Category: Mental Healthcare

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Bipolar disorder evolves differently in patients who also binge eat, a study by Mayo Clinic, the Lindner Center of HOPE and the University of Minnesota found. Binge eating and obesity often are present among bipolar patients, but the mood disorder appears to take a different path in those who binge eat than it does in obese bipolar patients who do not, the researchers discovered. The findings are published online in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

To read the whole article, click here.

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Lindner Center of HOPE served as recruitment site, contributing to study The National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) presented results of a multi-site, naturalistic study of rTMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for major depressive disorder at the May meeting of the Society of Biological Psychiatry in San Francisco. Lindner Center of HOPE, University Cincinnati College of Medicine and Lindner Center of HOPE Chief of Psychiatry, John M. Hawkins, MD, were one of nine key contributors to the study. The conclusion of the study stated that rTMS demonstrates efficacy in clinical practice within the NNDC, although response rates were slightly lower in comparison to a recent community-based sample. The study, sponsored by NNDC, was an open-label ‘registry’ study for patients receiving rTMS treatment for Major Depressive Disorders at 9 participating specialized academic centers. Patients were assessed pre-treatment (baseline) and weekly, up to 4-6 weeks during treatment. Forty-three patients were enrolled. Beyond Lindner Center of HOPE, recruitment sites included Duke University, McLean Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina, University of Louisville, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania and Weill Cornell Medical College.

Click here to view the poster presentation.

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Everybody Knows Somebody. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, gender and demographics. In the U.S., approximately 20 million women and 10 million men are battling an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder. Visit NEDAwareness.org to find out how you can make a difference during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 24-March 2.

U.S. Statistics on Eating Disorders
20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS)

  • Four out of 10 Americans either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder
  • By age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape
  • 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life
  • 46% of nine- to 11-year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets and 82% of their families are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets
  • Even among clearly non-overweight girls, over one-third report dieting
  • 35% of “normal dieters” progress to pathological dieting. Of those, 20-25% progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders
  • Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting and taking laxatives
  • There has been a rise in incidence of anorexia in young women 15-19 in each decade since 1930
  • The rate of development of new cases of eating disorders overall has been increasing since 1950
  • 40% of newly identified cases of anorexia are in girls 15-19 years old
  • The prevalence of eating disorders is similar among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, African-Americans and © 2012 National Eating Disorders Association. Permission is granted to copy and reprint materials for educational purposes only. National Eating Disorders Association must be cited and web address listed. www.NationalEatingDisorders.org Information and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237
  • Asians, with the exception that anorexia nervosa is more common among non-Hispanic Whites
  • It is common for eating disorders to occur with one or more other psychiatric disorders, which can complicate treatment and make recovery more difficult. Among those who suffer from eating disorders, alcohol and other substance abuse disorders are four times more common than in the general populations
  • The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 165 pounds. The average Miss America winner is 5’7” and weighs 121 pounds
  • Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women
  • For females between 15- and 24-years-old who suffer from anorexia nervosa, the mortality rate associated with the illness is 12 times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death.

10 Signs of an Eating Disorder

    • Drastic weight loss.
    • Preoccupation with counting calories.
    • The need to weigh yourself several times a day.
    • Excessive exercise.
    • Binge eating or purging.
    • Food rituals, like taking tiny bites, skipping food groups or re-arranging food on the plate.
    • Avoiding meals or only wanting to eat alone.
    • Taking laxatives or diuretics.
    • Smoking to curb appetite.
    • Persistent view of yourself as fat that worsens despite weight loss.

www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

Information and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237

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Dr. Paul E. Keck, president and CEO provided an opinion piece to The Cincinnati Enquirer in response to discussions about untreated mental illness in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings.

December 28, 2012 – Mason – Read the article by Dr. Paul E. Keck – Link to Enquirer article.

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The Silent Wounds of War Please join General Peter Chiarelli, U.S. Army (Retired), former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and current CEO of One Mind for Research, and physicians and researchers from Greater Cincinnati on August 30 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to learn about traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress, what we’re doing to address these injuries, and the global mission of One Mind for Research. For more details about this free event, click here to view the invitation. Please feel free to share with your colleagues and staff. RSVP Required by August 28, due to limited seating. Contact Susan Snodgrass at: (513) 792-2165 [email protected]

Read more, click here.

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Chris Tuell, EdD, LPCC-S, LICDC, Lindner Center of HOPE Coordinator of Addiction Services, participated in the 2012 Addiction Professional Panel Series on Gambling Addiction and Related Co-Morbidities in Cleveland on Thursday, August 9. Approximately 50 guests were in attendance.

