AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION AUGUST 1997 -- TIPSHEET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release no. 97-36
July 24, 1997
Melissa Saunders Katz
(202) 682-6142 /[email protected]
www. psych.org
Journal articles abstracted in this tipsheet are available in their entirety by calling APAFastFAX at 1-888-267-5400 and selecting the document number.
In the August issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry: (Note: All Items Embargoed until August 1, 1997)
EARLY SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE BEFORE DEMENTIA STRIKES?
In a study of patients with Down's syndrome, researchers using PET scan technology detected abnormal activity in the part of the brain affected by Alzheimer's Disease long before the patients actually developed the disease or experienced any sign of memory loss. People with Down's syndrome are genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's Disease. If this study is confirmed by additional studies of other people known to be at risk of Alzheimer's Disease, the finding will shed new light on the origins of the illness and could lead to treatments aimed at delaying, if not preventing, Alzheimer's Disease. ["Low Glucose Metabolism During Brain Stimulation in Older Down's Syndrome Subjects at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease Prior to Dementia," Pietro Pietrini, MD et al. p. 1063] APA FastFAX #6903. Direct all media inquiries to the National Institute on Aging, Michael Miller (301) 496-1752.
RECHECKING THOSE DIAGNOSED WITH OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could be considerably less prevalent than previously believed, according to the first epidemiologic reassessment of American OCD rates in 15 years. This study involved two rounds of survey. In the first, lay persons interviewed 2,261 people by telephone and found that 3.1 percent experienced OCD in any one-month period. Six months later, mental health professionals resurveyed the same group and found that only one in four actually met the criteria for OCD making the actual rate 0.6 percent. The study is the first to apply the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 1984 survey of mental disorders found that 1.3 percent of people in the United States had OCD in any one-month period. The researchers caution against complacency. Even if the prevalence rate is as low as 0.6 percent, that still means that there are over 1 million Americans who suffer from OCD.
["Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in the Community: An Epidemiologic Survey with Clinical Reappraisal," Murray B. Stein, MD et al. p.1120] FastFAX #6904
GAY MEN AT HIGHER RISK FOR EATING DISORDERS
Homosexual and bisexual men are at a higher risk for eating disorders than men who are not homosexual. According to this Boston area study, eating disorders among men in general are not rare with men accounting for approximately 10-15 percent of all bulimia and anorexia patients. Of the men in this study, 27 percent were homosexual. Within the specific eating disorder category of bulimia, the homosexuality rate was especially high at 42 percent. By contrast, studies have reported that only 2 percent of women with eating disorders are homosexual. ["Eating Disorders in Males: A Report on 135 Patients," Daniel J. Carlat, MD et al. p. 1127] FastFAX #6905. Please direct all media inquiries directly to Dr. Carlat (508) 462-8167 x22.
Why wait for the annual meeting in May? Attend the 49th Institute on Psychiatric Services -- October 24-28 in Washington, DC -- see page 3 for details.
In the August Issue of Psychiatric Services: (Note: All Items Embargoed until August 1, 1997)
PROVIDERS MANAGE CARE: ELIMINATING THE MIDDLEMEN
An entire university medical school department of psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has eliminated for-profit, managed care middlemen by forming their own nonprofit company to provide mental health services through contracts with HMOs. This provider network of mental health professionals and hospital administrators, University Behavioral Associates (UBA), accepts the same risks and responsibilities as a managed care company. This case study examines how mental health professionals can control quality of care and cost saving measures by contracting directly with HMOs and employer groups.
[From "Academic Psychiatry and Managed Care: A Case Study," Bruce Schwartz, M.D. pp. 1019 1026. To interview one of the authors, contact Scott Wetzler, Ph.D., Montefiore Medical Center, at 718-920-4920; fax, 718-798-1816, e-mail, [email protected].] FastFAX #6907
Now available from American Psychiatric Press, Inc.:
HELPING CHILDREN SURVIVE DIVORCE - NEW BOOKS
The latest information on helping divorced parents raise their children to be happy, well-adjusted individuals is available in How to Help Your Child Overcome Your Divorce (American Psychiatric Press Inc., 307 pgs.) by Elissa P. Benedek, M.D. and Catherine F. Brown. An expert in child and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Benedek provides practical, direct advice with case studies. [This book is available to the public from the American Psychiatric Press Inc. (To order call (800) 368-5777 and request #8565) or at any major bookstore; ISBN: 0-88048-565-5, price $22.95. Members of the media only may request a free copy from Erin Murphy, media relations assistant (202) 682-6324 ]
MANAGED MENTAL HEALTH CARE: A NEW APA RESOURCE
A collection of articles on managed mental health care is now available from the American Psychiatric Association. This compendium offers practical information on managed mental health care from clinicians, patients and family members who are coping with its demands. Researchers also share findings on the impact of managed care to date. [Members of the media only may call Erin Murphy at (202) 682-6324 for a free copy of the report.]
