Category: In the Press

Geneticists have long thought that schizophrenia and autism are two separate and unrelated conditions. However, a trio of researchers working on the genetics behind psychiatric disorders have made a new discovery: “People may be more prone to autism spectrum disorders if they have family members with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.” (Treatment Advocacy Center)

How are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder similar?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as auditory and visual hallucinations have a sensory component, and sensory processing disorders occur in an estimated 90% of individuals on the autistic spectrum. Negative symptoms such as lack of engagement with the world and other people that occur in schizophrenia also are diagnostic flags for autism.

In the study that was done, analyses of genetic collections revealed that individuals with autism had similar proportions of relatives with schizophrenia or biopolar disorder. The importance of this link is the hope that, with more research on the similarities between the disorders, we will be better able to diagnose and treat them.

In May, I briefly mentioned a proposed $7 million cut to homeless services funding. The budget season is now over, and the D.C. Council has voted.

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless reports that

The Council put $4 million into the tenant-based Local Rent Supplement Program in order to provide permanent affordable housing to about 250 homeless families in the District and open up much-needed space in emergency shelters to accommodate families that are currently in crisis and not able to access shelter.  The Council also delayed TANF cuts and added new exemptions to sanctions so that families who are in crisis and cannot currently obtain employment (such as families caring for a child with a disability full-time or families experiencing severe domestic violence) will not be penalized.  While the Council did not fill the $7 million gap in homeless services, it did keep this funding as the #1 priority on the Council’s “wish-list.”

We are happy to hear that the Council will keep funding for homeless servies in mind and hope the full $7 million will be restored next year.

The State of Rhode Island is paving the way and standing up for the rights of homeless individuals by passing the first Homeless Bill of Rights in the United States. The Bill, would ensure  a “person the right to use public sidewalks, parks and transportation as well as public buildings ‘without discrimination on the basis of his or her housing status.’ It also guarantees a ‘reasonable expectation of privacy’ with respect to personal belongings.” (NY Times)

What do you think about this new Homeless Bill of Rights? Should the rest of the nation follow in Rhode Island’s footsteps?

When most people think about treating alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-step program are often the first or only solutions that spring to mind. Now, after years of research, there are some drugs that, combined with therapy, can aid in stopping alcohol addiction.

The New York Times recently published an article about the drugs used to curb alcohol cravings. It is important to remember, as the article points out, that these drugs, while a tool, are not an end-all solution to alcoholism. The article very aptly points out that

People drink compulsively for any number of reasons, from genetics to anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder. The pill that help[s one individual] get sober might do nothing for, say, a veteran who drinks to ward off nightmares.

Nevertheless, the search for drugs that can help with alcoholism has deepened, as doctors and society are both starting to treat alcohol as a chronic disease, rather than a character failure. With the myriad of reasons behind alcoholism and the varied personalities of people who suffer from it, it seems fitting to tailor one’s treatment to that individual.

As everyone who passes through Georgetown Ministry Center is unique, we as staff must use different approaches when working with each guest. There is always more than one way to reach a goal, and sometimes it takes many tries before finding the right one.

The Georgetown Patch recently published an article about the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ annual report on the homeless population. Read the Patch article here.

The article quotes our latest newsletter, which, if you haven’t read it already, you can find here or on our Media page.