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May 21, 2019
Patricia A. Rehmer President, Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network When someone is hospitalized with a physical illness like cancer or heart disease, it’s common for friends and neighbors to bring food to that family: casseroles, breads, cookies and more. On the other hand, when an individual is diagnosed with a…
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April 29, 2019
By Dr. Peter Lucchio Clinical Psychologist Calling someone a loser is the worst kind of condemnation in our current polarized culture. But “Losers,” a Netflix documentary series, shows another side of losing: athletes who have overcome highly public defeats in ways that can inspire all athletes to be more resilient when…
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April 29, 2019
Twenty-one students and two teachers were honored for their work highlighting the stigma of mental illness at the Institute of Living’s 16th annual BrainDance Awards on Thursday, April 25. School/Teacher Award Amanda Torres, Physical and Health Education, and Robert Bajoros, Health Education, Coginchaug Regional High School Art Category 1st place…
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April 23, 2019
Depression is a very individual experience, influenced by everything from body chemistry, living situation, education level and even race. The latter factor prompted Kimesha Morris, director of social work at the Institute of Living, to create a free, twice-monthly support group aimed specifically at the local African American community. “Our…
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April 16, 2019
Anger is the first negative emotion babies can express and research shows that as many people seek treatment for it as depression and anxiety combined. Yet it is not officially classified a mental health disorder which, according to Dr. Ray DiGuiseppe, director of education with the Albert Ellis Institute and…
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April 16, 2019
Dr. Godfrey Pearlson Director, Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at the Institute of Living Research Director, Institute of Living Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network Whatever the outcome of the current debate on legalizing recreational marijuana in Connecticut, we need to know more about marijuana’s overall effect on the brain and behavior…
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April 11, 2019
“Go with your gut” now has some science behind it. New research suggest that the gut microbiome, made up of millions of microorganisms that live in the human digestive system, do more than just digest and absorb nutrients — they may influence your mood, behavior and preferences. These “gut bugs”…
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April 08, 2019
The pupil – the dark circle in the center of the eye that flexes in size based on available light – performs a much different role in people with psychosis. “The pupils are a direct link to the brain. They give away what you’re doing, thinking and feeling. It’s a…
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April 04, 2019
As the National Council for Behavioral Health held its annual conference in Nashville in late March, a Behavioral Health Network contingent was on hand, with several clinicians presenting research and observation as part of professional sessions throughout the four-day event. “Hartford HealthCare was well-represented at the conference by an enthusiastic…
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April 03, 2019
Understanding the way neuromechanisms in the brain help humans socialize might prove key to helping people with autism and other disorders like schizophrenia improve the way they connect with others. That’s the premise behind the research of Dr. Michal Assaf of the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at the Institute of…