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MUSC Institute of Psychiatry News

It's estimated that approximately half of the population in the United States will be touched by mental illness at some point in their lives. Though mental illness is a medical condition just like diabetes or cancer, most persons affected won't seek treatment because of the stigma. 

Oct. 1 - 7 is National Mental Illness Awareness Week. The MUSC Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) has extended the celebration through the month of October with a host of planned activities.

The public is invited to attend the following events:

Oct. 5 
National Depression Screening Day
Free Screenings, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Institute of Psychiatry, 4th Floor
Call 792-5900 for more information

Attendees will have the opportunity to complete a written screening test and talk one-on-one with a mental health professional. No appointment is needed. 

Free Mind Your Health Seminar
“Is it Normal to Feel this Sad” 
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Call 792-1414 to register

Join Mike Johnson, M.D., as he explains depression and the importance of  recognizing it as a treatable illness and not a personal weakness. 

Oct. 10
Grand Rounds
11 a.m. to noon
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Reforming Child Treatment and Services Research: The Science of Distilling and DIsseminating
Dr Kimberly Hoagwood

Oct. 12
Free symposium on research discoveries
“A Day of Discovery” 
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Call  792-7340 to register before Oct. 6

Although well-known nationally and internationally, the caliber of research that takes place within MUSC's Institute of Psychiatry is rarely recognized locally.  In an effort to better educate and inform health professionals and the business community about the institute's commitment to research, the Office of Community and Professional Education presents “A Day of Discovery.” Experts from the Institute of Psychiatry will discuss their research discoveries and the impact they will have on future health care. 

There is no charge to attend the symposium.  However, registration is required. 

Oct. 16
Free Video Showing
“Pat Conroy’s Personal Reflections on his Mental Health Journey” 
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Call 792-1414 to register. (Select option # 1.)

James C. Ballenger, M.D., psychiatrist and chairman of the Institute of Psychiatry, will host the video showing. The audience will hear Mr. Conroy, author of bestsellers such as “The Lords of Discipline,” “Beach Music” and “The Great Santini,”  speak frankly about his personal battle with mental illness and have an opportunity for a conversation with Ballenger.

This event is free to the public, however a reservation is required.

Oct. 17
Rehabilitation and Recovery in Schizophrenia
Noon to 1 p.m.
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
AstraZeneca CME Broadcast
Lunch provided if you RSVP to 1-800-822-9209 ext. 60915

Oct. 19
Free TLC Seminar
“Childhood Depression—What every parent should know”
6 - 8 p.m.
Call 792-1414 to register

A panel of experts will discuss the signs and symptoms of childhood depression, how to reach out for help, and important survival skills parents need to know. There will be time for questions and answers following the speakers' presentations. 

Oct. 21
Up & Running 5K Run and  2-Mile Walk
8 a.m.
$13 before Oct. 13; $15 after Oct. 13 
Call 792-5200 for more information

The race is open to all individuals, not just MUSC employees.  It starts at the MUSC campus on Ashley Avenue and finishes at the steps of the Institute of Psychiatry on President Street. 

Overall awards will be presented to the top three males and females and first master (older than 40) male or female.  Age group awards for the top male and female in 13 different age groups will be presented. The race will have also have specialty awards for MUSC employees, students and faculty, as well as a team competition.

Early registration, by Oct. 13, is $12 and includes a T-shirt. After Oct. 13, the registration fee is $15. Race packets and T-shirts may be picked up in advance in the lobby of the IOP on Friday, Oct.  20, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., or on the day of the race in front of the MUSC Library/Administration Building from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. T-shirts will be available while supplies last on the day of the race. For information or to receive a registration form, e-mail myrickh@musc.edu or call Hugh Myrick 792-5200 or Mike Loggins at 853-9987.

Oct. 20
Tourette Syndrome Workshop
“Update on Tics and Tourettes”
8:15 - 9:30 a.m.
$15 per person
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Call 792-7340 to register

James E. Edwards, M.D., will present “Update on Tics and Tourettes,” at the IOP's “Coffee with the Mental Health Pros” lecture series on Friday, Oct. 20 from 8:15 until 9:30 a.m. This is a CME/CEU accredited lecture for professionals with mental health interests. The workshop fee of  $15  includes continental breakfast and parking. 

