Psychiatry Update: Electronic Bullying, Mortality, Microbes

Interpersonal violence, alcohol use disorders, are unsurprising culprits but “many of the risk factors that contribute to the disparities in burden are amenable to medical treatment within the context of supportive behavioral and lifestyle changes.” The State of US Health, 1990-2016, JAMA, April 10, 2018.

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A collection by The New York Times Editorial Board reports on the history of the opioid epidemic, number of lives lost over the last 3 decades (and over the centuries), and how we got to this point. An Opioid Crisis Foretold, The New York Times, April 21, 2018

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PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders--physicians are not immune. The Merrit Hawkins article warns against physician health programs (PHPs):“I would not send anyone to a physician health program,” said Louise B. Andrew, MD, JD, a risk management trial consultant and litigation stress counselor. "Physicians referred to a PHP will be drug tested, and even evidence of a single glass of wine could be considered an alcohol-use problem ... The doctor at that point will be referred to a specific treatment center and kept there up to 90 days, which could cost $100,000 up front [and] if a physician leaves, the center reports it to the board of medicine, and he or she is disciplined, including the possible loss of the medical license." Dealing with Physician Depression and Related Issues, Merritt Hawkins, April 28, 2018

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Over 200 scientists have convened to map genetic variants for depression. “In the world’s largest investigation into the impact of DNA on the mental disorder, more than 200 researchers identified 44 gene variants that raise the risk of depression. Of those, 30 have never been connected to the condition before. By tripling the number of gene regions linked to depression, scientists now hope to understand more about why the disorder strikes some but not others, even when they have similar life experiences.” 'Gene map for depression' sparks hopes of new generation of treatments, Guardian, April 26, 2018

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Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in line of duty, according to a Ruderman Foundation study. The paper: "One study included in the white paper found that on average, police officers witness 188 ‘critical incidents’ during their careers. This exposure to trauma can lead to several forms of mental illness." Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders, April 2018

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For a year and a half, a man allegedly targeted his former roommate by hacking into her devices and accounts. He allegedly stole photos of her, as well as personal information, such as journal entries, medical information, and sexual history. After invading her data, he “distributed the victim’s material to hundreds of people associated with her.” He “created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name and solicited rape fantasies . . . which in turn caused men to show up at the victim’s home.” Massachusetts Man Charged with 24 Additional Offenses Associated with Cyberstalking Former Housemate, Department of Justice, April 9, 2018

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Research suggests that "gut bacteria can influence social behaviour, anxiety and stress. Understanding of the evolution of gut-brain communication may help us to effectively engineer potential benefits for well-being.” Why does the microbiome affect behaviour?Nature Reviews Microbiology, April 24, 2018

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