and Craig Lindner Center of HOPE is pleased to announce the following new clinicians:

October 24, 2013, Mason, OH – The Frances and Craig Lindner Center of HOPE is pleased to announce the following new clinicians:

Nicole Marie Gibler, MDNicole Marie Gibler, MD , has joined Lindner Center of HOPE as a staff psychiatrist.

 

 

 

Lisa Nicole Hockersmith, RN, MSNLisa Nicole Hockersmith, RN, MSN , will serve as Advanced Practice Nurse.

 

 

 

Charles SheltonCharles I. Shelton, DO , has joined Lindner Center of HOPE as a staff psychiatrist.

 

 

 

 

Suzanne H. Sumida, MDSuzanne H. Sumida, MD , has joined Lindner Center of HOPE as a staff psychiatrist. Dr. Sumida also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati.

 

 

 

Elizabeth Wassenaar, MS, MDElizabeth Wassenaar, MD , has joined Lindner Center of HOPE as a staff psychiatrist.

 

 

 

 

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]

Return to news >

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2013, Mason, OH – Lindner Center of HOPE’s President and CEO presented Grand Rounds at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in early October as part of the Jason Pressley Visiting Professorship. Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr., MD, presented “Acute Mania: State of the Evidence”.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s The Craig and Frances Lindner Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Executive Vice Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Keck is a researcher in Bipolar Disorder and psychopharmacology, the author of over 525 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. He has also contributed over 170 reviews and chapters to major psychiatric textbooks.

The Jason Pressley Visiting Professorship honors the memory of 26-year-old Jason Pressley, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at a young age. Jason ultimately took his life in April of 2000.

His family and friends share the goal of encouraging and supporting research and training in the hopes of discovering more effective means of treating bipolar disorder.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]

Return to blog >

Do you know someone who gambles excessively?  If so, perhaps you’ve wondered if this individual just had a bad habit or if he or she was actually addicted to gambling.  It’s a question that even the experts have debated.  But the latest diagnostic publication of the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V, confirms that excessive gambling can indeed be an addiction, just like substance abuse.

The Nature of Gambling Addiction

“Problem” gambling, also referred to as pathological or compulsive gambling, affects an estimated 2 – 4% of the population. Before recent changes by mental health clinicians, it was classified as in impulse control disorder.  Like kleptomania (uncontrollable stealing) or pyromania (impulsive fire setting), compulsive gambling was considered a mental disorder associated with poor impulse control.

With further research, a new classification of the disorder has been made.  In the DSM-V, compulsive gambling is considered to be one of the “substance-related and addictive disorders.”  Why the change?  There is growing clinical evidence that pathological gambling has much in common with traditional substance abuse disorders.

First, the effects of the respective disorders on individuals’ work, financial, and personal lives can be similar. Neurochemical testing and brain imaging have also made a case for the belief that gambling activates the brain’s reward system in a manner similar to drugs.  For example, compulsive gamblers report highs from gambling as well as cravings.  Furthermore, gambling problems tend to run in families, indicating potential genetic factors. Finally, pathological gamblers are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

In order for an individual to be classified as having a gambling disorder, at least 4 of the following symptoms must be present:

  • Frequent preoccupation with gambling;
  • Tendency to gamble increasingly large amounts of money;
  • Using gambling to cope with feeling distressed;
  • Lack of success in controlling, cutting back, or stopping the behavior;
  • Lying to others to hide gambling or committing illegal acts to finance;
  • Restlessness or irritability when attempting to decrease or stop gambling;
  • Frequent and often long-term “chasing” of losses with increased gambling;
  • Loss of a job or relationship due to behavior;
  • Reliance upon others to get out of financial straits.

Many of these symptoms resemble classic addictive symptoms, such as withdrawal and loss of control.

Individuals with pathological gambling problems are more likely to exhibit symptoms of other psychiatric problems.  In addition to substance abuse, such problems may include mood disorders, anxiety, or personality disorders.

While the effects of pathological gambling should not be minimized, viewing the behavior as evidence of an addiction rather than a character flaw can be helpful in encouraging an individual to seek treatment.  It may also remove some of the stigma associated with the behavior.  With appropriate intervention, individuals with gambling addictions can recover and live productive lives. (And that’s a sure bet!)

Return to blog >

When we talk about wellness and the mind/body connection, we often think of the importance of exercise and healthy eating for good physical and mental health.  But did you know that one of the most helpful activities for promoting total wellness dates back thousands of years?  It’s the ancient practice of meditation, and its use is showing surprising results among 21st century researchers.

