Last week, the Senate voted on a budget that could defund the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The move is the first step toward achieving the promise of Senate Republicans to “repeal and replace” what has become commonly known as Obamacare. The ACA mandates coverage for mental health and substance abuse at levels equal to the coverage provided for physical health issues. The law opened more mental health care options for millions of people, particularly those who previously could not afford their own insurance or who bought their own policies.
Republican lawmakers have not yet proposed an alternative to provide mental health coverage to those who received it under the ACA. If they only repeal the law, without replacing it, the effects on mental health coverage and treatment could be substantial. Prior to the law, people who could not get coverage for mental health treatment had few options. USA Today tells the story of Jarvis Reynolds, who died by suicide in 2010 after he could not get treatment for his mental health concerns.
About 30% of people covered under the Medicaid expansion of the ACA have a mental health condition. Without an alternative to the ACA, treatment may become out of reach.
Getting Older, Sleeping Less
Insomnia often becomes more frequent as people age. Age-related insomnia may be a temporary problem or a symptom of an underlying and potentially treatable condition. It can exacerbate pre-existing mental and physical health conditions, but doctors often fail to ask about sleep habits during checkups.
‘Middle Child Syndrome’ Doesn’t Actually Exist—But it Still Might Come with Some Surprising Psychological Advantages
“Middle child syndrome” is not a real diagnosis, and many of the traits believed to be associated with middle-child status are no more prevalent among these children than among oldest and youngest children. However, middle children may gain some social advantages, such as a willingness to turn to their siblings for help instead of their parents.Diminishing Levels of GABA May Play Role in Age-Related Cognitive Decline
A study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry suggests dropping GABA levels could play a role in age-related cognitive issues. GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. The study found that higher GABA levels in the brain’s frontal lobe, which plays a role in high-level cognition, are associated with better cognitive functioning in seniors.
Babies Born Addicted to Opiates Perform Poorly in School, Study Says
Amid a prescription and illicit opioid addiction and overdose epidemic, more babies will likely be born with an addiction to opiates. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, these children may perform worse at school than their peers.
The Human Side of Animal Hoarding
Animal hoarders own more pets than they can adequately care for, often leading to animal neglect. This was the case with a Maryland resident who hoarded 66 dogs. Animal hoarders are often charged with animal cruelty, but hoarding is a mental health issue. Hoarders may see themselves as having a special connection to their animals, or rely on their animals as a source of companionship. Some hoard to cope with the pain of loss, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
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