heal
A publication of the Sheppard Pratt Health System • Fall/Winter 2015
Don’t Give Up Forging a new path for students in residential treatment
PLUS RESEARCH BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH THE RETREAT: A SAFE PLACE TO HEAL USING MINDFULNESS TO REDUCE STRESS
In this issue.
FALL/WINTER 2015
8 4
16 4
3 ’Tis The Season for 6
14 Philanthropy:
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Year in Review
What Research Can Do for Mental Health
18
From Our Blog: He Got a Girl’s Number
Don’t Give Up
Forging a new path for students in residential treatment
A Way to Reduce Stress
8
The Retreat: A Safe Place to Heal
7 Mindfulness:
19 Meet Our Doctor: Dr. Scott Aaronson
On the cover. Lauren Hamlett talks about her success at The Mann Residential Treatment Center
11 Calendar
Photo by David Stuck
12 In the News
CMYK / .eps
CMYK / .eps
Connect with us.
facebook.com/SheppardPratt
@SheppardPratt
CMYK / .eps
youtube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth
heal. is published three times a year by the Marketing Department of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, one of the nation’s top mental health programs, providing compassionate solutions to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction recover and get back to their lives. Information provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for the medical advice of a physician. Please consult your health care provider for recommendations specific to your personal health, medical treatment, and medical conditions.
Editor/Director of Marketing & PR
Jessica Kapustin
Outreach & Project Manager
Chelsea Soobitsky
Design, Production & Editorial
Mid-Atlantic Custom Media
Lindsey Bridwell, Cortney Geare,
Jeni Mann, Michael Marlow,
Suzanne Pollak, and Joshua Runyan
Contributing Photographers
Brian Glock, Jody Robinson,
If you wish to have your name removed from the list of those receiving communications from Sheppard Pratt Health System, please email the Marketing Department at marketing@sheppardpratt.org or call 410.938.3133.
and David Stuck
MOOD DISORDERS
’Tis The Season SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
novel type of treatment
is a very real and disabling phenomenon
— phototherapy.
for many people. Often overlooked by
While the
primary care physicians, it is a type of
exact cause of SAD
depression that can affect around
remains unclear, some
five percent of the country’s total
proposed possibilities
population each year. Because we treat
include alteration of
depression and are familiar with the signs
circadian rhythm,
and symptoms, psychiatric providers
neurotransmitter
are often more apt to recognize this
abnormalities (e.g. low
seasonal disorder and provide the
serotonin levels), and
appropriate treatment.
genetic factors. Another potential cause could be
in the home, practicing relaxation and
energy, hypersomnia (excessive daytime
when melatonin is produced in a person’s
stress management techniques, and
sleepiness), overeating, weight gain, and
body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps
spending more time outside may help.
a craving for carbohydrates. Of course,
to control your sleep and wake cycles. As
Northern “snowbirds,” for example, will
other symptoms of a major depressive
days become shorter in the fall and
attest that staying in sunnier, warmer
episode may also be present, including
winter months, your body may produce
climates down South in the winter can
persistent sad mood, diminished interest
melatonin either earlier or later in the day
thwart depressive episodes.
in pleasurable activities, feelings of
than usual, which can lead to SAD.
SAD is often characterized by low
worthlessness or excessive guilt, poor
Treatment for SAD should be
The approaching fall and winter holidays should be considered when
concentration, and/or thoughts of death
managed by a psychiatrist who
looking at factors that contribute to
or suicide. Studies show that younger
understands that a major depressive
SAD. The stress and demands of
people are at a higher risk for SAD, it is
episode with seasonal pattern could
preparing for these special occasions
more prominent the farther away from
occur in people with either recurrent
prove challenging for most of us, but
the equator a person lives, and it is more
major depression or a bipolar disorder.
people struggling with SAD may find
likely to occur in bipolar II disorder than
While medication can make a big
these preparations much more difficult.
in bipolar I disorder. Thomas A. Wehr,
difference, there are risks if a patient is
Not only are they dealing with low
M.D., and Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D.,
prescribed antidepressants alone.
energy, the lure of excessive sleeping,
wrote a pivotal paper called “Seasonality
However, the good news is that since
and the wish to isolate socially, but they
and Affective Illness” (Am. J. of Psychiatry
occurrence of depressive episodes is
may be inclined to overeat the holiday
146:7, July 1989) that brought broader
highly predictable, preventive measures
fare that is available. Ensuing weight gain
recognition to SAD. They described
can be taken. Phototherapy, cognitive
may only worsen their self-esteem and
SAD as a winter depression that is
behavioral therapy (CBT), and in extreme
add to a sense of hopelessness.
accompanied by a distinctive
cases electroconvulsive therapy (ECT),
constellation of symptoms, including
might also be helpful in effectively
February as the cruelest month with
overeating, oversleeping, and
treating SAD.
good reason, since facing a long, cold,
carbohydrate craving; is triggered by light deficiency; and responds to a
At home, lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising more often, increasing light
Perhaps Shakespeare labeled
dark winter is a daunting task for most of us. Sheppard Pratt is here to help.
