On October 28, 2015, Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Lindner Center of HOPE Psychiatrist and Williams House Medical Director, joined Lon Woodbury on the Woodbury Report radio show. Their discussion focused on outlining the benefits of a residential assessment for mental health concerns in adolescents.
For more than two decades, Screening for Mental Health has developed programs to educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for common behavioral and mental health disorders and suicide.The vision is a world where mental health is viewed and treated with the same gravity as physical health, and the public’s participation in National Depression Screening Day helps make that vision a reality.
National Depression Screening Day, held annually on the Thursday of the first full week in October, is an education and screening event conducted by hospitals, clinics, colleges, and community groups nationwide. Much like the medical community screens for diabetes and high blood pressure, the goal is to offer large-scale mood disorder screenings for the public. The program provides free, anonymous screenings for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as referral to treatment resources if warranted.
This year, October 8th, will mark 25 years of this revolutionary event.
Please participate in this milestone National Depression Screening Day and help spread the word to increase awareness of mental health. Take a screening now at http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/#/lindner-center-of-hope and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same.
General
Global
United States
Physical & Mental Health Connection
Depression is a treatable mental health disorder that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
For a complete list visit: NAMI.org
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a treatable illness defined by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. These changes are categorized into manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes, ranging from bursts of energy to deep despair. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Mania Symptoms
Depressive Symptoms
For a complete list visit: dbsalliance.org
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that involves chronic worrying, nervousness, and tension. Some of the most common symptoms include:
For a complete list visit: helpguide.org
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Some common symptoms include:
For a complete list visit: helpguide.org
Susan L. McElroy, MD
Lindner Center of HOPE, Chief Research OfficerUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a common and serious disorder that is often unrecognized and untreated. People with IED are periodically unable to restrain impulses that result in verbal and physical aggression. The aggressive behaviors are unplanned, out of proportion to provocation, and cause distress and psychosocial impairment, including interpersonal difficulties, divorce, school suspension, job loss, and financial and legal problems.
The violent behaviors of IED, often called explosive outbursts or rage attacks, are often preceded by aggressive or violent impulses, described as “the need to attack,” ‘the need to defend oneself,” “the need to strike out,” “seeing red,” or “an adrenaline rush.” These impulses are associated with tension, anger, increased physiological arousal, and increased energy. The explosive outbursts are brief, lasting 10 to 30 minutes, and usually followed by feelings of depression, remorse, guilt, and fatigue.
Once thought to be rare, we now know that IED is very common. Research has shown that the lifetime prevalence of IED in the general population is 1 to 7 percent. The average age of onset is 14 to 18 years among adults, and 13 among adolescents. IED is most common males and younger people. Of note, people with IED often have other psychiatric disorders, like depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol or drug abuse, and anxiety.
The cause of IED is unknown but biological, psychological, and social factor are thought to be involved. Importantly, IED runs in families suggesting that genetic factor are involved. Research also suggests that abnormalities in serotonin function in the central nervous system plays a role in IED.
IED is usually treated with medications and/or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medications that may be helpful include serotonin reuptake inhibitor s (like fluoxetine), anti-epilepsy medications (like carbamazepine ), or mood-stabilizers like lithium. When treating IED, it is crucial that other psychiatric conditions are identified and properly managed.
No medication, however, is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of IED. Hence, Azevan Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring a study to see if a novel medication is efficacious for IED in adults. This medication affects vasopressin, a hormone in the brain thought to play an important role in regulating aggressive behavior. This medication has been shown to reduce aggressive behavior in animals. The Research Institute at the Lindner Center of HOPE will be participating in this study which is scheduled to begin in late August. The Research Institute will be recruiting volunteers with IED to participate at that time. If an individual has questions about the study and might be interested in participating, they can call 513-536-0710 for further information.
