April 2017
National Institute of Mental Health
Monthly Update
MAMH is proud to partner with the National Institute of Mental Health to disseminate knowledge about science-based mental health each month. With each update, we offer emerging research, important dates and publications to be aware of, and opportunities to get involved in research.
Emerging Research and Updates
  • Three collaborative research hubs funded by NIMH are exploring the factors behind the high suicide rates among American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) youth, and designing and testing approaches to preventing suicide.
  • SAMHSA announced that it will award additional grant funding to three states that have been hit especially hard by the national opioid crisis. The grant money is targeted towards expanding and enhancing prevention, treatment, and recovery-support efforts.
  • Researchers at NIH released a study in Pediatrics on sexual minority youth that found that cyberbullying, dissatisfaction with family relationships, and unmet medical needs are major contributors to the high rates of depressive symptoms seen among adolescents who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning their sexual orientation.
  • SAMHSA has launched an Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center that aims to provide communities, clinicians, policy-makers, and others in the field with the information and tools they need to incorporate evidence-based practices into their communities and clinical settings.
New Publications and Resources
  • In his latest Director's Message, NIMH Director Joshua Gordon reviews the recent recommendations of the Genomic Working Group of the National Advisory Mental Health Council.
  • In a NIDA blog post, Director Dr. Nora Volkow discusses the importance of referring to addiction as a "brain disorder," as it acknowledges that addition is a chronic, but treatable medical condition involving changes to circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
  • SAMHSA has released a short report based on data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health that estimates data on suicidal thought, suicide planning, and suicide attempts among those 18 or older who were residing in 33 metropolitan statistical areas.
  • This fact sheet from stopbully.gov describes adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), bullying as an ACE, and strategies on how to address ACEs and prevent bullying.
  • This newsletter from the National Center on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder provides a comprehensive guide to the emerging literature on engaging patients in shared decision-making regarding effective treatment options.
  • This News in Health article describes NIH-funded research exploring the causes of unhealthy relationship behavior and finding ways to help people learn to have healthier relationships.
  • This article from SAMHSA's GAINS Center highlights research on supported employment programs which have bee shown to improve employment outcomes, behavioral health symptoms, quality of life, self-esteem, and social functioning for individuals with serious mental illness.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created a new website that provides help, resources, and information on the national opioid crisis. Visit the site for tools that will aid in prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Get Involved
  • On May 3 NIMH will be hosting a Twitter chat on adolescent depression featuring NIMH scientists Argyris Stringaris, M.D., Ph.D., and Kenneth Towbin, M.D. from the NIMH Mood Brain and Development Unit. For how to join, click here.
  • The NIH is hosting a seminar on program funding and grants administration May 2-4. To learn more, click here.
  • May 10 is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. The day is meant to shine a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child's mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development. This year's theme is "Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma." To read more and see how you can participate, click here.
  • May 13-19 is National Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Action Today. Healthier Tomorrow." Communities and organizations around the country will come together to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. Read more about how to get involved here.
  • NIMH is seeking participants for a study seeking to find causes and treatments of depression in teenagers. They are recruiting participants ages 11-17 who are depressed and have a pediatrician or medical provider. For more information and eligibility criteria, click here, call 1-301-827-1350 or email [email protected]
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