Tuesday, December 09, 2003

Child health costs for behavioral disorders similar to those for physical illnesses
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia press release at EurekAlert - "Children with behavioral disorders incur similar overall health care costs to children with physical disorders according to a recent study. Among behavioral disorders, costs were not uniform; anxiety and depression cost twice as much as other common behavioral disorders, mainly as a result of inpatient hospitalizations. This study, by researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, appears in the electronic pages of the December issue of the journal Pediatrics."  
  

Online support for people with depression
BioMed Central press release at EurekAlert - "Many people suffering from untreated and undiagnosed depression are turning to Internet communities for help, according to a study published this week in BMC Psychiatry. Scientists believe these virtual communities could be used to offer diagnosis and support to people that are depressed, and offer the possibility of online therapy. Surveys show that the Internet is increasingly used to obtain health information and advice – in particular about mental health. Internet communities enable users to obtain expert advice and to communicate to one another about particular conditions via chat rooms and message boards. Despite their widespread use, there has been little research into the health status of users of these communities. "  
  

The Dopamine Receptor D1 Gene And ADHD: A Piece Of The Genetic Puzzle?
Molecular Psychiatry story at InteliHealth - "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognized as the most prevalent mental health disorder of childhood, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of school-age children worldwide. The hallmarks of the disorder are age-inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These problems often lead to underachievement in school and can have a negative impact on interpersonal relationships and on self-esteem. ADHD symptoms often persist into adolescence and adulthood, resulting in lifelong difficulties in academic, occupational, social and family functioning. In addition, there is evidence that ADHD may be a risk factor for other serious mental health problems and specific learning disabilities. All told, ADHD is a major public health issue..."  
  

NHGRI Launches Social And Behavioral Research Branch
NIH press release at InteliHealth - "The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) announced the formation of a new branch -- the Social and Behavioral Research Branch (SBRB) -- within its Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The new branch will develop cutting-edge approaches to translating the discoveries from the recently completed Human Genome Project into interventions for health promotion and disease prevention, and for counseling patients and families dealing with the impact of devastating genetic disorders. The SBRB also will investigate the complex social, ethical and public policy impact of genomic research."