MERLE MCCANN, M.D. Dr. McCann is the service chief of the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit at Sheppard Pratt Health System on our Towson campus and specializes in mood disorders. He is also a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland Hospital, School of Medicine and president-elect of the Maryland Psychiatric Society.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
3
FEATURE/RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
DON’T GIVE UP FORGING A NEW PATH FOR STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK
Lauren Hamlett, 17, was previously a student at The Berkeley & Eleanor Mann Residential Treatment Center.
L
auren Hamlett started college, is
an alternative high school and ordered
psychologists, licensed clinicians, activity
holding down a job and hopes one
to report to a probation officer. She
specialists, occupational therapists,
entered two short-term residential
nurses, and counselors.
day to run her own day care center. Life wasn’t always so promising for the soft-spoken 17-year-old. It wasn’t so long ago that she had
facilities, but neither experience convinced her to change her ways. While in 12th grade, Lauren was
Entrants into the Mann RTC program “are the most at-risk youth,” explained Nadine Centineo, Lauren’s therapist.
lost interest in friends and stopped doing
accepted into The Berkeley & Eleanor
They often have participated in other
homework. As her grades plummeted,
Mann Residential Treatment Center
programs and turn here as their last
Lauren began withdrawing from her
(Mann RTC) in Towson, part of the
hope, she said.
family and started experimenting with
Sheppard Pratt Health System.
marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and pills.
The program, designed for people
“I didn’t think I really needed it and didn’t
between the ages of 12 and 21, offers
take advantage of the help,” she said. A
Finding no relief in drugs, she
In Lauren’s first short-term program,
eventually resorted to self-harm, cutting her arms. Beset by anxiety, she attempted suicide five times — two of those times resulting in hospital stays.
“ It gets better. Although you may think you don’t deserve the help, you do. Don’t give up.”
“I didn’t see a life for myself. I didn’t really have a plan. I didn’t see myself
a therapeutic residential setting that
five-day stay at Sheppard Pratt’s Ellicott
living,” she recalled.
includes a specialized educational
City hospital that followed was too brief
program.
to enable her to turn her life around,
This downward spiral that had become her new normal began when
4
After being referred by the Maryland
she recalled. But when she entered the Mann RTC
she was raped while a ninth-grade
Department of Juvenile Services, Lauren
student and led to her arrest for
arrived at the Mann RTC and was
program, Lauren worked hard to change
marijuana possession. She was sent to
greeted by a caring staff of psychiatrists,
her life. She was placed into the honors
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
program with other residents who are
are taught other dialectical behavior
actively involved in their treatment and
therapy (DBT) skills, which are designed
who have earned the trust of the staff.
to help them change their problem
While most adolescents spend an
behavior by making them aware of what
average of six months in the Mann RTC
triggers their desire to engage in these
program, Lauren finished in four. During
behaviors, whether they are harming
that time, she graduated from high
themselves, abusing drugs, or
school by completing classes at Mann
attempting to commit suicide.
RTC, received individual and group
And when she can’t control her
therapy, interned at Sheppard Pratt’s
anxieties by walking away and using her
on-campus gift shop and found a new
mindfulness skills, Lauren knows she
set of friends who understood her.
still can turn to the Sheppard Pratt staff
When she lived at home, Lauren
members; their numbers are saved in
said, she “wasn’t able to hold stable
her cell phone’s address book. For the
friendships. I was just using people.” But
many graduates who don’t own their
at Sheppard Pratt, “I feel like I had a
own cell phones, the Mann RTC
good relationship with all the girls in the
provides them with a cell phone when
program. They were like my sisters.”
they leave the program.
Lauren graduated Aug. 7 from
Although she is doing well,
Mann RTC, crediting much of her
Lauren knows that she will need to
success to the program’s supportive
continually work on coping with her
staff and “knowing that they were always
anxiety and staying off drugs.
there. There was always someone I
She plans on joining a Narcotics
could go to.”
Anonymous program and continuing
When she became anxious, the staff taught her mindfulness. Lauren
her mindfulness exercises. Looking back on the path that
learned breathing exercises that helped
led her here, Lauren wishes she hadn’t
her stay in the moment and avoid
felt so initially embarrassed and
panicking about the future.
ashamed to turn to others for help.
