Skip Navigation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.gov/
Agency for Healthcare Research Quality www.ahrq.gov
www.ahrq.gov/
Main Menu
Resource Link
Programs and Tools to Improve the Quality of Mental Health Services
 
Select for Innovations on Mental Health

Mental Health

Red Envelope Sign Up for Mental Health E-Mail Updates

Library of Resources for Mental Health

Aging

Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 6:
Efficacy and Comparative Effectiveness of Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics

Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, No. 193:
Alzheimer's Disease & Cognitive Decline

MEPS Statistical Brief, No. 310:
Person Characteristics of the Elderly Reporting One or More Cognitive Disorders, 2007

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:
Screening for Dementia Exit Disclaimer

Research Findings

Agency Press Releases

Date   Title
9/27/11 "Off-label" Use of Antipsychotic Drugs for Some Conditions Not Supported by Evidence

Research Activities, May 2012:
Research review finds support for some off-label uses of atypical antipsychotic medications
Research Activities, March 2012:
Diagnosis and treatment rates for depression in older adults have grown over time, with medication edging out therapy
Research Activities, February 2012:
Depression, hearing impairment, and health literacy influence older adults' abilities to self-manage their care
Study finds potentially suboptimal use of antidepressants for residents in Veterans Affairs nursing homes
Research Activities, September 2011:
Diagnosing and treating depression gets better in nursing homes but some disparities remain
Anxiety is common among older adults receiving care from aging services agencies
Research Activities, June 2011:
Mental status deficits a major factor in elderly falls in the hospital
Research Activities, March 2011:
Parents of adults with mental illness face the challenges of being an aging caregiver
Approximately 5 percent of seniors report one or more cognitive disorders
Research Activities, December 2010:
Risk factors for cognitive decline still murky
Research Activities, April 2010:
Many older adults with mental health problems do not believe they need help
Caregiver dissatisfaction affects outpatient care for the elderly with dementia
Research Activities, February 2010:
Many unhealthy people remain happy because they adapt to their medical conditions
Research Activities, December 2009:
More antipsychotic medications are being prescribed for youth and nursing home residents, despite lack of evidence
Research Activities, November 2009:
Heart conditions, cancer, trauma-related disorders, mental disorders, and asthma were the five most costly conditions in 1996 and 2006
Research Activities, October 2009:
Several approaches can help motivate cognitively impaired nursing home residents to participate in restorative care
Research Activities, June 2009:
Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's dementia are more likely to visit emergency departments or be hospitalized when depressed
Research Activities, April 2009:
Nursing home residents with cognitive impairment are able to participate in a motivational intervention
Nearly a fifth of elderly patients are readmitted after a hospital stay for psychiatric care
Research Activities, January 2009:
Inpatient treatment for elderly nondementia psychiatric illnesses is shifting into less expensive settings

Top of Page Top of Page

Children

CHIRI™ Issue Brief No. 9:
Mental Health Needs of Low-Income Children With Special Health Care Needs

Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 6:
Efficacy and Comparative Effectiveness of Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:
Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents (2009) Exit Disclaimer

Research Findings

Agency Press Releases

Date   Title
9/27/11 "Off-label" Use of Antipsychotic Drugs for Some Conditions Not Supported by Evidence

News & Numbers

Date   Title
9/8/11 Hospitalizations for Eating Disorders Declined, but Big Increase Seen in Pica Disorder

Research Activities, August 2012:
Effects of antidepressants on suicidal thoughts and behavior differ by age group
Research Activities, July 2012:
Study looks at impact of FDA suicide risk advisory on antidepressant prescribing in children
Research Activities, June 2012:
Evidence lacking on effectiveness of antipsychotics for children
Research Activities, May 2012:
Children with special health care needs with disabilities have greater unmet health care needs than those without disabilities
Research Activities, August 2011:
Impact of self-esteem and academic achievement on substance use and sexual initiation differs among boys and girls
Research Activities, April 2011:
Adolescents with higher socioeconomic status at greater risk for substance abuse during early adulthood
Research Activities, March 2011:
Antipsychotic use doubles for very young children, while mental health visits are few
Research Activities, February 2010:
Youth with HIV/AIDS and conduct disorder are less likely to use or adhere to antiretroviral therapy
Only one-third of adolescents are screened for emotional health during routine physicals
Research Activities, January 2010:
Youths initially diagnosed with ADHD receive an array of medications
Research Activities, December 2009:
More antipsychotic medications are being prescribed for youth and nursing home residents, despite lack of evidence
Research Activities, June 2009:
Mental disorders, asthma, and trauma injuries topped the list of most costly medical conditions in children in 2006
Research Activities, May 2009:
Task Force recommends screening adolescents for clinical depression
Research Activities, February 2009:
Mental health counseling remains persistently low from adolescence into young adulthood

