Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) was honored last night by the American Psychological Association for his advocacy work and legislative accomplishments on mental health issues. The APA presented Kennedy with the 2010 Outstanding Leadership Award, given annually to a member of Congress who has prominently championed the goals of professional psychology. “Congressman Kennedy has been a tireless crusader of mental health rights,” says Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, APA executive director for professional practice…

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) recently celebrated the third anniversary of the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group, a free support group for adults living with mental illness. NAMI offers nearly 500 Connection support groups in 45 states. NAMI Connection support groups meet weekly for 90 minutes and are led by peer facilitators who are experienced in living well with mental illness…

The government’s leading toxicologists and environmental health scientists will share their latest scientific accomplishments, offer continuing education courses, discuss funding and training opportunities, receive input on future research priorities, and more, at the Society of Toxicology (SOT) annual meeting…

Vietnam era combat pilot and national board member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Clarence Jordan testified at a Senate hearing today calling for better outreach and coordination of mental health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “VA must do a better job of reaching out and making it services known,” said Jordan, a 15-year Navy veteran who now serves as director of recovery and resiliency services for ValueOptions Behavioral Health Services. A chronicle of Jordan’s battle with depression appeared in Heart & Soul magazine in June 2007…

Research at the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine suggests a novel route to improving the symptoms of subsyndromal depression (SSD) in seniors through the regular use of “exergames” entertaining video games that combine game play with exercise. In a pilot study, the researchers found that use of exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with SSD. The study, led by Dilip V…

Obecure Ltd., a subsidiary of Bio-Light Israeli Life Science Investments Ltd. (TASE:BOLT), has received notice of allowance from the US Patent Office for its two key patent applications covering methods of use and compositions covering the use of betahistine with olanzapine for the mitigation of the serious weight gain associated as a side effect of the antipsychotic drug. Obecure is focused on development of Histalean® (high dose betahistine) as adjunctive to antipsychotic drug therapy for improved treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression…

Obecure Ltd., a subsidiary of Bio-Light Israeli Life Science Investments Ltd. (TASE:BOLT), has received notice of allowance from the US Patent Office for its two key patent applications covering methods of use and compositions covering the use of betahistine with olanzapine for the mitigation of the serious weight gain associated as a side effect of the antipsychotic drug. Obecure is focused on development of Histalean® (high dose betahistine) as adjunctive to antipsychotic drug therapy for improved treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression…

In the United States, nearly 10 percent of the population suffers from a depressive disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While the causes of depression vary, a new study at the University of Missouri reveals that marital hostility is a contributing factor. MU researcher, Christine Proulx, found that husbands’ hostile and anti-social behaviors increased their wives’ symptoms of depression over time…

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, announced that a new Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program has been established within its Center for Health Sciences. This new SRI group of neuroscientists and researchers working at the cutting edge of science brings $6.2 million of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)…

Many parents wonder how to handle a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety or depression - or even one who is struggling with day-to-day stress. In her new book, Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to HolisticCare for a Healthy Mind and Body (American Academy of Pediatrics, March 2010), pediatrician and holistic medicine expert Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, FAAP, provides practical guidance to those who seek natural methods of treatment. Dr. Kemper is a leading international authority on complementary therapies for children…