“That’s something I really found
Her advice for her peers? “It gets
helpful,” said Lauren, who enjoys writing,
better. Although you may think you
drawing, and reading nonfiction books.
don’t deserve the help, you do. Don’t
In addition to mindfulness, young adults in the residential treatment center
give up.”
Janniece Fickling, case manager, and Nadine Centineo, senior clinician, worked with Lauren and others at Mann RTC to help residents get back on their feet.
i
DBT is gold standard at Sheppard Pratt Lauren Hamlett was able to leave behind a world of drugs and self-harm and begin college this fall thanks to Sheppard Pratt Health System’s use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This gold standard of therapy teaches patients how to self-regulate, thereby avoiding the triggers that lead them into bad behavior. DBT is an evidence-based treatment program consisting of individual therapy, group skills, and skill coaching. The treatment also includes group sessions for staff members to help them avoid burning out, explained Tess Carpenter, M.D., clinical director at The Mann Residential Treatment Center. With DBT, residents learn how to control their behavior and feel better about themselves. Mindfulness is a large part of the therapy, teaching people to stay in the moment rather than letting their thoughts and fears race ahead. When calmer, they are better able to look at the bigger picture, Carpenter said. Residents learn how to find a common ground rather than battle with family and friends. Sheppard Pratt is so enthusiastic about this therapy that it teaches it to all of its clinical staff. “It starts at orientation. That’s our commitment,” Carpenter said. DBT, an internationallyrecognized treatment, has been in use at Mann RTC for almost three years and at The Jefferson School and Residential Treatment Center since last summer. It also is beginning to be used in Sheppard Pratt’s day programs and inpatient units. sheppardpratt.org • heal.
5
RESEARCH
What Research Can Do for Mental Health SPL will incorporate genetic studies, creation of a patient registry with digital records, generation of an extensive biobank (collection of biological and genetic specimens), advanced brain imaging, and clinical trials for new and repurposed drugs. Psychiatric disorders are biological in nature. As with many other illnesses, the disorders run in families, and research is discovering how specific genes can increase or decrease the TODAY, psychiatrists diagnose mental
some experience an eventual return of
illness, including mood disorders,
their symptoms, and others may
anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and
experience significant or intolerable
autism by talking to their patients,
side effects to the treatment. It is very
making clinical observations of
difficult to predict which particular
symptoms, evaluating the results of
treatment will be helpful for an individual
laboratory tests, and by taking into
patient. And for many symptoms of
account the course of the disorder
mental disorders there are no
over time.
well-established treatments at all.
mental illness. In the last decade neuroscience and genetics research have increased our understanding of the biology that causes mental disorders and taught us more about how currently available treatments work. There has been a tremendous increase in knowledge in these fields leading to exciting discoveries. Research has the
We ask ourselves whether our
There has been tremendous
patients feel especially sad or withdrawn
scientific progress in figuring out how
or if they experience extreme mood
the brain works and understanding how
changes, significant tiredness, low
genes affect behavior and mental
energy, or sleeping problems. We
illnesses. However, the process by which
examine when these problems started in
this research knowledge is incorporated
the patient’s life, ask about family history
into clinical practice is long and difficult.
of mental illness, and about events in the
The new Sheppard Pratt-Lieber
patient’s life that may have caused the
Research Institute (SPL), a joint venture
onset of the disorder. All of these factors
between Sheppard Pratt Health System
may help the psychiatrist diagnose the
and the Lieber Institute for Brain
patient and determine the best
Development (LIBD), an independent,
treatment for their symptoms.
not-for-profit medical research institution
School and Medical School Hannover, before
affiliated with the Johns Hopkins
coming to the United States for postdoctoral
psychiatric disorders, including
University School of Medicine, is taking
training at the National Institute of Mental Health
medications, psychotherapy, and brain
on the task of translating scientific
stimulation therapies are available.
advances in genetics and brain research
Modern treatments provide significant
into clinical practice, bringing research
to conduct research at the Lieber Institute for
relief to many patients with mental
directly to the patients. The new institute
Brain Development and the Maryland Psychiatric
illness, but despite trying several
aims to develop game-changing
different treatments some patients do
treatments for mental illness through
not benefit; some do not get better at all,
research efforts with patients. Work at
Many effective treatments for
6
likelihood of a patient developing a
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
power to change the way we diagnose and treat mental illness.
spL SHEPPARD PRATT-LIEBER Research Institute
ROBERT SCHLOESSER, M.D. Dr. Schloesser is the executive director of the Sheppard Pratt-Lieber Research Institute. He attended Ludwig Maximilian University Medical
(NIMH). He completed his residency at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Training Program while continuing
Research Center. Schloesser was selected to lead the Sheppard Pratt-Lieber Research Institute in July 2015.