Top of Page Top of Page

Depression

Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 6:
Efficacy and Comparative Effectiveness of Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics
Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 7:
Comparative Effectiveness of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression
Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 62:
Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs

Fact Sheet, January 2000:
Improving Quality of Care for People With Depression

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:
Screening for Depression in Adults (2009) Exit Disclaimer
Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents (2009) Exit Disclaimer

Research Findings

Research Activities, August 2012:
Effects of antidepressants on suicidal thoughts and behavior differ by age group
Newer antidepressants equally effective in treating major depressive disorder
Research Activities, July 2012:
Depressed patients with anxiety who fail initial antidepressant therapy may benefit from adding a second drug
"Tough guy" mentality prevents some men from seeking help for depression
Research Activities, May 2012:
Increased child hospitalizations are associated with the mother's mental state and confidence in parenting
Research Activities, March 2012:
Diagnosis and treatment rates for depression in older adults have grown over time, with medication edging out therapy
Research Activities, February 2012:
Newer antidepressants equally effective in treating major depressive disorder
Depression, hearing impairment, and health literacy influence older adults' abilities to self-manage their care
Study finds potentially suboptimal use of antidepressants for residents in Veterans Affairs nursing homes
Research Activities, December 2011:
Thin evidence on non-drug strategies for treatment-resistant depression
Research Activities, November 2011:
Brief psychotherapy helps multiple sclerosis patients with insomnia and depression
Research Activities, October 2011:
Married couples who have twins are more likely to divorce
Research Activities, September 2011:
Diagnosing and treating depression gets better in nursing homes but some disparities remain
Anxiety is common among older adults receiving care from aging services agencies
Research Activities, August 2011:
Providers miss opportunities to prevent depression in and discuss birth control with women with unplanned pregnancies
Research Activities, July 2011:
Trends in treating depression favor psychotropic medications over psychotherapy
Research Activities, May 2011:
Emergency department patients and visitors are most interested in education about stress and depression
Research Activities, February 2011:
Use of physician extenders associated with increase in antidepressant prescribing in nursing homes
Research Activities, October 2010:
For elderly patients with depression, cost-sharing insurance policies reduce drug use without increasing use of care
Research Activities, September 2010:
Mental disorders and/or substance abuse related to one of every eight emergency department cases
Research Activities, August 2010:
Acupuncture helps with depression during pregnancy
Research Activities, June 2010:
Home visits help pregnant, Medicaid-insured women alleviate depressive symptoms
Research Activities, April 2010:
Abused women have higher risks for numerous medical disorders
Nearly two-thirds of mothers with depression do not receive adequate care for their condition
Research Activities, March 2010:
Antidepressants may help some HIV patients stick to their complex medication regimens
Research Activities, February 2010:
Medicaid drug restrictions may lead to adverse events for psychiatric patients
Research Activities, January 2010:
Antidepressant use rises while psychotherapy declines
Research Activities, November 2009:
Nearly half of patients with depression drop out of treatment in a public clinic within 12 months
Research Activities, October 2009:
Cost and depression serve as barriers to performing self-care behaviors for people with diabetes
Research Activities, September 2009:
Patient hopelessness is linked to poor participation in cardiac rehabilitation exercise
Research Activities, July 2009:
Patients with diabetes and depression are less likely to achieve goals for glucose control
Low omega-3 fatty acid levels found in patients with acute coronary syndrome and depression
Research Activities, June 2009:
Clinician interviews are the best method to determine whether patients with kidney failure are also depressed
Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's dementia are more likely to visit emergency departments or be hospitalized when depressed
Substance abuse is linked to readmissions for mood disorders
Research Activities, May 2009:
Task Force recommends screening adolescents for clinical depression
Research Activities, April 2009:
Depression and substance abuse treatment hospitalizations declined for Medicare beneficiaries over a decade
Research Activities, January 2009:
Integrated mental and physical health services may help people with depression

