Healio (10/22, Gramigna) reported, “Clinical high risk for psychosis syndrome appeared linked to impairment in reciprocal social behavior [RSB],” researchers concluded in a study that “investigated RSB deficits and clinical and social functioning correlates among 45 individuals who met criteria for a CHR syndrome and 47 healthy controls.” The findings of the “cross-sectional study” were published online ahead of print in the December issue of the journal Psychiatry Research.

Related Links:

— “Psychosis syndrome may impair reciprocal social behavior “Joe Gramigna, Healio, October 22, 2021

Healio (10/22) reported, “Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder had significantly increased risk for self-harm and suicidality, according to results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The findingswere published in JAMA Network Open

Related Links:

— “Autism significantly increases risk for self-harm, suicidality
“Joe Gramigna, Healio, October 22, 2021

According to Kaiser Health News (10/24, Miller), across the US, “the shortage of” psychiatric “beds and mental health workers has collided with an increasing, pandemic-driven demand for mental health treatment.” Robert Trestman, PhD, MD, chairperson of the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Healthcare Systems and Financing, stated, “ERs have been flooded with patients needing psychiatric care.” He added, “The current crisis is unprecedented in the extent, severity and sweep of its national impact.” The article focused in particular on state psychiatric hospitals in Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

Related Links:

— “Understaffed state psychiatric facilities leave mental health patients in limbo “Andy Miller, Kaiser Health News, October 24, 2021

In “The Health 202” blog, the Washington Post (10/21, Roubein) reports the American Psychiatric Association and about two dozen other health groups “sent a letter to Congress urging Democrats to keep a national paid leave program.” The organizations “argue that many people are unable to take time off work to receive addiction treatment. A paid leave program, they write, would help remove that critical roadblock.”

Related Links:

— “The Washington Post (requires login and subscription)

Healio (10/20, Gramigna) reports, “Frequent nonmedical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder appeared linked to self-reported psychotic disorders,” researchers concluded in a study that “included data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).” Specifically, the study team “analyzed data of 43,093 participants of NESARC between 2001 and 2002 and 36,309 participants of NESARC-III between 2012 and 2013.” The findings were published online Oct. 14 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association.

Related Links:

— “Cannabis use may increase risk for self-reported psychotic disorders “Joe Gramigna, Healio, October 20, 2021