Category: Mental Health

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HP-PIC-green-ribbonWhen we think about cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, we don’t wait years to treat them. We start before Stage4—we begin with prevention. When people are in the first stage of those diseases, and are beginning to show signs of symptoms like a persistent cough, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, we try immediately to reverse these symptoms. We don’t ignore them. In fact, we develop a plan of action to reverse and sometimes stop the progression of the disease.

So why aren’t we doing the same for individuals who are dealing with potentially serious mental illness?

When you or someone close to you starts to experience the early warning signs of mental illness, knowing what the risk factors and symptoms are will help to catch them early. Often times, family and friends are the first to step in to support a person through these early stages. Experiencing symptoms such as loss of sleep, feeling tired for no reason, feeling low, feeling anxious, or hearing voices, shouldn’t be ignored or brushed aside in the hopes that they go away. Like other diseases, we need to address these symptoms early, identify the underlying disease, and plan an appropriate course of action on a path towards overall health. Mental health conditions should be addressed long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process—Before Stage 4.

Many people do not seek treatment in the early stages of mental illnesses because they don’t recognize the symptoms. Up to 84% of the time between the first signs of mental illness and first treatment is spent not recognizing the symptoms.

Mental Health America’s screening tools can help. Taken online at www.mhascreening.org, a screening is an anonymous, free and private way to learn about your mental health and see if you are showing warning signs of a mental illness. A screening only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about the next steps you should take based on the results. A screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful tool for starting a conversation with your doctor or a loved one about your mental health.

This May is Mental Health Month; Lindner Center of HOPE is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives and encouraging members of the community to learn more about their own mental health and to take action immediately if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness.

Mental illnesses are not only common, they are treatable. There is a wide variety of treatment options for mental illnesses ranging from talk therapy to medication to peer support, and it may take some time for a person to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that works best for them. But when they do, the results can be truly amazing and life changing. Lindner Center of HOPE wants to help people learn what they can do both to protect their mental health and know the signs of mental illness #B4Stage4.

It’s up to all of us to know the signs and take action so that mental illnesses can be caught early and treated, and we can live up to our full potential. We know that intervening effectively during early stages of mental illness can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental illnesses. Be aware of your mental health and get screened #B4Stage4 today!

 

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Susan L. McElroy, MD, Chief Research Officer, Lindner Center of HOPE, co-authored study published online by Jama Psychiatry

At some doses, the medication lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a drug approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, was effective compared with placebo in decreasing binge-eating (BE) days in patients with binge-eating disorder (BED), a public health problem associated symptoms of mental illness and obesity and for which there are no approved medications, according to a study published online by JAMA Psychiatry.

BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption accompanied by a sense of loss of control and psychological distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as psychotherapy, can reduce BE behavior but implementation of these treatments has not been widespread. Consequently, many patients with BED are undertreated despite having functional impairments and difficulties in their social and personal lives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved pharmacologic treatments for BED, according to background information in the study.

Susan L. McElroy, MDSusan L. McElroy, M.D., of the Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, Ohio, and coauthors compared lisdexamfetamine with placebo in adults with moderate to severe BED in a randomized clinical trial from May 2011 through January 2012. The study included 259 and 255 adults with BED in safety and intention-to-treat analyses, respectively. The medication was administered in dosages of 30, 50 or 70 mg/day or placebo.

BE days per week decreased in the 50-mg/d and 70 mg/d treatment groups but not in the 30 mg/d treatment group compared with the placebo group, according to the study results. Results also indicate the percentage of patients who achieved four-week BE cessation was lower with the placebo group (21.3 percent) compared with the 50-mg/d (42.2 percent) and 70-mg/d (50 percent) treatment groups.

“In the primary analysis of this study of adults with moderate to severe BED, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate treatment with 50 and 70 mg/d, but not 30 mg/d, demonstrated a significant decrease (compared with placebo) in weekly BE days per week at week 11. Similarly, BE episodes decreased in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups. The one-week BE episode response status was improved in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups, and a greater proportion of participants achieved four-week cessation of BE episodes and global improvement of symptom severity with all lisdexamfetamine dosages. … Confirmation of these findings in ongoing clinical trials may results in improved pharmacologic treatment for moderate to severe BED,”  the study concludes.

(JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 14, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2162.  at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor’s Note: Authors made conflict of interest disclosures. This study was supported by Shire Development, LLC, including funding to Scientific Communications & Information and Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc., for support in writing and editing the manuscript. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Susan L. McElroy MD, James I. Hudson MD, ScD, James E. Mitchell MD, Denise Wilfley PhD, M. Celeste Ferreira-Cornwell PhD, Joseph Gao PhD, Jiannong Wang PhD, Timothy Whitaker MD, Jeffrey Jonas MD, Maria Gasior MD, PhD

JAMA Psychiatry. 2015;72(3):-. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2162

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By: Lynn Gordon, ThD, Spiritual Care Coordinator Lindner Center of HOPE

There was a popular television series in the 1970’s called, “Kung Fu.” I recall an episode when Kwai Chang Caine, the main character played by David Carradine was revisiting a disappointing and sad moment in his youth. In providing support to Caine, Master Po told him, “Ah, grasshopper, you must realize that at every ending lies a new beginning.” I’ve never forgotten that quote and have reminded myself of its truth throughout my life.

