Stigma Still Surrounds People with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorders Mental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 16, 2010People who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse problems are still viewed in a negative light by many, despite a greater understanding of the neurobiological causes of these disorders. A study by researchers from Indiana University and Columbia University found that prejudice and discrimination against those with mental health problems, including addiction, have remained…
Teasing Pre-Teens about Weight Very Damaging to Body Image Eating DisordersBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 14, 2010The pre-teen years can be difficult for girls. Moving away from dolls, imaginative play and tea parties, the girls are not yet old enough to jump into the world where more adult interests are expected. With girls unsure about their place in this new stage, their thoughts can turn to putting down others in order…
Veterans with PTSD at Greater Risk of Dementia News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 13, 2010This year, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and other federal health agencies have reported of evidenced-based research demonstrating a common link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans and later-life dementia. With 6–11% of Afghanistan veterans and 12–20% of Iraq veterans returning to the U.S. with PTSD, the VA has been investigating these…
Domestic Violence Perpetuates Cycle of Abuse in Children News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 9, 2010Every year, millions of children witness a parent abusing another parent in their home. The abuse doesn’t have to be physical; it can also involve verbal abuse or ongoing manipulations. Many people may not be aware of the ramifications of domestic violence on children, both long and short-term. In addition, research shows that children who…
Comorbid Substance Abuse and Mental Illness May Lead to Violent Behavior Mental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 9, 2010Scientists have found that being diagnosed with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia does not necessarily make an individual more prone to violent behavior. Individuals with these psychiatric disorders who also abuse alcohol or drugs, however, do have a stronger relationship with violence, according to a new study.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Treatment for Adults with ADHD News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthAugust 31, 2010Managing ADHD during adulthood can be an incredible challenge. Although medications for treating ADHD are very effective and considered the first step of treatment, researchers have found that the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy drastically improves symptoms and quality of life. In their new study, researchers aim to substantiate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy…
Importance of Setting Goals in Recovery from Mental Illness and Substance Abuse RecoveryBy Promises Behavioral HealthAugust 27, 2010One of the most frustrating challenges for individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse is setting goals. But without goals, there is no sense of progress or forward direction. And hope is required in order to have the ability to envision goals in the first place. Given that goals are vitally important to…
Evidence-Based Practice Links Research with Outcomes News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthAugust 25, 2010Connecting solid research in social work and counseling with treatment strategies is a practice gaining more attention. Called Evidence-Based Practice, or EBP, the term can be applied in different ways to help therapists and experts at the policy level make the best decisions possible, drawing on all current knowledge. Many experts in the social work…
More Americans Are Being Treated for Mental Disorders with Medication, not Therapy News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthAugust 24, 2010A new study has found that the same number of Americans are seeking outpatient treatment for their mental health conditions as the previous decade, yet less are receiving psychotherapeutic treatment.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Common in Adults with Major Depression, but Go Unnoticed News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthAugust 19, 2010Many adults with major depression disorder may also be suffering from significant symptoms of bipolar disorder. A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that almost 40% of adults with a history of major depressive disorder also experience subthreshold hypomania. Hypomania is a form of mania—a symptom of bipolar…
