Mental Health News
Summaries and links to articles on the research and study of mental illness around the world; changes and improvements to services within the UK and specific to Dorset; changes in legislation; Dorset Mental Health Forum developments and other topical news.
*Some articles and papers are in the universal Adobe PDF format and will open in a new browser window, or tab. If you have any difficulties viewing these files, download Adobe Acrobat Reader at the Adobe website - it will automatically detect which version you require.
You can view older items by visiting the Mental Health News Archive.
November 2009
New Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership website Section
24th November
We have added a new section to the website which outlines the partnership working we are involved in with NHS Dorset Community Health Services. The Wellbeing and Recovery section outlines the work the Forum is doing by promoting wellbeing and recovery, the principles of recovery, a newsletter archive and contact details for those who would like further information or contribute in any way.
SLAP Activity Directory and Progress Report
9th November
Visit the SLAP webpage for a detailed list of activities provided by the Sports and Leisure Activity Programme. A progress report has also been written, outlining the success stories of the project.
July 2009
New Article on Schizophrenia and Cancer Risk
13th July
Cancers, especially breast cancer and lung cancer, are the second most common cause of death in people with schizophrenia, whose risk for cancer death is 50% higher than that of the general population, according to a new study published online...
Click here to read the article on schizophrenia and cancer risk.
Independent Newspaper Article - Unlocked: The secrets of Schizophrenia
2nd July
A scientific breakthrough offers hope of new treatments for the mental condition. By Steve Connor, science editor.
Read the full article on Schizophrenia at www.independant.co.uk.
Updated Articles on NICE Guidance
2nd July
Here are two articles on NICE guidance.
The first, Returning to Work, is guidance on managing long-term sickness absence and incapacity for work.
The second, Standards for people with Schizophrenia, is NICE's guidance on the best way to treat and manage adults with schizophrenia in primary and secondary care.
For more articles, visit the Articles Index. All articles are available to download in either Word or Adobe PDF format.
June 2009
Mental Health Articles at ArticlesBase
17th June
There is a wide range of articles on a variety of mental health topics available in the Mental Health Section of the ArticlesBase website.
Though checked for appropriateness, the Forum cannot be responsible for the content of linked external websites.
The Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) Card - Free Cinema Tickets For Carers
12th June
The CEA Card is a national concessionary card developed by the Cinema Exhibitors' Association for UK cinemas in order to allow people with disabilities to obtain one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.
To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or both of the following criteria:
- Be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance
- Be a registered blind person
The aim of the CEA Card is to provide a consistent voluntary approach to the provision of complimentary tickets for people with disabilities. In the past this was done on a site-by site-basis. Around 90 per cent of UK cinemas are supporting the scheme from the large national chains to smaller independent operators.
For further information on the scheme, including a list of participating cinemas plus downloadable application forms, follow this link to the CEA Card website.
New Article - A Summary of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Evaluation of ECT Use and Effectiveness
9th June
This article is a summary of NICE's views on the administration of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Outlining best-practise; including full consultation with service users and carer(s), appropriate prescribing of ECT based on proven history of effectiveness, justified use to alleviate symptoms when all other treatments have failed, or in life-threatening circumstances while respecting an individual's wishes as detailed in any advanced directives. Follow this link to read the summary article of NICE's views on ECT use and effectiveness.
Latest Issue of Reflections Magazine - Download Available
4th June
The Spring 2009 issue of the Forum's Reflections Magazine is now available to download in Adobe PDF format, for free. Click on the Archive tab of the Reflections Magazine page to see a list of all available back issues.
May 2009
Caregiving Behavior Is Associated With Decreased Mortality Risk
23rd May
We usually hear about the stress and strain of care-giving but a new study suggests caring for a partner could actually lengthen your life.
Click here to view the article on caregiving. To read about other subjects, go to the Mental Health Articles page.
Peer Support - A new project set up by the Forum
19th May
The Forum has set up a new Peer Support project which is currently being piloted in Weymouth, with the intention of rolling it out to other parts of Dorset in due course. For further information and details of how to take part, visit the new Peer Support section of the website.
Autistic petition for UFO hacker
19th May
The National Autistic Society (NAS) has petitioned Prime Minister Gordon Brown to protect Pentagon hacker Gary McKinnon and other people afflicted with autism from being extradited. Read the full article at the technology news website, The Inquirer, where there is a link to sign an e-petition.
Relaxation Podcast available from the Mental Health Foundation
16th May
The Mental Health Foundation have released a new podcast called 'How to overcome fear and anxiety.' They also have a comprehensive range of podcasts from sleep and wellbeing to stress and relaxation.
They can be listened to on your mp3 player on the move or on your computer, and best of all they are free!
For more information and to download visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/relax/
Drug Article - Antidepressants
8th May
An article about antidepressants - the various types prescribed, how they work and possible side-effects. Follow this link to view the article and access downloadable copies in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format.
Depression and Antidepressant Use Linked to Sudden Cardiac Death in Women
6th May
Evidence suggesting increased rates of heart related problems in women using antidepressants. Though the benefits are said to outweigh the risks. Read the full article on antidepressant use in women and the link to SCD. Article by Lisa Nainggolan for MedScape News.
February 2009
Weymouth Community Action Group Launch
10th February
The Community Action Group for Mental Health, formerly the Weymouth and Portland Service User Advisory Group, established 3 years ago, held a launch event on Tuesday 10th February 2009 at Weymouth Library. Visit the Weymouth Community Action Group page for further information.
January 2009
Enable Support services Article
22nd January
Debbie Rule, manager of Enable, talks about a new service offering individual and self-directed; practical, social and emotional 1 to 1 support which can be purchased through Direct Payments.
Read the Enable Support Services article.
Reflections, winter 2008 issue available for download
16th January
The Winter 2008 issue of Reflections Magazine is available for download from the archive section of the Reflection Magazine page. You can also download other copies of Reflections, dating back to the Spring of 2003.
New articles section added to the Forum website
1st January
Visit the Articles section to read about a variety of topics. Including personal stories, views and opinions, mental health practices and therapies plus Forum developments. It is available as a permanent link from the Information and Resources page.
Risk of suicide after suicide attempt according to coexisting psychiatric disorder
1st January
Research study investigating the impact of coexistent psychiatric morbidity on risk of suicide after a suicide attempt. Read the full article about increased risk of suicide.
Admissions for self harm after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care
1st January
Research study to determine the risk of non-fatal self harm in the 12 months after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care. Read about cases of self harm after inpatient discharge.
You can view older items by visiting the Mental Health News Archive.