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Multiple factors contribute to the development of mental health disorders, and it is widely accepted that therapy and medication are the gold standard for treating these disorders. Research is showing that nutritional therapy may have the potential to contribute to the holistic healing of mental health disorders. This month’s E-News Exclusive highlights the research that is substantiating this perspective. Read how nutritional therapy may be one of a range of tools that can support recovery. We welcome your comments at SWTeditor@gvpub.com. Visit our website, including our new Peer Perspectives section, at www.SocialWorkToday.com; like our Facebook page; and follow us on Twitter. — Marianne Mallon, editor Nutritional Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Disorders By Susan A. Knight It’s well understood that psychosocial, medical, and developmental factors contribute to mental health disorders. While psychotherapy paired with medication is widely viewed as the most effective way to promote recovery, nutritional therapy has garnered interest for its potential to support treatment and recovery efforts. Nutritional therapy is part of the broader field of nutritional psychology that looks at how nutrients affect mood and behavior. As a growing body of scientific evidence provides greater insight into the relationship between various nutrients and the body’s biochemical functions, nutrition is increasingly being viewed as a relevant factor in mental health. The evidence suggests that targeted nutrient intake, in the form of food or dietary supplements, may help to improve the efficacy of conventional treatment approaches. Alleviating Symptoms With Dietary Supplements Vitamins and minerals are referred to as micronutrients. They don’t provide energy to the body in the way that macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) do. However, micronutrients are an essential part of nutrition, supporting a wide variety of metabolic and biochemical processes within the body. Micronutrient deficiencies have long been known to contribute to illness and disease—so much so that historically, vitamins were discovered primarily through the deficiency diseases that would arise when the vitamin was absent in the diet. Full Story »   Nutritional Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Disorders Understanding Depression and Aging — Guidance for Social Workers 10 Dedicated & Deserving Social Workers Museum Exhibition Explores Mental Illness Through the Lenses of Art and Science Hospitals Addressing Staff Secondary Trauma in Aftermath of Mass Shootings and Natural Disasters Study Suggests Acts of Kindness Improve Teens’ Self-Worth Tech & Tools Understanding Depression and Aging — Guidance for Social Workers Many assume that depression is a normal part of aging, but it isn't. This assumption can result in depression in aging individuals being underdiagnosed and undertreated. Read more » 10 Dedicated & Deserving Social Workers Social Work Today presents our annual feature highlighting the achievements of 10 special individuals nominated by their colleagues for outstanding work in the profession. Read more » Museum Exhibition Explores Mental Illness Through the Lenses of Art and Science The Washington Post reports on an exhibition at Boston’s Museum of Science that attempts to reduce common misconceptions about mental illness. Hospitals Addressing Staff Secondary Trauma in Aftermath of Mass Shootings and Natural Disasters According to the Los Angeles Times, hospital administrators nationwide are increasingly recognizing the toll of health workers’ duties and the risk of burnout and symptoms similar to PTSD. Study Suggests Acts of Kindness Improve Teens’ Self-Worth NPR reports on a new study suggesting that altruistic behaviors, including large and small acts of kindness, may raise teens' feelings of self-worth.

Rural ED Patients See Health Care Provider More Quickly if Hospital Is Equipped With Telemedicine Services Patients at rural hospitals with telemedicine services see a health care provider six minutes more quickly than patients in hospitals that have no such technology, according to a new study from University of Iowa researchers. The research team measured the impact of emergency department (ED) telemedicine services on timeliness of care in rural hospitals. The study looked at data collected from 14 hospitals in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota that subscribe to telemedicine services from a single ED telemedicine provider located in Sioux Falls, SD. The team matched 2,857 ED cases that used telemedicine services with nontelemedicine controls. The results, recently published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health, showed that telemedicine decreased door-to-provider time by six minutes. This provider could be either a local provider physically assessing the patient or a telemedicine provider—whoever was available first. The first provider seeing the patient was a telemedicine provider in 41.7% of telemedicine encounters, and in these cases, telemedicine was 14.7 minutes earlier than local providers. The researchers also noted that among patients who were transferred to other hospitals, the length of stay at the ED in the first hospital was shorter for patients who had telemedicine consults. The authors suggest that this reduced time may be due to remotely located staff completing administrative and charting tasks, allowing local staff to concentrate on patient care. Read more » Have a product, service, or educational program you want to market to social work professionals, or an open position that you need to fill quickly? Social Work Today offers many flexible advertising programs designed to maximize your results. From print advertising to e-newsletter sponsorships, website advertising to direct mail opportunities, Social Work Today helps achieve your goals. Email our experienced account executives today for more information or call 800-278-4400! Coming up in our March/April 2018 issue is our Annual Education Guide. Email a sales representative to be part of this unique advertising opportunity. AlliedHealthCareers.com is the premier online resource to recruit social work professionals. Post your open positions, view résumés, and showcase your facility's offerings all at AlliedHealthCareers.com!   The nation's top employers and recruiters of social workers advertise in Social Work Today magazine and post their job openings on AlliedHealthCareers.com. Check out the most recent opportunities that have been submitted by employers across the country! Social Work Today's CE program offers social workers the opportunity to earn CEs from the comfort of their homes or offices. Visit www.SocialWorkTodayCE.com today and join the thousands of professionals from across the country who already have taken advantage of this great program. Simply read an issue of the magazine and complete the online exam. Most issue exams will earn 2 CE credits! PLUS, you have the opportunity to earn CE credits from past issues, too! Social workers care about their clients, but rarely do they have time to care about themselves. Show yourself a little appreciation with field-inspired gear from our Gift Shop. We've got the perfect item for every situation from busy days in the office to at-home visits. Check out our secure online shop today or call toll-free 877-809-1659 for easy and fast ordering.