Thursday, October 16, 2003

Concerned Parents of Toronto Handbook of Supports and Services for Persons with Dual Diagnosis in Toronto 2002
An Adobe Acrobat publication available at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health web site - "The Dual Diagnosis Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is delighted to support the ongoing efforts of the Concerned Parents Association of Toronto Inc. of Toronto in assisting parents, relatives and friends to access resources for individuals with an developmental intellectual disability and mental health needs. The complex health and mental needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis result in significant challenges for all caregivers in accessing the appropriate services when needed. This latest edition is exceptional and applicable beyond the City of Toronto with the inclusion of easy to read information on how to navigate the system. Previous editions of this Handbook have been widely used by professionals, paraprofessionals and family members and friends."  
  

Cultural Psychiatric Services: Past, Present and Future
Article in the October Psychiatric Times - "How is cultural psychiatry defined? What is its history in the United States and how will it continue to influence mental health care in the future? What do mental health care professionals need to know to provide culturally sensitive care?" See also the articles Are Assessment and Treatment Influenced by Ethnicity and Gender?, Hispanics and Psychiatric Medications: An Overview, Expressions of Social Anxiety in Asian-Americans and A Diverse Refugee Population Requires Complex Solutions.  
  

The Behavioral Complaint: Symptom of a Psychiatric Disorder or a Matter of Temperament?
Contemporary Pediatrics article at Medscape - "...My point, then, before talking about the distinction between a difficult temperament and a psychiatric disorder, is this: We should, first, look at normal behavior as occupying a very wide range and, second, be careful when categorizing a child's behavior as in some way pathologic." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Global mental health organisation calls for improved diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder
A press release from Europe's Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks at PRNewswire - "Two in 100 people suffer from bipolar disorder but many more remain undiagnosed. On average it takes 5-7 years for a correct diagnosis to be made. These are two shocking statistics being addressed today by the launch of a groundbreaking document, Bipolar Disorder: A Call to Action, which calls for worldwide improvements in patient care, public awareness, treatments and education in bipolar disorder. This initiative is the first of its kind in bipolar disorder and has been produced by the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN-Europe) hopes to facilitate and encourage individuals and groups throughout the world to actively advocate for those suffering from bipolar disorder. With such an invaluable tool, GAMIAN-Europe affiliates worldwide will be able to raise awareness of bipolar disorder, particularly the dangers of bipolar depression, and improve the lives of patients with the illness." See also the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks web site.