Depression looms as global crisis
BBC News – September 2, 2009
Summary: BBC News reports that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression will be the biggest health burden on society within 20 years. Over 450 million people currently are affected by mental disorders or disabilities. Dr. Shekhar Saxena of the Department of Mental Health at the WHO told the BBC that “WHO figures clearly show that the burden because of depression is likely to increase – so much so that in 2030 this will be the single biggest cause for burden out of all health conditions.” Dr. Saxena describes depression as a “silent epidemic” which will be a serious problem for developing countries in particular since they have fewer resources to allocate to mental health. Some startling facts about this “silent epidemic”:
- About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14
- Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems
- Most low- and middle-income countries have only one child psychiatrist for every 1 to 4 million people
- About 800,000 people commit suicide every year, 86% of them in low – and middle-income countries
- More than half of the people who kill themselves are between 15 and 44
- The highest suicide rates are found among men in eastern European countries
Source: WHO
Since the expectation is that the societal burden from mental illness is on the rise, Dr Saxena emphasizes the importance of changing societal attitudes towards mental illness. “Depression is as much of a disease as any other physical disease that people suffer from and they have a right to get correct advice and treatment within the same health care settings which look after other health conditions.”
More Americans Taking Drugs for Mental Illness
Reuters – May 5, 2009
Summary: According to a recent article published by Reuters, U.S. researchers have reported that the number of Americans using prescription drugs to treat mental illness has increased dramatically since 1996 (73% more adults and 50% more children). The reasons for this increase are primarily expanded insurance coverage and greater familiarity with the drugs among primary care doctors. “Mental health has become much more a part of mainstream medical care”, said Sherry Glied of Columbia University in New York City. However, Glied said that there has been little progress in access to care among people with more serious mental illness.
American Psychiatric Foundation Names 2009 Recipients of Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health
PR Newswire – May 5, 2009
Summary: Awards were recently announced by the American Psychiatric Foundation to honor the efforts of psychiatrists and mental health providers who have helped provide for the mental health needs of minorities. The recipients are:
Siloam Family Health Center of Nashville, TN
Asian Counseling and Referral Service of Seattle, WA
St; Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, HIV Center for Comprehensive Care in New York City, NY
Venice Family Clinic in Venice, CA
Imperial County Behavioral Health and Sun Valley Research Center of Imperial, CA.
“We are proud to present these awards to these mental health professionals and organizations, which continue the strong commitment to reducing mental health disparities for racial and ethnic minorities”, said Richard K. Harding, M.D., APF President.
As Mental Health Support Wanes, Many Doomed to Homelessness
The Dallas Morning News – May 3, 2009
Summary: According to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News, the lack of mental health services is especially acute in the state of Texas, which ranks 48th nationwide in spending on mental health care for its poorest residents. One result is chronic homelessness among the mentally ill. “The bottom line is we have a housing affordability crisis, and it most negatively affects people on very low incomes”, said Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who has done extensive research on homelessness. Culhane said that there are “a lot of homeless people who get social services, shelters, mental health services, all of which does nothing to solve their housing problem.”
If You Build It, They Will Come
Behavioral Healthcare – May, 2009
Summary: Independence Center in St. Louis, Missouri has experienced unprecedented growth since occupying its new West End Place Clubhouse in August 2007. It is the second largest Clubhouse in the world (according to the International Center for Clubhouse Development) and has a daily attendance of more than 245 members. Prior to the 2007 opening, there were 2 different Clubhouse centers located seven miles apart. Through an inclusive process involving 11 task forces comprised of members, staff and some board members, the vision of creating a single Clubhouse for Independence Center became a reality. The new Clubhouse is a 50,000 square foot facility, which provides a full array of supports to its members. “The building itself has a palpable energy, and visitors instantly comprehend that this program is all about getting our mentally ill members back into contemporary work settings”, said Executive Director Mike Keller. For more Information, visit www.independencecenter.org.
Beijing Expands Psychiatric Facilities
China View – April 29, 2009
Summary: According to an article in China View, Beijing is expanding its mental health facilities. “The city has 6900 psychiatric beds in 32 hospitals and clinics, but the number of people with serious mental illness is estimated at 150,000.” A spokesperson for the Municipal Health Bureau, Deng Xiaohong, said that more large hospitals will be able to diagnose and treat depression and compulsive disorders and counsel terminal cancer patients. According to the Mental Health Center under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 100 million people in China with mental illness but fewer than 5% are aware of their condition.
