Mental Health

Health & Safety

3-Digit Hotline Aims To Assist In Suicide Prevention

10:59am September 13, 2019

by Rhitu Chatterjee

The FCC plans to create a three-digit number as a national suicide prevention hotline, and it would increase access to mental health care. Advocates say more funding is needed.

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Students in medical schools are about to become doctors in the midst of an opioid crisis. That's why one top U.S. medical school is rethinking what to teach them about pain and pain management.

Health & Safety

How To Teach Future Doctors About Pain In The Midst Of The Opioid Crisis

1:08pm September 11, 2019

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Around 20% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain. Medical schools traditionally haven't dedicated much time to teaching about pain and pain control, but one top school now has a mandatory course.

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A nasal spray of the anesthetic ketamine has already been shown to help people with major depression. Now studies show it can relieve depressive symptoms in people actively considering suicide.

Health & Safety

Esketamine Nasal Spray Eases Depression Symptoms In Suicidal Patients

6:24pm September 09, 2019

by Jon Hamilton

Spravato, a nasal spray of the anesthetic ketamine, has been shown to help people with major depression. Now studies show it can relieve depressive symptoms in people actively considering suicide.

Millions of homes built before 1978 still contain lead-based paint. A report published Monday finds the Environmental Protection Agency is not adequately enforcing laws meant to protect children from lead-laden paint flakes and dust.

Federal Watchdog Warns EPA Is Failing To Enforce Lead Paint Abatement Rules

6:24pm September 09, 2019

by Rebecca Hersher

Home renovations can kick up dangerous dust from lead-based paint. A new report finds the Environmental Protection Agency is not adequately enforcing rules meant to protect kids from lead exposure.

Dr. Sarfraz Khan, chief medical officer at Meridian Health Services in Indiana, connects with patients over the internet.

Health & Safety

Telepsychiatry Helps Recruitment And Patient Care In Rural Areas

4:14pm September 09, 2019

by Yuki Noguchi

A telemedicine initiative at Meridian Health Services is making it possible to offer psychiatric care to more patients in remote areas. It's also helping recruit doctors in a tight labor market.

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Joe Bay (center), coach of a New York City "Bootcamp for New Dads," instructs Adewale Oshodi (left) and George Pasco in how to cradle an infant for best soothing.

How A Prenatal 'Bootcamp' For New Dads Helps The Whole Family

9:39pm September 08, 2019

by Juli Fraga

Prenatal classes often focus on Mom-to-be — on her shifting role and emotional needs, along with new skills. But if Dad gets sidelined early into a supporting role, research shows, everybody loses.

Supporters of safe injection sites in Philadelphia rallied outside this week's federal hearing. The judge's ultimate ruling will determine if the proposed "Safehouse" facility to prevent deaths from opioid overdose would violate the federal Controlled Sub

Trump Administration Is In Court To Block Nation's First Supervised Injection Site

6:03pm September 06, 2019

by Nina Feldman

Efforts to combat Philadelphia's opioid crisis with a supervised injection site could be stymied by a portion of federal law meant to protect neighborhoods during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon was a practicing physician when he became addicted to opioids. When he got caught, Grinspoon wasn't allowed access to what's now the standard treatment for addiction — buprenorphine or methadone (in addition to counseling) — precis

For Health Workers Struggling With Addiction, Why Are Treatment Options Limited?

12:11pm September 06, 2019

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Doctors and nurses are often barred from turning to FDA-approved medications that research shows to be the most effective way to quit. Critics of that policy say stigma is undermining best practice

Bags of heroin, some laced with fentanyl, picked up in a 2016 New York City drug bust. "Basically, [fentanyl] is so cheap to produce and it's so powerful, that drug dealers began realizing it was a way to increase their profits," Fentanyl, Inc. author Ben

Fentanyl As A Dark Web Profit Center, From Chinese Labs To U.S. Streets

2:51pm September 04, 2019

by Dave Davies

Fentanyl, Inc. author Ben Westhoff says the opioid, while useful in hospitals, is killing more Americans as a street drug than any other in U.S. history. Here's how it moves from China to your corner.

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Even if optimism doesn't come naturally, it can be taught, researchers say. Therapists can help you practice reframing your expectations, to cultivate a sunnier outlook.

Optimists For The Win: Finding The Bright Side Might Help You Live Longer

7:00am September 01, 2019

by Patti Neighmond

Pessimists may suspect this finding, but researchers who tracked the health outcomes of thousands of adults across many years found optimists were much more likely to reach 85. Optimism is teachable.