Top of Page Top of Page

General Mental Health

Research Findings

Program Brief, October 2009:
Mental Health: Research Findings

Top of Page Top of Page

HIV/AIDS

Research Findings

Research Activities, March 2012:
Adherence to bipolar medications may also promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy
Research Activities, January 2012:
Communications between patients with HIV and their providers differ along racial and substance use lines
Research Activities, November 2011:
Off-label use of atypical antipsychotics not supported by evidence for some conditions
Research Activities, September 2011:
Heart disease, cancer, and mental disease among the most costly conditions for women
Research Activities, August 2011:
The likelihood of bacterial blood infections among patients with HIV has risen slightly in recent years
Research Activities, January 2011:
Some personality factors may affect success of chronic illness self-management programs
Research Activities, April 2010:
HIV patients with psychiatric disorders are less likely to discontinue HAART
Research Activities, March 2010:
Antidepressants may help some HIV patients stick to their complex medication regimens
Research Activities, February 2010:
Youth with HIV/AIDS and conduct disorder are less likely to use or adhere to antiretroviral therapy

Top of Page Top of Page

Men's/Women's Health

Research Findings

News & Numbers

Date Title
9/8/11 Hospitalizations for Eating Disorders Declined, but Big Increase Seen in Pica Disorder

Research Activities, August 2012:
Effects of antidepressants on suicidal thoughts and behavior differ by age group
Research Activities, July 2012:
"Tough guy" mentality prevents some men from seeking help for depression
Research Activities, October 2011:
Married couples who have twins are more likely to divorce
Research Activities, September 2011:
Heart disease, cancer, and mental disease among the most costly conditions for women
Research Activities, August 2011:
Providers miss opportunities to prevent depression in and discuss birth control with women with unplanned pregnancies
Research Activities, April 2011:
Certain women are at greater risk for mental health problems during pregnancy
Research Activities, March 2011:
Obesity rates are higher among sexually abused and lesbian women
Research Activities, November 2010:
9/11 attacks may have caused miscarriages of male fetuses
Research Activities, September 2010:
Some patients with bipolar disorder pray and meditate more than others
Research Activities, August 2010:
Acupuncture helps with depression during pregnancy
Trauma associated with mental health disorders but not substance abuse in homeless men
Research Activities, July 2010:
Epilepsy drugs do not appear to increase suicide risk in patients with bipolar disorder
Research Activities, June 2010:
Home visits help pregnant, Medicaid-insured women alleviate depressive symptoms
Research Activities, April 2010:
Abused women have higher risks for numerous medical disorders
Stressed-out women may delay getting preventive care
Nearly two-thirds of mothers with depression do not receive adequate care for their condition
Neighborhoods, abuse, and anxiety contribute to low birth weights
Research Activities, September 2009:
Women who suffer abuse use mental health care services more than women who have never been abused
Research Activities, August 2009:
Behavioral health carve-outs limit access of women with breast cancer to psychotherapy and related medications

Top of Page Top of Page

Schizophrenia

Patterns of Usual Care for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia PORT Treatment Recommendations

Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 6:
Efficacy and Comparative Effectiveness of Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics

Research Findings

Agency Press Releases
Date   Title
9/27/11 "Off-label" Use of Antipsychotic Drugs for Some Conditions Not Supported by Evidence

Research Activities, February 2010:
Medicaid drug restrictions may lead to adverse events for psychiatric patients

Top of Page Top of Page

Services Research

Compendium of Research Related to Mental Health

A National Agenda for Research in Collaborative Care: Papers from the Collaborative Care Research Network Research Development Conference

Programs and Tools to Improve the Quality of Mental Health Services

Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, No. 173:
Integration of Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Primary Care