2014 is now history and we are now launched into 2015! Many, if not all of us have experienced disappointing and sad moments this past year. Difficulty is no respecter of persons. Consider what the late inventor, Thomas Edison so profoundly stated as he watched his life’s work go up in flames, as he witnessed his house and laboratory being destroyed by a fire in 1917, “All my mistakes are now up in flames, but with God’s help, we can start anew.” After experiencing such a tragic loss at the age of 67, Mr. Edison could have easily quit and retired but, he chose to put his words into action – and started anew! Then, just three weeks after the fire, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.

When it comes to certain disappointments and setbacks experienced in 2014, one must realize that most things cannot be changed. However, the good news is that one can choose to take action in 2015 – and start anew! The following are some suggestions on How to Delve in 2015 to make it a more positive year:

1. Choose to forgive – Forgiveness is a choice. Forgiveness is not forgetting the hurt or pain caused by someone else – sometimes this is impossible. Rather, it’s remembering that the offense has been forgiven. This allows the offended to take his/her power back that someone has taken from them. Forgiveness can unlock the chains that hold us hostage in life, even when the offense took place years before.

2. Increase my laughter – There is a proverb that says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Life can be overwhelming with all its serious issues and events. Consider including humor in your daily activities. Jump start your day by reading a humorous joke, watch a good comedy show or movie on television, and allow laughter to brighten your day and lighten the load of the cares of the world. Laughter can also be contagious and can benefit others around you.

3. Say, “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, and “I need your help”. These important phrases will strengthen one’s attitude of gratitude, ensure harmony in relationships, and is always a good reminder that there is support out there when needed.

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Elizabeth Wassenaar, MS, MDDuring a recent episode of One Hour At A Time, Lindner Center of HOPE staff psychiatrist, Elizabeth Wassenaar, MS, MD, offered insight into the adolescent brain. The episode focused on the following:

Adolescence is a time of enormous change and growth. The conversation offered a closer look at the unique developmental tasks of adolescence and an exploration of what is known so far about the way the adolescent brain changes. When all goes well, children leave adolescence as adults. However, when mental illness creates a barrier, development can go off course. The conversation also discussed the ways that teens experience mental illness and substance use disorders that are distinct to this time in one’s life. Finally, the show explored various diagnostic interventions that can help with accurate diagnosis and the appropriate choice of treatment intervention to restore hope.

To listen to the show, click here.

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Giving TuesdayDecember 2, 2014 marks the third celebration of Giving Tuesday, a day that promotes a charitable response to the frenzied shopping days that follow Thanksgiving.

Conceived by New York’s 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation along with other partners, Giving Tuesday encourages people to celebrate generosity and give back by donating to and volunteering for their favorite nonprofit organizations. In 2012, the campaign raised nearly $10 million for US charities. In 2013, that number rose to over $19 million. Giving Tuesday continues to expand its reach around the globe, with over two dozen countries participating in 2014.

 

Mental illness affects everyone, and ranks among the leading causes of disability in the world. Since opening, Lindner Center of HOPE has served more than 23,000 individuals from 48 states and seven countries. Support is needed to continue to provide Hope to those struggling with mental illness and addiction. Giving Tuesday is a great time to show support, no matter how big or how small.

 

“For it is in giving that we receive”- St. Francis of Assisi

 

 

 Please donate today:

www.lindnercenterofhope.org/donate

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Mason, OH, November 24, 2014 – Lindner Center of HOPE staff psychologist, Charles Brady, PhD, ABPP, is a finalist for the 18th annual Business Courier Health Care Heroes awards in the provider category. Dr. Brady is one of 19 total finalists and one of five in the provider category.

Winners will be announced at a dinner on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

Dr. Brady directs the Center’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety treatment program and oversees the Supported Employment program. He leadsCharles Brady Ph.D_0027 the research and development of the Center’s psychiatric rehabilitation programming. He also currently serves as the president of the board of managers of Lindner Center Professional Associates.

Dr. Brady is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience on the staff and faculty of the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Psychiatry. In addition to providing clinical service to thousands of patients at UC, he trained and supervised numerous psychology interns, doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, psychiatric residents, psychiatric fellows, and psychiatrists.

Approximately 2 to3 million adults and ½ million children in the United States have OCD, but more than any other psychological conditions, individuals with OCD encounter obstacles that are estimated to cause an average of 14-17 years between the onset of symptoms and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Common obstacles include a shortage of properly trained health professionals and inaccurate or insufficient public awareness. On many levels, Dr. Brady works to address these challenges.

