NAMI NEW JERSEY
Science and Research Update
In This Issue
Videocast Lecture: Change Your Brain by Transforming Your Mind
National Recruitment: Join NIH Depression Research Studies
New Online Resource
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Save the Date: NIMH Twitter Chat
Lecture: Overview of PANDAS, PANS, and other
Should You Talk to Someone
Pathways to Prevention Workshop
NIDA Emerging Trends
Substance Use and Suicide
Early Signs of Autism
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NAMI NJ Support, Education & Advocacy!
May 14, 2016
Check in: 9:00 AM
Walk: 10:00 AM
Seaside Park, NJ

Every journey begins with that first step! Help raise funds and awareness for the programs that NAMI NJ offers for all those affected by mental illness, their families and friends.

 

May 2016
NAMI New Jersey thanks the NIMH Outreach Partnership Program for helping us disseminate the latest research on mental illness throughout the state of New Jersey.

Comments, questions and suggestions can be directed to info@naminj.org
Videocast Lecture: Change Your Brain by Transforming Your Mind
This NCCIH talk will present an overview of studies on neural changes associated with different forms of meditation. From the perspective of Western neuroscience, different forms of meditation can be conceptualized as mental training to promote the regulation of emotion and attention. Data from studies on long-term meditation practitioners as well as those with shorter durations of training will be highlighted. In addition, some longitudinal studies that track changes over time with meditation practice will be reviewed. In addition to the neural changes that have been observed, this talk will also summarize changes that have been found in peripheral biology that may modulate physical health and illness. The overall conclusions from these studies is that one can transform the mind through meditation and thereby alter the brain and the periphery in ways that may be beneficial for mental and physical health, and for well-being. https://nccih.nih.gov/news/events/lectures
National Recruitment: Join NIH Depression Research Studies
Does depression impede your daily life? Are you currently feeling sad and hopeless, experiencing worthlessness and guilt, and have a lack of interest in everyday activities you once enjoyed? NIH studies are investigating the brain and experimental medications (such as ketamine and diazoxide) to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms. Research includes: depressed adults ages 18 to 70, outpatient visits or inpatient stays of up to 12 weeks at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Call 1-877-MIND-NIH, TTY: 1-866-411-1010, Email: moodresearch@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/join-a-study/trials/adult-studies/depression-evaluations-for-medication-and-brain-imaging-studies.shtml
New Online Resource: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Learn about this relatively new disorder in this recently-released online resource on the NIMH website. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder-dmdd/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder.shtml
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) 2016 is Thursday, May 5. Communities across the country, as well as national collaborating organizations and federal partners, are planning Awareness Day activities that will take place throughout the month of May. To support their efforts, SAMHSA will host the Awareness Day 2016 national event, "Finding Help, Finding Hope," on May 5 in Washington, DC. The event will explore how communities can increase access to behavioral health services and supports for children, youth, and young adults who experience mental or substance use disorders and their families. http://www.samhsa.gov/children/national-childrens-awareness-day-events/awareness-day-2016
Save the Date: NIMH Twitter Chat on DMDD and Severe Irritability 
In observance of National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, NIMH will be hosting a Twitter chat on disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) and serve irritability in children with NIMH expert Ellen Leibenluft, MD. Follow the chat using the hashtag #NIMHchats.
Lecture: Overview of PANDAS, PANS, and other Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Disorders
NIMH researcher, Sue Swedo, provides an overview of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) in this National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grand Rounds lecture. https://videocast.nih.gov/Summary.asp?File=19642&bhcp=1
Should You Talk to Someone About a Drug, Alcohol, or Mental Health Problem? 
This resource lists questions consumers can ask themselves to help them decide whether to seek help for a substance abuse problem, a mental health issue, or both. http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA16-4585KHMER
Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Advancing Research to Prevent Youth Suicide
The NIH Office of Disease Prevention has released a draft report from its recent Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Advancing Research To Prevent Youth Suicide. The report summarizes the workshop discussions and identifies future research priorities for preventing youth suicide. Comments on the draft report will be accepted through May 25, 2016. In addition, a special supplement of the journal, Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior was issued in preparation for this workshop. The articles in the supplement examine the question of whether family-based prevention can impact suicidal ideation and behaviors.
NIDA Emerging Trends: Fake Prescription Drugs Laced with Fentanyl
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released an emerging trends notice about recent media reports and official alerts in several U.S. communities warning of counterfeit pain and anxiety medications that actually contain fentanyl, an extremely powerful, potentially deadly opioid. The pills, which are disguised as common prescription drugs like Norco (hydrocodone), Percocet (oxycodone), and Xanax (alprazolam), are responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths and non-fatal overdoses around the country. Fentanyl is 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin, so even a small amount can cause an overdose. The fake pills are much cheaper than the real versions. The public should be aware that drugs obtained on the street, even though they look like a real prescription pharmaceutical, may be deadly. It is always unsafe to take a prescription drug unless it comes from one's own prescription and is dispensed by a reputable pharmacy. Notice: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/emerging-trends
Substance Use and Suicide: A Nexus Requiring a Public Health Approach 
This report highlights the relationship between substance use and suicide. It provides prevention professionals at state and tribal levels with evidence-based programs that address substance use prevention and suicidal ideation. http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA16-4935
Resources to Help Families and Physicians Spot Early Signs of Autism
For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early detection and early intervention can help a great deal in improving outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that health care providers screen for ASD at the 18- and 24-month visits. Researchers supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) are working to develop screening tools that can detect the disorder even earlier. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/041416-autism.aspx