Research Findings

Research Activities, August 2012:
More patients with anxiety disorders are being prescribed antipsychotic medications by office-based psychiatrists
Research Activities, March 2012:
More patients are being prescribed antidepressants by non-psychiatrists and without a psychiatric diagnosis
Research Activities, January 2012:
Experts call for integrating mental health into primary care
Research Activities, December 2011:
Hospitalizations for eating disorders declined, but big increase seen in pica disorder
Research Activities, July 2011:
Trends in treating depression favor psychotropic medications over psychotherapy
Research Activities, January 2011:
Community hospitals care for psychiatric patients in medical-surgical beds when psychiatric units are full
Research Activities, September 2010:
Mental disorders and/or substance abuse related to one of every eight emergency department cases
Research Activities, June 2010:
Home visits help pregnant, Medicaid-insured women alleviate depressive symptoms
Research Activities, May 2010:
Improvements are needed to better measure mental health care quality
Research Activities, April 2010:
Nearly two-thirds of mothers with depression do not receive adequate care for their condition
Many older adults with mental health problems do not believe they need help
Caregiver dissatisfaction affects outpatient care for the elderly with dementia
Research Activities, January 2010:
Persons with mental disorders switching from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage may have drug access problems
Antidepressant use rises while psychotherapy declines
Research Activities, November 2009:
Nearly half of patients with depression drop out of treatment in a public clinic within 12 months
Research Activities, September 2009:
Women who suffer abuse use mental health care services more than women who have never been abused
States vary greatly in nursing home admissions for people with mental illnesses
Research Activities, August 2009:
Availability of primary care results in better mental health for rural residents
Research Activities, July 2009:
The time spent in office visits with psychiatrists has equalized among blacks and whites in recent years
Research Activities, June 2009:
Mental disorders, asthma, and trauma injuries topped the list of most costly medical conditions in children in 2006
Research Activities, April 2009:
Depression and substance abuse treatment hospitalizations declined for Medicare beneficiaries over a decade
Research Activities, February 2009:
Whites with poor mental health are more likely to seek treatment than blacks and Hispanics
Most office-based psychiatrists are providing medication rather than psychotherapy to their patients
Mental health counseling remains persistently low from adolescence into young adulthood

Top of Page Top of Page

Stress

Research Findings

Research Activities, May 2012:
Increased child hospitalizations are associated with the mother's mental state and confidence in parenting
Research Activities, February 2012:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with elevated hemoglobin A1c levels in low-income blacks with diabetes
Research Activities, September 2011:
Anxiety is common among older adults receiving care from aging services agencies
Research Activities, July 2011:
Women's self-reported stress seems to jibe with a common stress biomarker
Research Activities, May 2011:
Emergency department patients and visitors are most interested in education about stress and depression
Research Activities, March 2011:
Obesity rates are higher among sexually abused and lesbian women
Research Activities, November 2010:
9/11 attacks may have caused miscarriages of male fetuses
Research Activities, September 2010:
Some patients with bipolar disorder pray and meditate more than others
Research Activities, August 2010:
More stress means worse asthma in inner-city adults
Trauma associated with mental health disorders but not substance abuse in homeless men
Research Activities, April 2010:
Abused women have higher risks for numerous medical disorders
Stressed-out women may delay getting preventive care
Neighborhoods, abuse, and anxiety contribute to low birth weights

Top of Page Top of Page

Substance Abuse/Addiction

Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, No. 173:
Integration of Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Primary Care
Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: No. 197:
Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:
Screening for Alcohol Misuse Exit Disclaimer

Research Findings

Research Activities, June 2012:
Inmates remain at risk for HIV and HCV after release from prison
Research Activities, January 2012:
Communications between patients with HIV and their providers differ along racial and substance use lines
Research Activities, August 2011:
The likelihood of bacterial blood infections among patients with HIV has risen slightly in recent years
Impact of self-esteem and academic achievement on substance use and sexual initiation differs among boys and girls
Research Activities, July 2011:
A high percentage of patients with sickle cell disease self-discharge from hospital care
Research Activities, April 2011:
Adolescents with higher socioeconomic status at greater risk for substance abuse during early adulthood
Research Activities, October 2010:
Acamprosate safe and efficacious in treating alcohol dependence
Research Activities, September 2010:
Mental disorders and/or substance abuse related to one of every eight emergency department cases
Research Activities, August 2009:
Southerners have higher financial burden for mental health/substance abuse treatment
Research Activities, June 2009:
Substance abuse is linked to readmissions for mood disorders
Research Activities, April 2009:
Nearly a fifth of elderly patients are readmitted after a hospital stay for psychiatric care
Depression and substance abuse treatment hospitalizations declined for Medicare beneficiaries over a decade

Top of Page Top of Page

 

AHRQAdvancing Excellence in Health Care