Examining data from 1999-2005, this study finds that the proportion of nursing home admissions with mental illness has overtaken the proportion with dementia.  The authors suggest that the new trends may be related to increased recognition of depression, availability of alternatives to nursing homes for persons with dementia, and increased specialization among nursing homes in the care of postacute, rehabilitation residents.  They suggest that, in light of these findings, it is crucial that nursing homes be allocated sufficient funding and resources to treat mental illness.

Fullerton, C. A., T. G. McGuire, et al. (2009). Trends in mental health admissions to nursing homes, 1999-2005. Psychiatr Serv, 60(7), 965-71. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.60.7.965 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/60/7/965 

Authors: Catherine Anne Fullerton, Thomas G. McGuire, Zhanlian Feng, Vincent Mor, David C. Grabowski.

This study found that, after the FDA required a black-box warning on antidepressants outlining the possible suicide risk in children, antidepressant use declined sharply over all age groups--including but not limited to children.  The authors conclude that risk communications strategies must be re-considered to ensure intended results. 

Busch, S. H., & Barry, C. L. (2009). Pediatric antidepressant use after the black-box warning. Health Affairs, 28(3), 724-33. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.724 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/724

Authors: Susan H. Busch, Colleen L. Barry.

This article uses several recent comparative effectiveness studies to illustrate the value of such research for mental health treatment.   

Wang, P. S., C. M. Ulbricht, et al. (2009). Improving mental health treatments through comparative effectiveness research. Health Affairs, 28(3), 783-91. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.783 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/783

Authors: Philip S. Wang, Christine M. Ulbricht, Michael Schoenbaum.

This study found no evidence that use of antipsychotic medication in long-term care facilities was associated with increased hospital events or mortality.   

Simoni-Wastila, L., P. T. Ryder, et al. (2009). Association of antipsychotic use with hospital events and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, 17(5), 417-27. DOI: 10.1097/JGP.0b013e31819b8936 http://journals.lww.com/ajgponline/Abstract/2009/05000/Association_of_Antipsychotic_Use_With_Hospital.9.aspx

This article examines the well-being of mentally ill Americans.  The authors find that access to care and financial protections have improved; however, those results have been limited to certain populations.  Access to care for individuals with mental health impairments appears to have been declined.  Additionally, the authors estimate that at least 7 percent of the population with serious and persistent mental illness is incarcerated.

Glied, S. A., & Frank, R. G. (2009). Better but not best: recent trends in the well-being of the mentally ill. Health Affairs, 28(3), 637-48. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.637 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/short/28/3/637 

Authors:  Sherry A. Glied, Richard G. Frank.

The article explores the shift in prescription coverage for dual eligible mental health patients from Medicaid to Medicare Part D in 2006.  The authors note that a reduction in the number of plans and increases utilization of psychotropic drugs raises concerns about access to medication for individuals with mental illness.  The authors suggest possible changes to Medicare's enrollment and risk-sharing systems. 

Donohue, J. M., H. A. Huskamp, et al. (2009). Dual eligibles with mental disorders and Medicare part D: how are they faring? Health Affairs, 28(3), 746-59. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.746 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/746