Lindner Center of HOPE, Clinical Director and Family Therapist Child/Adolescent Services, Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program Clinical Consultant, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center at The Lindner Center of HOPE University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Adjunct Instructor
Despite numerous recent advances in the field of brain research, our understanding of the principles that guide the development and operation of the brain and its complex functioning remains elusive. This is particularly true when attempting to understand a multi-faceted illness as anorexia nervosa (AN), however having a comprehensive grasp on the neurobiology on AN brain is mandatory for successful treatment. Thus, with the narrative below, we will be providing some fundamental assumptions about the neurobiology of AN brain, as researched extensively by Dr.W.Kaye.
In AN all body organs, including the brain suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition affects all parts of the brain and especially the anterior insula. This region acts as the “brain switchboard” assuring that all parts of the brain adequately communicate with each other. The anterior insula plays a key role in the brain’s ability to recognize and process the connection between emotions and cognition and when affected in AN patient, presents with typical symptoms of altered taste, abnormal response to pleasurable foods and body distortions. The neurotransmitters dysregulations in AN are very complex and involve many systems, circuits and brain regions. To date, most research has focused on serotonin function and dopamine/reward systems function that are found to be compromised in AN as briefly outlined below.
Brain imaging studies suggest alterations of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors and the 5-HT transporterin AN. Dysfunctions of these circuits may affect mood and impulse control as well as the motivating and pleasurable aspects of food consumption leading to a dysphoric mood. In an attempt to reduce their dysphoric mood, the patients engage in dieting and exercise which results in malnourishment of the brain leading to the lowering of tryptophan and steroid hormone metabolism. This then reduces serotonin levels at these critical sites, further increasing dysphoric mood thus perpetuating starvation.This becomes a cyclical action as the patient tries to control their dysphoric mood while driving themselves deeper into the illness.
Dopamine system dysfunction might contribute to altered reward and affect, decision-making and executive control, and decreased food ingestion in patients with AN. Dysregulation in this circuit might contribute to patients with AN not being able to correctly act on immediately important tasks but rather focusing on planning and remote consequences.
In conclusion, this is just a glimpse of the complex function of the Anorexic brain. Genetics, puberty, stress, trauma, cultural and social expectations as well as the temperament of the individual also play important roles in the development of AN in adolescents.
Ref: Kaye, Walter H., Fudge, Julie L., and Paulus, Martin. New Insights into symptoms and neurocircuit function of Anorexia Nervosa. Nature Reviews/ Neuroscience. 10, 573-587 (2009)
When 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!
Lindner Center of HOPE is proud to be a part of the 2015 ReelAbilities Film Festival organized by Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD) which runs February 27th through March 7th 2015 in Greater Cincinnati. For the first year, ReelAbilities is including films touching on the subject of mental illness in the festival. For more information about the film festival, click here.
Lindner Center of HOPE is the Host Agency for HERE ONE DAY, a documentary that chronicles filmmaker Kathy Leichter’s move back into her childhood home after her mother’s suicide. The film will be shown at Kenwood Theater on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Leichter discovered a hidden box of audiotapes. Sixteen years passed before she had the courage to delve into this trove, unearthing details that her mother had kept secret for so long. HERE ONE DAY is a visually arresting, emotionally candid film about a woman coping with mental illness, her relationships with her family, and the ripple effects of her suicide on those she loved. Click here to view trailer.
Following the film, Lindner Center of HOPE will host a brief panel discussion with question and answers with the audience. Jessica Noll, WCPO, will emcee the discussion.
Panel members will include:
Kathy Leichter, HERE ONE DAY filmmaker
John M. Hawkins, MD, Lindner Center of HOPE, Chief of Psychiatry, Deputy Chief Research Officer, Director TMS Services, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Charles F. Brady, PhD, ABPP, Lindner Center of HOPE, Staff Psychologist, OCD/CBT Psychotherapist, Professor the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Psychiatry
Angela Ostholthoff, CPRP, CPS, Training Coordinator for The Recovery Center of Hamilton County
Shirley Benoit, Patient/Advocate
HERE ONE DAYKathy Leichter / USA / English / 2012 /
76 min. / Documentary / Open Captions
During 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.
December 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:
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:
Mental Illness Affects Everyone, Show Your Support October 5 through 11, Mental Illness Awareness Week, wear a green ribbon.
