The Chicago Tribune (2/26, Schoenberg) reported as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some physicians are pushing back against the stigma of seeking mental health services. The medical profession traditionally “celebrates stamina at the expense of self-care,” and many physicians are concerned about seeking mental health services because of “state medical boards that ask intimidating questions about mental health.”

Related Links:

— “Doctors under stress from COVID-19 say they need mental health services: ‘We’re human beings, just like everyone else’ “Nara Schoenberg, The Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2021

Forbes (2/26) contributor Deb Gordon wrote, “Nearly 29 million Americans have an eating disorder in their lifetime – 5.5 million in any given year – at an annual cost to the healthcare system of $4.6 billion, according to a Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders… report [PDF] from the National Academy for Eating Disorders,” and hospitalizations for eating disorders “average 14 days [PDF] and $19,400 – the longest and costliest mental and/or substance use disorder admissions.” Forbes adds that a new California “law requires insurers to cover all medically necessary mental health services, according to American Psychiatric Association guidelines rather than insurers’ internal policies.”

Related Links:

— “Despite Progress, Patients Still Struggle With Insurance Coverage For Eating Disorder Treatment “Deb Gordon, Forbes, February 26, 2021

HealthDay (2/25, Preidt) reports researchers found “that mental illness isn’t a factor in most mass shootings or other types of mass murder.” The findings were published in Psychological Medicine.

Related Links:

— “Mental Illness Not a Factor in Most Mass Shootings ” Robert Preidt, HealthDay, February 25, 2021

HealthDay (2/25, Norton) reports researchers found in a preliminary study that “people with Alzheimer’s disease often have a history of depression or anxiety, which might mean an earlier emergence of memory and thinking problems.” The findings were presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting.

Related Links:

— “History of Mental Illness Tied to Earlier Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease “Amy Norton, HealthDay, February 25, 2021

Healio (2/25, Gramigna) reports researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and concluded that “childhood AD/HD appeared linked to increased risk for a subsequent psychotic disorder.” The review study was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Psychiatric News (2/25) also covers the study.

Related Links:

— “Childhood ADHD diagnosis increases risk for subsequent psychotic disorder “Joe Gramigna, Healio, February 25, 2021