Mental Health

March 23, 2020

Report sheds light on U.S. behavioral health crisis

A growing need for behavioral health services compounded by limited access to care has created a health crisis in the United States, according to a report issued by leaders of academic health centers across the country.

By Kelsey Herbers
March 2, 2020

Study finds mental health issues top reason Shade Tree Clinic patients visit Emergency Department

In an effort to understand why Shade Tree Clinic patients visit the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department, the authors of a study found that mental health issues top the list.

By Kathy Whitney
February 20, 2020

Zsamboky named to lead psych-mental health NP program

Marci Zsamboky, DNP, RN, PMHNP/CNS-BC, has been named academic director of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) specialty at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

By Nancy Wise
February 13, 2020

VUMC-led study set to explore risk factors for depression recurrence

VUMC researchers are conducting a five-year multisite trial to explore potential methods for predicting which patients may have a worse course of depression or are most vulnerable to recurrent episodes.

By Kelsey Herbers
January 15, 2020

VUMC study to use artificial intelligence to explore suicide risk

Investigators will use computational methods to shed light on suicidal ideation and its relationship to attempted suicide, predict suicidal ideation and suicide attempt using routine electronic health records (EHRs) and explore the genetic underpinnings of both.

By Paul Govern
January 15, 2020

Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

A molecule produced by the brain that activates the same receptors as marijuana is protective against stress by reducing anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions.

By Kelsey Herbers
January 6, 2020

Study links Medicaid expansion and recipients’ health status

In Southern states that expanded their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, adults experienced lower rates of decline in both physical and mental health, according to research published this month in the journal Health Affairs.
By Jake Lowary
November 21, 2019

Study explores potential new class of antidepressants

Researchers at VUMC have taken a major step that could ultimately facilitate development of a new class of antidepressants which may relieve symptoms more rapidly and effectively and with fewer side effects than current medications.
By Bill Snyder
October 16, 2019

New app to help pediatricians recognize autism risk in young children

Researchers have been awarded $1 million from the National Institute of Mental Health to evaluate a new mobile app designed to help pediatricians recognize autism risk in young children.
By Kelsey Herbers
October 10, 2019

Adams named Psychiatric Nurse of the Year

Susie Adams, PhD, has been named 2019 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 10, 2019

Relational memory in early psychosis

Studies of relational memory function may reveal novel mechanisms for therapeutic intervention for patients in the early stages of psychosis.
By Kelsey Herbers
August 7, 2019

Psychiatric Hospital debuts new inpatient unit for psychotic disorders

Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital has opened a new inpatient unit focused primarily on patients in the early stage of a psychotic disorder and on patients who need the most comprehensive diagnostic clarity and close monitoring.
By Kelsey Herbers
August 1, 2019

Volunteer gardeners get creative to help rehab patients

A group of volunteer gardeners are using nature-related workshops to help Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital patients improve their fine-motor skills.
By Kelsey Herbers