Articles, Leading Stories
TAC survey on inmate treatment: New England falls short
By Phyllis Hanlon
In April, the Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC) released its findings from a national survey that examined the treatment administered to individuals with a mental illness who are...
Retiree devotes self to juvenile justice work
By Catherine Robertson Souter
Whereas some may dream of a life of golf or travel or gardening during their retirement years, there are others who see that time as an opportunity to make a positive...
Fears of children left behind under DSM-5 not materializing
By Janine Weisman
Many had concerns when the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) combined four separate...
Other changes show mixed results
By Janine Weisman
In other areas, DSM-5 included a new chapter on Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders that recognized two new disorders: hoarding disorder and excoriation (skin-picking)...
Movement of Taunton State patients still causing furor
By Phyllis Hanlon
Since 2012, when Gov. Deval Patrick announced plans to close Taunton State Hospital, proponents and opponents of the move have continued to clash over the decision. While the...
State’s plans for Taunton announced
By Phyllis Hanlon
Anna Chinappi, director, Office of Communications and Community Engagement at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, provided a fact sheet that outlines the state’s...
Reports: suicidal thoughts pre-date enlistment
By Rivkela Brodsky
Among other findings, new research suggests that soldiers experience the onset of suicidal thoughts and attempts before enlisting in the military and that many cases are linked...
Inpatient beds: Demand but short supply
By Phyllis Hanlon
The process of deinstitutionalization, along with the subsequent closure of facilities and reduction in beds, began some 35 years ago. While community services were hailed as...
Psychiatric hospital still slated to open this summer
By Catherine Robertson Souter
When the new state mental health hospital, Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, comes on line in Berlin, Vermont, in July, it will have all the bells and whistles. With private...
Bullied children at risk for worse mental, physical health
By Rivkela Brodsky
Long after bruises have healed, kids may be dealing with the effects of painful bullying experiences on their mental and physical health.
A new Boston Children’s...