Because of its benefits, an increasing number of physicians are prescribing meditation as part of their patients’ healthcare routines.  Clinics and hospitals across the nation now integrate meditation and related mind/body techniques into their clinical practice.

Physical Health Benefits of Meditation

The daily practice of meditation has been associated with improvements in a variety of health problems, including hypertension, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic pain.  Just 20 minutes twice each day is sufficient.

Over 500 research studies have been conducted to determine the effect of regular meditation on health problems.  Current research is examining more long-term effects and looking at the role of meditation in preventing chronic diseases and increasing longevity.

Mental Health Benefits of Meditation

Because of its relaxing effects upon the mind and body, meditation has long been used to reduce stress and anxiety.  Meditation appears to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system.  As it slows the release of stress hormones as well as heart and breathing rates, it improves the body’s overall relaxation response.

Research now shows that meditation can also reduce depression in affected individuals.  In one study of family caregivers, it was found that research participants who meditated had lower levels of depression than those who only listened to relaxing music.

Additionally, meditation may increase brain alertness. Meditation appears to improve people’s cognitive abilities, including attention and memory.  Research using medical imaging has demonstrated that meditation improves the functioning of certain circuits in the brain, as well as potentially reducing shrinkage in older adults’ critical brain centers.

Moving Forward

At the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has provided funding for several new studies to determine the effect of meditation on many health conditions.  It is anticipated that further research will bring new findings on the best types and frequency of meditation, along with other practice issues.

Most clinical practices today use meditation techniques based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.  This type of meditation was developed by the University of Massachusetts’ medical school and utilizes yoga, stretching exercises, and mindfulness meditation.  Mindfulness meditation pays close attention to breathing techniques while the individual sits in a restful posture.

Whatever the approach, making a commitment of no more than 40 minutes each day may be a small price to pay for improved physical and mental health.

Return to news >

Lindner Center of HOPE Clinicians to Present at Symposium 2013 Links to Learning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2013, Mason, OH – Three Lindner Center of HOPE clinicians will present at the Symposium 2013 Links To Learning, a continuing education event for healthcare professionals. The 2013 Symposium: Annual Fall Learning Event will be Saturday, October 12, 2013 (8am to 4 pm) at Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville.

The day includes four presentations, three of which will be presented by Lindner Center of HOPE staff.

Nelson F. Rodriguez, MD, FAPA, will present, “Healing Invisible Wounds in Trauma and Disasters”. Chris Tuell, EdD, LPCC-S, LICDC, will present, “The Addicted Brain and Co-Occurring Disorders”. Brett A. Dowdy, PsyD, will present, “Spiritual Medicine: Is Religion Good for Your Health?”

To learn more, go to http://mullaneys.com/symposium-2013/.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]

Return to events >

OCD Awareness Week is an international effort to raise awareness and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders, with the goal of helping more people to get timely access to appropriate and effective treatment. Launched in 2009 by the IOCDF, OCD Awareness Week is now celebrated by a number of organizations across the US and around the world.

Visit http://ocfoundation.org/ocdweek/, for more information.

Return to news >

Lindner Center of HOPE’s Dr. Palumbo Honored as Exemplary Psychiatrist by NAMI Hamilton County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Todd N. Palumbo, MD, MBAOctober 1, 1013, Mason, OH – National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hamilton County recently announced the award winners to be highlighted at the NAMI Annual Celebration.
Todd N. Palumbo, MD, MBA, Lindner Center of HOPE Staff Psychiatrist was named Exemplary Psychiatrist, among seven other winners.

Excerpts from the nominations for Dr. Palumbo stated, he “has genuine concern and compassion for everyone he sees at Lindner Center of HOPE and its Sibcy House … he always has something legitimately positive to say … He has been a savior to many and a friend to more … it is his never-ending pursuit to bring hope to those who need it.”

NAMI’s annual celebration recognizes those in the local community who are doing exemplary work. The celebration is Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Cintas Center at Xavier University at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Palumbo has served as a trusted psychiatric resource for the Greater Cincinnati mental health community. Prior to joining Lindner Center of HOPE, Dr. Palumbo evaluated and treated psychiatric emergency room patients through Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.; University of Cincinnati Department of Psychiatry; and Cincinnati’s VA Medical Center. Dr. Palumbo has also provided patient evaluations, treatments and medication management in collaboration with therapists at Central Clinic’s Children’s Diagnostic Center and at Talbert House. In addition, Dr. Palumbo has supervised resident psychiatrists in the psychiatric emergency room environment.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, intensive outpatient program for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for adults and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536 -0316
[email protected]