Gambling is one of the most ancient and universal aspects of human behavior. Games of chance have been with us throughout human civilization and in virtually every culture. For the majority of individuals, gambling behaviors do not become problematic. However, for those who become addicted they often find themselves caught in a serious behavioral disorder associated with job loss and unemployment, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, theft, dishonesty, family disruption, and suicide. Research indicates that when a casino is constructed, rates of pathological gambling increase. Recent advances in the understanding of the addictive brain, as well as the co-morbid aspects of gambling, have given rise to a more integrative approach towards treatment. Lindner Center of HOPE offers a clinical diagnostic assessment and treatment approach to pathological gambling, which is integrated and comprehensive. We believe the issue of pathological gambling is a serious disorder that is destroying lives every day, and requires a level of care which integrates the mind, body, and spirit.

Full coverage of the event, including podcasts, photos, and an article, is at http://www.addictionpro.com/page/gambling-addiction-and-related-co-morbidities.

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Pop culture has labeled electroconvulsive therapy as cruel, but in reality it is extremely effective in mood stabilization. Read more.

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 Is it a Problematic Concept?

Mason, Ohio – June 15, 2011 – At the Annual American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting held May 14-18, Dr. Susan L. McElroy, Chief Research Officer at Lindner Center of HOPE presented research evidence supporting the broadening of the concept of Bipolar Disorder. Colleagues Dr. Mari Maj, from Italy and Dr. Stephen Strakowski, Professor and Chair at University of Cincinnati Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health argued that the diagnostic criteria should not be broadened.

Susan L. McElroy, MDDr. McElroy argued that Bipolar Disorder diagnostic criteria needs to be broadened to account for the broad range of mixed states- for instance when manic and depressive symptoms co-occur and for subthreshold hypomania- hypomanic symptoms that are shorter than 4 days.

Over the last decade a number of experts in the field have encouraged expanding the diagnosis to include mood changes that are much different than the traditional classic definition-which includes episodes of major depression that last at least two weeks and periods of mania or hypomania that last at least seven or four days respectively. At the APA Conference, Ellen Frank, PhD from Pittsburgh, Pa reviewed the risks and benefits of expanding the diagnostic criteria including misdiagnosis, exposure to inappropriate medications and their side effects. On the plus side, expanding the spectrum could mean an increase in diagnosis which could potentially mean that more people who need help will receive it.

On the other side of the debate are questions concerning emergency rooms and clinics seeing many patients who say they have bipolar disorder and who are then being prescribed a large number of psychiatric drugs for vague and unclear indications.
In our next issue of The Source, Dr. McElroy will provide a definition of bipolar spectrum and will explain one of the major differences of opinion around the diagnosis. Her perspective is that widening the Bipolar Spectrum will offer more accurate diagnosis and more appropriate treatment of those with true bipolar disease.

What do you think? Join us on LinkedIn to share your thoughts and hear from your colleagues and patient advocates on this APA topic. Will the broadening of Bipolar Spectrum lead to the over diagnosis of bipolar disorder or to more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatments? How will this affect individuals with milder symptoms and those without the illness to ineffective medications with harmful side effects? Has research helped delineate the importance of DSM IV expansion? We hope to hear from you.

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Adjunctive therapy being examined for those who have not responded to SSRI treatment

Adults who struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, even with treatment, can participate in a clinical trial to help doctors evaluate an investigational medication.

Mason, OH – May 10, 2011 – Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can heavily influence the way you live your life. From interactions with family and friends to how you perform at work, OCD creates challenges that can be difficult to overcome by yourself.

A medical research study, through the Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE, is being conducted to evaluate an investigational medication called Ondansetron. The study focuses on patients diagnosed with OCD. Doctors want to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of two different strengths of Ondansetron when given to patients who have not adequately responded to current treatment.

Obsession is a near uncontrollable desire or perceived need where there exists a focus or preoccupation with a subject, thought, idea or emotion. “In an attempt to ease the fear and anxiety and satisfy the urges and inclinations resulting from an obsession, individuals engage in repetitive or ritualistic behavior,” said Dr. Susan McElroy, Principal Investigator and Director of the Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE. “Even though an individual suffering from OCD may be able to recognize the irrational nature of their behavior on an intellectual level, they still feel compelled to perform their rituals in order to gain some relief from their apprehensions,” she added. This is the first new medication looked at for OCD in 20 years.

When initially treating OCD patients, doctors often rely on medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For many patients, these medications alone are enough to help them live fairly typical lives. For some patients, however, SSRIs do not provide adequate treatment for their OCD, which creates a need for more effective treatment options.

The study is looking for 12 individuals to participate through the Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE-150 total participants throughout the country. Potential participants will enter a screening process to determine if they are eligible to participate in the study. If you are determined to be eligible and agree to participate, you will enter a run-in period where you will receive a new prescription for your current SSRIs therapy. Participation in this study requires the individual be at least 18 years of age, be diagnosed with OCD and have been taking SSRIs for at least six weeks prior to the study. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be allowed to participate in this study.

All study related visits, tests, and treatments will be provided to participants at no cost. In addition, reimbursement for travel may also be provided. Ondansetron has been approved for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery but has not been approved or extensively evaluated for the treatment of OCD. For information please contact: 513-536-0710 or www.lindnercenterofhope.org/research.

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 11-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, live-in 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.