CDC: Autism rate is increasing
Reports the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Autism affects about 1 in every 110 American children, a 57 percent increase over the last estimate in 2002, according to a report released yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disturbing trend reflects greater awareness and diagnosis of “autism spectrum disorders,” but may also mean more children are [...]
Did you know…
…that young people who take antipsychotic drugs are likely to see rapid weight gain?
Did you know…
…that more college students than ever before are getting psychiatric help?
Did you know…
…that mothers who smoke during pregnancy put their children at greater risk of developing psychotic symptoms as teenagers?
Did you know…
…that 2 out of 3 inmates at juvenile prisons have at LEAST one mental illness?
Did you know…
…that if you get weird urges– like to throw food at a fancy restaurant event, or to laugh hysterically during a funeral– that you’re definitely not alone?
Univ. of Pittsburgh psychiatrist using brain imaging to better understand bipolar disorder
Using a brain imaging technique that shows the connections between different parts of the brain, Dr. Phillips’ group has shown that wiring problems in the left half of the brain may cause patients’ manic phases, while a different kind of wiring problem on the right half may create the episodes of depression, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Advocacy group for disabled people sues DPW for their handling of mentally retarded adults
The group has filed a federal class action lawsuit against the Dept. of Public Welfare challenging its practice of holding mentally retarded adults at state psychiatric hospitals.
Mental health advocacy group leader warns of budget cuts’ effect on mentally ill community
NAMI PA’s executive director points out that when cuts are made to mental and behavioral health services, people instead turn to emergency rooms and homeless shelters, and are more likely to end up in corrections facilities.
Recently introduced bills would give help to ambulance services, address young adults with special needs
Reps. Bernie O’Neill and Kate Harper are sponsors.