Mental Health

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine counted health care policy among his chief concerns at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Miami on July 23.

Sen. Tim Kaine's Record On Health Care: He's With Hillary

7:32pm July 27, 2016

by Rachel Bluth

The Democrats' vice presidential nominee helped overhaul Virginia's mental health care system after the 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech. He is for Obamacare, Medicaid expansion and Planned Parenthood.

John Hinckley Jr. is escorted by police in Washington, D.C., following his arrest after shooting and seriously wounding president Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981.

John Hinckley, Who Tried To Kill A President, Wins His Freedom

12:54pm July 27, 2016

by Carrie Johnson

A federal judge in Washington will allow John Hinckley to leave a mental institution and to live full-time with his mother. Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan and three others in 1981.

In the "Shoulder to Cry On" program, grandmothers keep an eye on the well-being of children in the community.

Swaziland's Secret Weapon Against Child Abuse: Grandmothers

6:57pm July 26, 2016

by Natalie Jacewicz

In 2008, it ranked as one of the worst African countries for child abuse. Now it's one of the 10 best in protecting its kids. How did Swaziland do it?

When your health insurer reclassifies a prescription drug you take from tier 1 to tier 2, it can sharply increase the portion of the drug's cost that you're expected to pay.

Insurers May Share Blame For Increased Price Of Some Generic Drugs

6:31pm July 26, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

Consumers often blame drug companies for the rapidly rising costs of some commonly used generic drugs. But changes made by insurers influence the price of these drugs, too, it turns out.

Parkinson's disease, smoking, certain head injuries and even normal aging can influence our sense of smell. But certain patterns of loss in the ability to identify odors seem pronounced in Alzheimer's, researchers say.

A Sniff Test For Alzheimer's Checks For The Ability To Identify Odors

4:25pm July 26, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

New research suggests it may be possible to spot people in the early stages of Alzheimer's by testing their ability to recognize fragrances. The goal is a quick and inexpensive screening test.

Natalie Dunnege and her son, Strazh, work on an art project at home in San Francisco. Her health insurance would cover therapy sessions to help with her depression, Dunnege says, but she hasn't been able to find a counselor who is taking new patients.

Single Mom's Search For Therapist Hampered By Insurance Companies

5:24pm July 25, 2016

by April Dembosky

Recent health laws were supposed to give people easier access to mental health care. But some adults who have anxiety or depression and need help are still having a tough time lining up treatment.

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Makeba Hinds, also known as Maki Roll, cosplays at AwesomeCon. She portrays Nick, the fox in Zootopia.

Cosplayers Use Costume To Unleash Their Superpowers

5:00am July 23, 2016

A shy woman becomes a brave warrior princess. A man calls on Captain America to help him lose 45 pounds. In costume role play they become part of a community where they can transform themselves.

Invisibilia: The Unbearable Lightness Of Footwear

6:43pm July 22, 2016

by Colin Dwyer

When we invented shoes, we slipped a surface between ourselves and the world. Ever wonder if this is the moment mankind fell from grace? No? Well, for better or worse, NPR's Colin Dwyer has.

Born This Way is produced by Jonathan Murray, the co-creator of MTV's Real World. Above, cast members Cristina Sanz (left), Rachel Osterbach, Steven Clark and Sean McElwee (top).

A Cast With Down Syndrome Brings Fresh Reality To Reality TV

4:32pm July 22, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

With the Emmy-nominated Born this Way poised to begin its second season July 26, the cast, co-creator and fans explain why the show has become such a hit.

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Invisibilia: Do His Sunglasses Keep Him From Seeing The Light?

2:50pm July 22, 2016

by Yowei Shaw

Cass Frankenstein started wearing sunglasses to protect himself from bullies. Decades later, he still wears them. Some friends and relatives say that holds people at bay. But he says it's worth it.