HealthDay (8/21, Reinberg) reports that taking care of “a spouse who has had a stroke can hurt your mental and physical health,” according to a study published online Aug. 20 in the journal Science. After assessing some “250 caregiving partners of stroke survivors,” researchers also found that caregivers’ “vitality and social life…suffered, not only in the first years after stroke, but over many years.”

Related Links:

— “When Your Spouse Has a Stroke, Your Health May Suffer, Too,” Steven Reinberg, HealthDay, August 20, 2015.

The St. Louis (MO) Post-Dispatch (8/21, Munz) reports that “emotional issues are cited as a leading reason students struggle during college,” and the college years are also the time “when severe psychiatric orders — such as bipolar and schizophrenia — typically manifest, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.” The Jed Foundation, which works “to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college students,” suggests that “a parent’s goal should be to encourage their child to seek help before problems become debilitating.” Before kids head off to college, parents should “discuss ways” to manage stress and mental health issues.

Related Links:

— “How parents can protect the mental health of a college-bound child,” Michele Munz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 21, 2015.

USA Today (8/21, Hoyer) reports that USA Today analysts, using data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, found “one in six positions — nearly 41,000 — for critical intake workers, doctors, nurses and assistants were unfilled as of mid July,” at Veterans Affairs hospitals. For nine of the VA’s hospitals, the number of vacancies is as high as one in three. In particular, vacancy rates are highest “for psychologists. In 13 regional health care systems, 40 to 64% of psychologist positions are” not currently filled.

Related Links:

— “Half of critical positions open at some VA hospitals,” Meghan Hoyer, USA Today, August 20, 2015.

HealthDay (8/21, Haelle) reports, “People with psoriasis may be twice as likely to experience depression as those without the common skin condition, regardless of its severity,” according to a study slated for presentation at a dermatology meeting. Researchers arrived at the study’s conclusion after analyzing “the responses of more than 12,000 US adults in the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by” the CDC.

Related Links:

— “Psoriasis Linked to Higher Risk of Depression,” Tara Haelle, HealthDay, August 20, 2015.

CNN (8/20, Gallman) reports that according to David Spiegel, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, hypnotherapy is “literally the oldest Western conception of a psychotherapy.” For over 40 years, Spiegel “has been conducting studies about the benefits of hypnosis” and “said there is no doubt that hypnosis works as an effective therapeutic technique to manage pain and kick bad habits.”

Related Links:

— “Not just for TV: Hypnosis legit part of comprehensive treatment plan,” Stephanie Gallman, CNN, August 18, 2015.