New Study Reinforces Accuracy, Efficiency of Screening
 The latest research continues to underscore the accuracy and efficiency of using a mental health screening tool in primary care practice to identify potential mental health disorders. In a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, researchers found a high rate of physician and patient acceptance for screening, which took patients less than five minutes to complete in the doctor’s office. In addition, the majority of physicians and patients said the checklist helped facilitate patient-physician dialogue on emotional health issues.
The results of the study were featured in major national media outlets, including ABC’s 20/20 and US News and World Report.
Teen Alcohol, Drug Abuse Rising: Myths and Parents’ Lack of Confidence Fuel Increase
 Following a decade of consistent declines, a new study from the Partnership for a Drug Free America showed marked upswings in teen drug and alcohol use, driven in part by shifting attitudes among teens – and their parents – on the acceptability and inevitability of these behaviors. The 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) revealed that teens in grades nine through 12 were significantly more likely than in 2008 to have drunk alcohol in the past month, while use of Ecstasy jumped 67 percent and marijuana use 19 percent in that one-year period.
The report, which received widespread national coverage via The Associated Press, implicated a growing peer acceptance for substance abuse behavior and a decrease in learning about risks of alcohol and drugs from “traditional” sources (parents, school, and media). In addition, the study found that parental beliefs that they would have little to no impact on reversing their teens’ behavior -- or that teen substance abuse is inevitable and tolerable – accelerated the trend.
With research showing that middle school and high school age teens are up to 50 percent less likely to ever use drugs or alcohol if they learn about the dangers from their parents, the report encourages early conversation and action by if they suspect their child is using or might have a problem.
|
Media Center 