49TH INSTITUTE ON PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES PROVIDES DOZENS OF STORY IDEAS
The American Psychiatric Association sponsors the Institute on Psychiatric Services as a "hands on" meeting for professionals who provide care to people with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. The Institute focuses on treatment issues in an intimate discussion format. The 49th Institute on Psychiatric Services will be held October 24-28, 1997 in Washington, DC at the Omni Shoreham.
For more information or a preliminary program please contact Erin Murphy (202) 682-6324. Members of the media may attend at no cost. On-site media register in the APA Press Office. If you are unable to attend, the press office can assist with information and materials to cover the meeting off-site.
Selected Topics of Interest at the Institute:
Living with HIV/AIDS While in Psychotherapy - Sunday, October 26
Gender Differences in Mood Disorders, Monday, October 27
Talking About Depression: Models and Metaphors, Friday, October 24
Depression in Children Grades Six through Ten, Sunday, October 26
Cultural Issues and Mentally Ill African-Americans, Sunday, October 26
Hispanic Mental Health: Clinical and Cultural Issues, Monday, October 27
Ethical Issues in Managed Mental Health Care, Saturday, October 25
Virtual Reality in Mental Health, Saturday, October 25
You've Come a Long Way Baby: Professional Women in 1997, Saturday, October 25
Racism: Mental or Social Problem? Monday, October 27
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September 29-October 30, 1997 -- Media briefing opportunities by telephone with psychiatric
experts on religion and mental health. Contact Erin Murphy, media relations assistant, (202) 682-6324, e-mail: [email protected]
October 5-11, 1997 -- Mental Illness Awareness Week 1997. Contact Walter Hill, APA's
Manager of Network Communications at (202) 682-6122, e-mail: [email protected]
October 9, 1997 -- National Depression Screening Day, a Mental Illness Awareness Week event.
Contact Barbara Kopans at the National Depression Screening Day Project (617) 239-0071.
October 24-28, 1997 Washington, DC -- American Psychiatric Association Institute on Psychiatric Services. Contact Erin Murphy, media relations assistant, (202) 682-6324, e-mail: [email protected]
FREE RESOURCES FOR MEDIA We encourage journalists to offer free copies of APA public awareness materials on mental illness and psychiatric issues in society.
Free pamphlets include: Alzheimer's Disease,
Anxiety Disorders,
Childhood Disorders,
Coping with AIDS and HIV,
Depression,
Eating Disorders,
Manic-depression (Bipolar Disorder),
Mental Illness: An Overview,
Mental Health of the Elderly,
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder,
Panic Disorder,
Phobias,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
Psychiatric Medications,
Schizophrenia,
Substance Abuse,
Teen Suicide,
Choosing a Psychiatrist
Free fact sheets include:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT),
Gay and Lesbian Issues,
Patient/Therapist Sexual Contact,
Pedophilia
Psychiatric Diagnosis and the DSM-IV,
Violence and Mental Illness,
When Disaster Strikes
Other resources:
Media Spokespersons -
APA can provide psychiatrists to speak on a variety of topics. Contact Erin Murphy (202) 682-6324 to set up an interview.
Mental Illness Awareness Guide for Media - Includes background information on mental illness and treatments and a glossary of
psychiatric terms.
Get your news via APAFastFAX! Call 1-888-267-5400 and select the document number to have an item faxed to you. Other APA materials for media are also available through APAFastFAX -- just call for the menu.
For more information on these topics or other areas of interest, or for interview with sources cited herein (if direct contact information is not already provided above), contact Erin Murphy, APA Media Assistant, (202) 682-6324, e-mail: [email protected].
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society, founded in 1844, whose 42,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders. APA objectives include the advancement and improvement of care for persons with mental illnesses through nationwide public information, education, and awareness programs and materials.
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