Dr. Brady’s positive impact as a provider is not limited to merely the population of patients he works with directly, instead his focus has always been on devising the best and most efficient ways to reach as many individuals as possible. Having established a well-respected reputation as one of the nation’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder experts, Dr. Brady’s unique understanding of OCD and his experience in achieving positive, measurable progress is highly sought after by patients and families across the country.

It was obvious to Dr. Brady early on that, individuals suffering with OCD were underserved. To that end, Dr. Brady made it his personal mission to address the need of those struggling with OCD, seeking specialized training on his own and rising to among the most respected OCD specialists in the country.

With a keen understanding of the rarity of his training and expertise, Dr. Brady has devoted his career to sharing his knowledge and talents with those who can take it forward and multiply the impact on the suffering caused by OCD.

Heath Care Heroes is the Business Courier’s recognition of those who have made an impact on health care in our community through their concern for patients, their research and inventions, their management skills, their innovative programs for employees and their services.

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 and adolescents, 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.

 

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Paul Keck image smallMason, OH, November 19, 2014 – Lindner Center of HOPE’s President and CEO, Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr., was named amongst Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers, a listing of the world’s leading scholars in the sciences and social sciences, in honor of his landmark contributions to research in the field of Psychiatry/Psychology.

Thomson Reuters, evaluates and recognizes excellence in the scholarly community as demonstrated by the quantitative impact of the sciences by consistently monitoring the undeniable link between citations and influence. Dr. Keck was selected as a Highly Cited Researcher due to the number of citations his work has received from fellow researchers. Essentially, his peers have identified his contributions as being among the most valuable and significant in the field of Psychiatry/Psychology.

The global nature of this study highlights the researchers, institutions and countries on the cutting edge of science, those who are developing innovations that will lead to a brighter tomorrow. The listing of the Highly Cited Researchers was compiled by assessing papers indexed within the Web of Science™ between 2002 and 2012 in 21 broad fields of study. Analysts tracked authors who published numerous articles ranking among the top one percent of the most cited in their respective fields in a given year of publication. View the list and methodology at highlycited.com.

Dr. Keck was also listed in The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2014. This report is at ScienceWatch.com.

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 and adolescents, 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.

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November, 2014—For many people, the comfortable fall air marks the end of daylight savings time and the start of a busy holiday season. However, the dark reality of less daylight, the approaching winter months, and heightened holiday stress can lead to depression.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly six out of 100 people in the U.S. experience winter depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Research shows it is more common for those living in areas where winter days are very short. Common symptoms include a change in appetite, weight gain, fatigue, tendency to oversleep, irritability and avoidance of social situations. Researchers believe the lack of bright light during winter makes a difference on brain chemistry.

A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry cites researchers from the University of Toronto, who performed brain scans on 88 healthy people over the course of a year. The scans showed that the serotonin system fluctuates in activity based on the season. The lowest levels of activity tend to be in the fall and winter, suggesting that less serotonin circulates in the brain during the darker, colder time of the year. The researchers believe that the serotonin levels may help explain why people have a change in mood and behavior during the darker seasons.

According to Dr. John Hawkins, Chief of Psychiatry and Deputy Chief of Research for Lindner Center of HOPE, “Many people develop cabin fever during the winter months. Individuals may find themselves eating more or sleeping more when the temperature drops and days offer less light.” These reactions are common and normal due to the change in season, however, people with SAD experience a much more serious reaction when summer shifts to fall and on to winter, he says. “Those at risk may have feelings of depression, lethargy, fatigue and other problems. If the symptoms are severely impairing daily life, they should be taken seriously and professional help should be considered.”

According to Dr. Hawkins, treatments such as light therapy or bright light treatment and medication are commonly used to treat SAD. Psychotherapy can also be helpful, reinforcing coping and support interventions. Preventative and coping tips include:

  • Exercising and eating well
  • Letting light in through windows
  • Participating in Stress Management classes
  • Seeking the help of a clinician if symptoms persist

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Mason, OH, November 13, 2014 – Lindner Center of HOPE is recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2013 for Hospital-Based Inpatient Psychiatry. The Lindner Center of HOPE was also recognized in 2012.

Lindner Center of HOPE is one of 1,224 hospitals to meet or exceed the target rates of performance for 2013. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2013 calendar year.

Key_set_with_words_2013  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.

Specific measures that Lindner Center of HOPE was evaluated on included:

  • Completing Nursing and SW assessments timely and thoroughly
  • Continued low rates of restraints
  • Physicians documenting the justification of discharging patients on multiple antipsychotics greatly improved
  • Nursing providing patients and/or families with list of discharge medications with doses and indications
  • Social workers securing discharge plans with external providers and obtaining appropriate authorizations for disclosure
  • Timely completion of discharge summaries
  • HIM facilitating the process of forwarding copies of discharge summaries to appropriate external providers for continuity of care

“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 for the second year in a row, 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.

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 and adolescents, 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.

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Mental Illness Affects Everyone, Show Your Support October 5 through 11, Mental Illness Awareness Week, wear a green ribbon.

 

 

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