mental health in the headlines
Week of December 20, 2010
Mental Health America' Mental Health in the Headlines offers summaries of the latest news and views in the mental health field. Coverage of news items in this publication does not represent Mental Health America' support for or opposition to the stories summarized or the views they express. For information on Mental Health America' initiatives and policy positions, visit our website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net.
Mental Health America is the new name of the National Mental Health Association. For more information, visit our new website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Children who are friendless may be at risk of spiraling into depression as teenagers…more
TODAY’S NEWS
Court Ruling on Health Law Won’t Stop Implementation
The Obama administration said a court ruling finding part of the health reform law unconstitutional won’t stop implementation of the plan. "We are confident this ruling will eventually be overturned and that the Act will be upheld," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a letter sent to governors. A federal judge in Virginia struck down the portion of the law that requires almost all Americans to purchase insurance. But that requirement does not take effect until 2014. In addition, the judge said the rest of the law could stand. In a related case in Florida, a federal judge heard arguments on the individual mandate issue and whether the federal government can force states to pay for an expansion of Medicaid. (MHH Reporting, 12/20/10)
Marijuana Use Rises among Teens, Smoking Decreases
The use of marijuana increased this year while cigarette smoking decreased slightly among high school seniors, a new survey reports. The National Institute for Drug Abuse’s 2010 Monitoring the Future survey found that 21 percent of seniors say they have smoked marijuana in the past 30 days. About 19 percent say they smoked cigarettes. The data reflect the first time use of marijuana has surpassed that of cigarettes. But the level of alcohol use among high school seniors hit its lowest level since 1975 and those reporting binge drinking—consuming five or more drinks in a row—dipped to its lowest level since 1999. (HealthDay News, 12/14/10)
Reports Show High Number of Discharges for Pre-existing Conditions
Two government reports show that military recruits are being discharged for pre-existing psychiatric conditions more than any other reason. The numbers are particularly high for the Marines. Forty-four percent of discharges between 2004 and 2009 for pre-existing conditions were for psychiatric complications. For the Army, the percentage was 24 and 18 in the Navy. That percentage was 24 in the Army and 18 in the Navy. It was less than 1 percent in the Air Force. Lawmakers and veterans advocates have charged that the Pentagon may be discharging combat troops on spurious mental health grounds. Discharges for pre-existing conditions are not eligible to receive disability compensation or medical benefits. (Fox News, 12/16/10)
More Than Half of Adults Report at Least One Adverse Childhood Experience
More than half of adults surveyed reported experiencing adverse childhood experiences, including domestic or verbal abuse, according to a government study. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 59.4 percent of respondents reported having at least one adverse experience, with 8.7 percent reporting five or more. Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with an increased risk for several health problems, including heart disease, depression, cancer, and diabetes. (HealthDay News, 12/13/10)
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MentaMental Health in the Headlines is produced weekly by the Mental Health America. Mental Health America´s Mental Health in the Headlines staff: Ken Chamberlain, writer and editor; Holly Seltzer, senior editor; and Bridget Toland, media and publications assistant. Other staff include Julio Fonseca, director of training for Healthcare Reform, and Heather Cobb, senior director of Media Relations.
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