Psychiatry Roundup: Orlando, Physicians Unite, Defunct Study
In the aftermath of the Orlando massacre, nearly half a million physicians declared war on gun violence. This story and more in our psychiatry roundup.
This set of stories includes the Orlando tragedy, a united front or physicians, employment options for persons with mental disorders, telemedicine for PTSD, the therapeutic value of nature, and a study gone wrong. Scroll through the slides - links appear in the captions.
How Americans Came Together After the Orlando Massacre
As one man destroyed the lives of innocent people in the worst shooting in the US to date, police and SWAT teams put their lives on the line for hostages and prevented further mayhem. First responders treated a throng of injured and dying victims in hospitals. Many others waited for hours in line to give blood and thousands of dollars went into funds for the families.
The Atlantic, June 13, 2016
Physician Groups Representing 426,000 Doctors: Gun Violence MUST STOP
In the aftermath of the Orlando massacre, the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and other medical associations declared gun violence a public health crisis.
American Psychiatric Association, June 13, 2016
Employment for Persons with Psychiatric Disorders
It comes as no surprise that is a struggle for adults with mental illness to find employment, but a new report explains the issue in depth. The report notes that an “evidence-based supported employment intervention . . . enables about 60 percent of people with serious mental illnesses who receive the services to gain competitive employment.”
Health Affairs, June 2016
PTSD and Depression in the Military
Engel and colleagues sought to measure the efficacy of an integrated mental health initiative using tools such as specialized telemedicine to treat depression and PTSD in military personnel. The study found that a widened support structure for members of the military improved outcomes and reduced symptoms of depression in those seeking help in primary care. A report can also be found at Rand here.
JAMA Internal Medicine, June 13, 2016
Woodland Walks
“Forestry Commission Scotland has been putting the calming effect of woodlands to good use in courses for groups of adults with long-term mental health conditions,” proving that nature is more than “pretty.” It’s good for you.
The Guardian, June 14, 2016
An N.Y.U. Study Gone Wrong, and a Top Researcher Dismissed
Eight studies at NYU on 2 subjects-PTSD and recreational drugs-were shut down. The FDA asserted the violations “jeopardize(d) subject safety and welfare, and raise concerns about the validity and integrity of the data collected in the study.” The lead investigator subsequently resigned.
New York Times, June 27, 2016