August, 2010
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Treatment for Adults with ADHD
Managing ADHD during adulthood can be an incredible challenge. Although medications for treating ADHD are very effective and considered the first step of treatment, researchers have found that the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy drastically improves symptoms and quality of life. In their new study, researchers aim to substantiate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for one of the most widespread and distressing neurobiological disorders among American adults.
Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Treatment for Adults with ADHD
Importance of Setting Goals in Recovery from Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
One of the most frustrating challenges for individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse is setting goals. But without goals, there is no sense of progress or forward direction. And hope is required in order to have the ability to envision goals in the first place. Given that goals are vitally important to every person in recovery, how can those with mental illness and substance abuse get help – or help themselves – to understand both the importance of setting goals and become better able to set them on their own?
Learn more about Importance of Setting Goals in Recovery from Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Evidence-Based Practice Links Research with Outcomes
Connecting solid research in social work and counseling with treatment strategies is a practice gaining more attention. Called Evidence-Based Practice, or EBP, the term can be applied in different ways to help therapists and experts at the policy level make the best decisions possible, drawing on all current knowledge.
Many experts in the social work field agree that Evidence-Based Practices are ultimately based on the determination of a critical question that reflects a patient’s needs. Once the question has been formulated, an answer is sought using scientific study and evidence. This evidence should guide the use of the treatment.
Learn more about Evidence-Based Practice Links Research with Outcomes
More Americans Are Being Treated for Mental Disorders with Medication, not Therapy
A new study has found that the same number of Americans are seeking outpatient treatment for their mental health conditions as the previous decade, yet less are receiving psychotherapeutic treatment.
Learn more about More Americans Are Being Treated for Mental Disorders with Medication, not Therapy
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Common in Adults with Major Depression, but Go Unnoticed
Many adults with major depression disorder may also be suffering from significant symptoms of bipolar disorder. A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that almost 40% of adults with a history of major depressive disorder also experience subthreshold hypomania. Hypomania is a form of mania—a symptom of bipolar disorder. Without recognition of hypomania behavior, symptoms of bipolar disorder may go undiagnosed among a large proportion of individuals suffering from major depression.
Childhood Delinquency Linked to Alcohol Abuse, Risky Behavior in Adulthood
A new study suggests that the chances of at-risk youth falling into a life of crime or alcohol abuse during adulthood can be circumvented with intervention outreach, especially when performed at an early stage.
Learn more about Childhood Delinquency Linked to Alcohol Abuse, Risky Behavior in Adulthood
Troubled Children Can Increase Parents’ Stress, Even as Adults
Addiction and mental illnesses have been called "family diseases" because these types of behavioral health problems affect the well-being of the entire household. Now, researchers have proven that children who have led poor lifestyles—such as substance abuse, chronic behavioral health issues, problems with the law, or financial troubles— well into adulthood still pose a major threat to their parents’ overall well-being, even if their siblings were more successful in life.
Learn more about Troubled Children Can Increase Parents’ Stress, Even as Adults
Using Narcolepsy to Understand Addiction
Narcolepsy is characterized by extreme fatigue and falling asleep at unusual times, such as in the middle of a conversation or while performing an ordinary, everyday task like answering an email. Among the scientific community, however, narcoleptics are also known for something else: an ability to resist addiction to strong drugs like amphetamines.
Internet Addiction Linked to Depression
Parents who are concerned that their teenaged child may be spending too much time on the Internet should now also be watching for signs of depression, according to a new study.
Nurses Reporting On-the-Job Assault from Patients
Because many states are cutting their spending on mental health care services, Americans are increasingly losing resources to treat their substance abuse and psychological conditions. Without specialized care, many cases of alcoholism, drug abuse, and psychiatric crises go untreated and worsen, and eventually land these individuals in the emergency room. In recent studies, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reported on escalating numbers of emergency department (ED) visits across the country due to substance abuse and mental health issues. Not only are ED professionals undergoing heightened levels of stress, pressure, and criticality due to the rising onset of drug intoxication or mental health cases in the emergency room, but they are also experiencing increasing amounts of workplace violence.
Learn more about Nurses Reporting On-the-Job Assault from Patients
Connect with an Elements Recovery Adviser
newsletter
