Mental Health
Bipolar Disorder
Increases in Hospital Costs Appear to Be Slowing - [08/27/08]
Summary: Between 1997 and 2005, the costs of patient care in United States hospitals rose an average of 5.3 percent a year. These cost increases mean that, since 1997, hospital costs have almost doubled. Yet, in a positive turn, during 2005 and 2006 the average rise in costs was only 1 percent.
Comment: Nearly half of the cost increases from the past 10 years was due to higher intensity of care (greater use of procedures, technologies, and other inventions). The significant slow of that increase over the period from 2005 to 2006, however, may be due to the adoption of managed care plans and rising use of outpatient care.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com. August 27, 2008.
More Americans Seeking Health Information - [08/22/08]
Summary: Recent statistics show that in 2007 56% of Americans adults, which is more than 122 million people, attempted to find information about a personal health concern from a source other than their physician. This statistic is up from 38% in 2001. Education levels were a key factor in determining whether a person sought medical information, 72% of those with a graduate degree compared to 42% of those with only a high school diploma. The number of Americans using the internet for medical information doubled from 16% in 2001 to 32% in 2007.
Comment: More than half of the people reported that the information changed their general approach to their health care, and 80% reported that the information helped them better understand treatments of their condition or illness. Doctors are always a good source of medical information, but it can often be hard to consult a doctor with every concern. Finding more information on medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder, can help patients better understand their health.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com August 22, 2008
Sodium and Calcium Imbalances Linked to Bipolar Disorder - [08/18/08]
Summary: Researchers have found a link between two genes that control the channels that regulate sodium and calcium in the brain and bipolar disorder. Neuron's reactions depend on the balance of sodium and calcium, so when they are off balance it is suggested that disorders such as bipolar disorder can occur.
Comment: This new research adds to previous research attempting to determine the genes that control and cause bipolar disorder. The two genes identified could lead to more research in the future that could help produce better medications for bipolar disorder.
Read article - ScienceDaily August 18, 2008
New Study on Inpatient Medication Reconciliation Errors - [08/14/08]
Summary: Inpatient medication reconciliation was made a National Patient Safety Goal in 2005 and nationwide attention was soon focused on the issue of errors in these medication records as patients move in and out of hospitals. However, a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital has shown that inpatients experience and average of one and a half potentially harmful errors in their records during the course of their hospital stay. The study also attempted to identify the frequency of specific kinds of errors, at what point during a patient's stay these errors occur, and factors which put a patient at risk for errors to occur.
Comment: Dr. Jeffrey Schnipper, MD, MPH senior author and Hospitalist at BWH stated his hope that, "This information can help guide hospitals in determining where to focus their efforts for addressing this problem." He also noted that patients today are often on more medications than they have been in the past, raising the stakes along with the risks. Information collected by this study will, no doubt, have a significant effect in reducing the frequency of these errors, thus reducing the risk for all patients.
Read article - Brigham and Women's Hosptial. August 14, 2008.
Many Find Need for American Health Care Reform - [08/07/08]
Summary: In a recent study researchers found that about 82% of Americans believe that the health care system in America needs to be reformed. 90% believed that the presidential candidates need to develop health care reform plans to improve the quality and coverage of health care. 90% also believe that it is important to have one doctor responsible for their primary care and for coordinating care with specialists. 90% also reported believing that having access to their medical records, and doctors having the same access was important.
Comment: Bipolar disorder requires the best medical care possible, and many people in America do not believe that they are getting the level of care that they need. People with bipolar disorder, and all other people in America, can affect their health care system by contacting their representatives and voicing their concerns and thoughts about the current health care system.
Read article - Medical News TODAY August 7, 2008
New Generic Drug Approved for Bipolar Disorder Treatment - [08/01/08]
Summary: The first generic versions of the drug Depakote, a delayed-release sodium tablet, has been approved by the FDA. The drug can be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, migraines, and seizures. This generic divalproex sodium has the same warnings and side effects as its brand name counterpart, including a risk of liver damage.
Comment: Delayed-release divalproex sodium will be sold across the world at many retailers, including: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mumbai, India; Genpharm Inc., Ontario, Canada; Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Maple Grove, Minn.; Sandoz Inc., Broomfield, Colo.
Read article - Medical News Today. August 1, 2008.
Rise in Deaths from Home Prescription Use - [07/29/08]
Summary: Researchers examined the death rates from the incorrect use of prescriptions in the home, called FMEs. There are four types of FMEs as classified by the researchers. Type one is the domestic use of prescriptions with street drugs or alcohol, which has increased by 3,196% between 1983 and 2004. Type 2 is the domestic use of prescriptions without drugs or alcohol, which has increased 5%. Type 3 is the non-domestic use of prescriptions with drugs or alcohol, and has increased 564%, and type 4 is the non-domestic use of prescriptions without drugs or alcohol, and has increased by 555%.
Comment: While many of the medications involved were safe in a clinical setting is has been suggested that they are more dangerous when used at home, since an incorrect dose or use with drugs or alcohol are more likely. It is suggested that more research is done about the safety of medications at home or work and that patients are especially careful when taking prescriptions at home.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 29, 2008
New Depression and Bipolar Recovery Program - [07/28/08]
Summary: A new integrated recovery program, called Advantage Program, will soon be released with the purpose of allowing those with depression or bipolar disorder to live with a higher quality of life. The Advantage Program is designed to address the many needs of people with mental disorders including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relationship, and careers.
Comment: Mental disorders affect all areas of life and this program is designed to provide help with all areas of life. Many people focus on fighting their disorder, but this program teaches to accept the strengths and weaknesses associated with mental disorders and still live a productive, fulfilling life.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 28, 2008
Stigmas Facing those with Mental Health Disorders - [07/21/08]
Summary: 9 out of 10 people with a mental health disorder report facing stigma and discrimination. Often the stigmas exist even in those that would be expected to accept a person's mental health disorder. This includes 36% of family, 35% of employers, 31% of neighbors, and 25% of friends. Those discriminating the least are children at 5%, teachers with 8%, and shopkeepers and public transport workers, both at 10%.
Comment: The stigmas faced by those with mental health disorders make it harder for them to enjoy their life and have the same opportunities as others. Discrimination and stigmas can affect people with mental health disorders by making it harder for them to get jobs, make new friends, and go out to public shops and restaurants. It is important to find friends and family members who are accepting of mental health disorders, and learn to cope with the stigmas.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 21, 2008
Doctor Instructions Often Misunderstood - [07/18/08]
Summary: A new study shows that most people, about 78%, do not completely understand their doctor's instructions upon leaving the emergency room. Many of these people, about 80%, also are not aware that they do not comprehend all of the instructions given. 34% of the comprehension deficits were in the category of post emergency department care, meaning that one-third of the people in the study did not completely know what to do when the got home from the hospital.
Comment: Follow-up care after leaving the emergency room is very important to the recovery of the patient. If they do not fully understand their instructions they could encounter complications. People should always be careful to completely understand their doctor’s instructions, whether leaving the emergency room or just a normal checkup, to be sure that they will receive the best care possible.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 18, 2008