Oct. 21
Tourette Syndrome Day Workshop
$10 per person
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Call 792-7340 to register

This workshop will  provide an excellent opportunity for those with Tourette Syndrome, their families and associates to gain a better  understanding of Tourette Syndrome; to meet and network with others with Tourette Syndrome; and to establish a Tourette Syndrome Association for South Carolina. Workshop topics include Tourette Syndrome: A Quick Review; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; and Tourette Syndrome and  School Related Issues. Several patients will also share their personal experiences. The workshop fee is  $10 and includes lunch.

Oct. 23
Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 24
Grand Rounds
Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation be used to Treat Mania? The Israeli Experience
11 a.m. to noon
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Dr Nimrod Grisaru

Oct. 26
Workshop for Mental Health Professionals
“Me and My Shadow” 
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 
$20 per person
Call 792-5200 to register

This workshop is for mental health professionals and anyone interested in exploring addiction dynamics, family systems, and personal self-awareness. The workshop will be presented by Martha Tumblin, MEd, LISW, MAC. CE Credit will be awarded for addiction counselors, social workers, professional counselors and therapists. Space is limited, so register early. If you have any questions, call 792-5950.

Oct. 31
Grand Rounds
Depression and Cardiovascular Diseases
11 a.m. to noon
Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium
Dr Charles Nemeroff
 

Dalton receives Award of Excellence

Marc Dalton, M.D., a resident with the MUSC Institute of Psychiatry, was one of 146 outstanding psychiatry residents throughout the United States to receive the Janssen Psychiatry Resident Award of Excellence.

Dr. Marc Dalton

The award represents a new tradition for Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, L.P. a member of Johnson & Johnson family of companies. 

“It is rare for residents to demonstrate the clarity and dedication to services research that Dalton has shown by involving himself in research so early in his residency training,” said Alberto B. Santos, M.D., MUSC Psychiatry Residency Training director. “He is clearly committed to a career in public health services research.” 

Dalton is currently involved in National Institute of Mental Health funded research on Mental Disorders among low-income African-American primary care patients. Janssen invited the directors of residency training programs to nominate one exceptional resident in their last year of training in psychiatry to receive this award. 

Recipients were chosen for their exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and clinical and scholarly achievements. This award offers them national recognition. Those chosen have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to the field of psychiatry, and they are well on their way to achieving professional excellence.

Award recipients attended a full day of educational programs designed to enhance their preparation for the management of a medical practice. 

Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, L.P. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive manufacturer of health care products. Janssen markets therapies for the psychiatric conditions, fungal infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic pain. 
 

CDAP to celebrate Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31

MUSC's Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP) encourages you to wear a red ribbon and make a personal commitment to a healthy, drug free lifestyle. 

The annual Red Ribbon Celebration promotes awareness of the harmful effects of substance abuse.  The events held during Red Ribbon Celebration Week encourage youth and adults to live healthy lives. The celebration has become a catalyst to  eliminate the demand for drugs and to stop violence and destruction caused by alcohol and other drugs in schools, work places and communities. 

The Red Ribbon celebration originated following the murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camarena by drug traffickers in February 1985. 

“Often we think that the drug or alcohol problem is someone else’s. However, when we realize that in South Carolina the economic cost for drug and alcohol problems is over 2 billion dollars a year or about $1000 per year for each person over the age of 18, then one begins to think that perhaps it is a problem worth addressing. After all who couldn’t use an extra $1,000 per year,” said William O. Boggan,  Ph.D., director of Education and Training, CDAP and the Charleston Alcohol Research Center. 

One of CDAP's missions is educating the community to help keep kids off tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Throughout October, in recognition of National Red Ribbon activities, CDAP will speak to students at area schools during classes and assemblies,  and  to parents during their PTA meetings.

For information, call CDAP at 792-9888.