Researchers at Yale University have uncovered neurological differences between MRI scans of children with ADHD and those without. Current screening and diagnostic methods are subjective: they rely on the opinion of evaluators (e.g. clinicians, teachers, parents).  Neuromarkers such as those identified in this study would create an objective means of screening and diagnosing the condition.

This research relies on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study which consists of brain scans of 7,805 children aged 9-10 years old in the U.S.. Differences in neurology were found in the areas of: the frontal cortex, networks associated with memory processing, alertness, auditory processing and white matter. The frontal cortex serves to regulate impulse control, attention ad working memory. All of which are highly associated with ADHD. Objective screening methods lead to more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment.

For further reading, please go here: https://news.yale.edu/2022/11/23/neuromarker-adhd-could-improve-diagnosis-disorder

This month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The service provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Mental health professionals can be reached by calling or texting 988.

In 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was passed by Congress and  became law. It requires the FCC to designate 988 as the universal number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The Lifeline is operated by around 200 independent contractors around the country.  According to SAMHSA, in the year 2020 the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes and suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years old.

For more information, please click here: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

Previous research has shown a connection between autism and an enlarged amygdala in children. New research, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, has identified the time frame in which these changes occur. This study reports that the amygdala of infants who later went on to develop Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was at a normal size at 6 months of age but grew abnormally between 6-24 months of age for a significant number of the children studied. This abnormality can be measured before behavioral symptoms are evident.

This information can be very useful for families and health care providers. If an infant is identified to be at risk for ASD and scans reveal an enlargement of the amygdala during the 6-24 month time period, then important services can be provided such as assistance with sensory processing and social development.

For further reading, please go here:
​ ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.21090896

A recent study reports that there is a decreasing amount of social stigma towards mental health problems. The study analyzed data collected over a 22 year period wherein people were asked about their attitudes and social behaviors regarding those with mental health problems. Findings show a downward trend of negativity towards those with mental health problems and an increased understanding and acceptance of those who struggle with them. Interestingly, it is the pre-WWII and millennial generations who showed the biggest positive change.

Over time, we have seen more and more public figures coming forward with their disclosure of mental health problems they face. This can only help to raise compassion towards and knowledge of those who suffer. Stigma has been and still is an often cited barrier for those who struggle to get help. Hopefully these findings can translate into a reduction of that barrier.

For further reading, click here:
​jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2787280

Here are the current (as of May, 2021) cannabis programs for the various states and territories. This is from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On June 17, 2021, the Florida Supreme Court ruled against a ballot initiative arguing for the regulation of cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol. The sponsor, Sensible Florida, Inc., filed the petition in 2019. It was the courts opinion that the word "use" was inadequately defined and therefore did not meet the criteria to be added as a ballot amendment.

The Florida legislature has recently taken votes on bills that address transgender high school students and their ability to participate in sports. House Bill 1475 and Senate Bill 2012 were both put forward specifying that students could participate in sports based upon their biological gender assigned at birth. As to be expected, there was significant debate from both side. Proponents claimed the bills afforded protection to athletes from physical /athletic advantages that some transgender athletes would have. Opponents claimed the bills are discriminatory and perpetuate exclusion from mainstream social activities for the transgender community.

Regardless, the points may be moot as both bills have died in their respective chambers with both the House and Senate Bill stalling in Rules on 4/30/21. While there were sufficient votes amongst members, the stalling is something that can be revisited at a later time.

For more details, please go here:
www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=72710
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/2012

Here are some resources:

Mental Health America
www.mhanational.org/

NAMI
www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month

ADAA
adaa.org/mental-health-awareness-month

AACAP
www.aacap.org/Mental_Health_Awareness_Month

Let's take this time to be our best selves!

Beginning October 1, 2o20, the Police Department of the City of St. Petersburg will implement a new division called the Community Assistance Liason (CAL). The CAL is designed to respond to non-violent calls with a member of a contracted social service agency instead of a uniformed police officer.  The responding individual of the CAL will be someone with a social work and mental health background. The types of calls the CAL worker will respond to are as follows:

• Disorderly intoxication
• Drug overdose
• Intoxicated person
• Mental health crisis
• Suicide crisis
• Mental Health Transport
• Disorderly juvenile/truancy
• Disorderly Juvenile at Elementary Schools
• Panhandling
• Homeless complaints
• Neighborhood dispute

The Police Department reported a total of 259,800 total calls in 2019. Out of these, 12,700 would meet the criteria on the above issues. It is hoped that this will provide the community with a more appropriate response to situations that do not require a uniformed officer and to assist uniformed officers in becoming involved in calls that are better suited to their training and experience. The Police Department has developed this innovative program as a response to recent social upheaval which has been often centered on the need for police reform.

For more information, please go here: police.stpete.org/2020/july/09/significantChangeInPoliceResponse.html