SHEPPARD PRATT AFFILIATES
Mindfulness: A Way to Reduce Stress EARLIER THIS SUMMER Behavioral
of the program, MBSR helps participants
a way of being and is sometimes also
Health Partners, Inc. (BHP), a joint
cultivate their own natural wisdom of their
referred to as heartfulness, because in
venture between Frederick Regional
body and mind to face and manage
many Asian languages the word for
Health System and Sheppard Pratt Health
stress, pain, and illness through a variety
“mind” and “heart” are often the same.
System, offered its first Mindfulness-
of meditative practices and movements.
Through this program BHP has found that
Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program
“I went into the class to be able
MBSR has helped many people change
to the community. Started in part by a
to relieve some stress from home,”
their attitude and relationship to stress
kind and generous donation from
recalls one participant. “I thought it would
thereby improving their health and
Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Office of
be relaxing and very peaceful for me
well-being.
Philanthropy, this is an eight-week
to take a break and have me time. After
intensive training course in mindfulness
completing the course I came away
Here is what a few participants had
meditation and its integration into
with so much more. I have a better
to say:
the challenges and adventures of
understanding of myself. I learned that
everyday life.
I judged myself way too harshly, and
Pioneered and developed by
I’m working on no judgments of myself
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Stress
in the future. I am doing much better
Reduction Clinic at the University of
than I thought I would be doing.”
Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979,
Mindfulness is defined as the
MBSR combines meditation and yoga
“awareness that arises by paying
to address a variety of health problems,
attention on purpose, in the present
including mental illness. Over the course
moment, and nonjudgmentally.” It is
• “I found the mindfulness class to exceed my expectations. I have continued to apply the learned skills of meditation and yoga to reduce stress in my work environment as well as in my personal life. I have encouraged others to attend any future mindfulness classes offered. I look at this practice as a life skill to enhance one’s well-being.” • “I found the mindfulness and meditation class to be very helpful as I’ve previously not been able to get a sense of the experience of meditating and feel I was able to accomplish that through the class.” • “I had fun, I’m not sure it was supposed to be, but it was.” If you or someone you know could use assistance reducing stress, or if reducing stress could help improve your quality of life, call us at 301.633.8263 x264 to learn more about our MBSR program.
JIM O’NEILL, LCPC Mr. O’Neill is a national certified counselor and licensed clinical professional counselor for Behavioral Health Partners, Inc., at its Solarex Main Center. Previously he worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute while earning a Master’s of Science from Johns Hopkins University.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
7
THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT
The Retreat: A Safe Place to Heal THOSE SUFFERING FROM AN ARRAY OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DISCOVER HOPE, SUPPORT, AND A SAFE PLACE TO HEAL AT THE RETREAT BY BILL DONAHUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODY ROBINSON
n the surface, Christina Lowe*
O
alcoholism would take over, and
help in the form of a psychiatrist, who
appeared to have it together —
she would engage in “risk-taking,
suggested intensive inpatient treatment.
a hardworking, high-performing
blackout-drunk behavior” that
Although Lowe resisted the idea at first,
executive with an enviable career in the
resulted in increasingly harmful
she ultimately realized it was necessary.
life sciences industry as well as a
consequences in her personal and
Lowe inquired about a number of
four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom
professional lives.
facilities, but none of them seemed quite
home in the suburbs. Few people knew
For example, Lowe once fell
right — impersonal, disconnected, and
about her darker side, the one spawned
while holding a wine glass, and the
more interested in what kind of insurance
by numerous unresolved traumas and
broken glass lacerated a tendon, an
she had than how they could help.
betrayals from her past, the one that
artery, and nerves in her dominant hand,
In addition, few of the places afforded
had kept her locked in a pattern of
thereby requiring major surgery and
residents the autonomy of connecting
destructive behavior and inner turmoil
physical therapy. Another time, while
with the outside world through cell
for nearly 20 years.
heavily intoxicated, she drove the wrong
phones or tablets, and fewer still offered
way down a major thoroughfare; she
the possibility of a single bedroom with
she explains. “My life had become out
was alert enough to realize what she was
its own private bathroom.
of control and relatively unmanageable
doing and pulled into a nearby rest
on my own. I was feeling hopeless, to the
stop, but in the process she drove
discovered The Retreat at Sheppard
point of suicidal ideation.” Her job, at which
over the median and caused significant
Pratt, and from her very first interaction,
she excelled, had become a convenient
damage to her car.
she knew she had found the right place
“I was in a crisis state emotionally,”
distraction from her emotional pain. At the day’s end, however, her
Lowe had already been seeing a therapist, but she sought out additional
Somewhere in the process, Lowe
for her. “When I called for the very first time, the response from the woman who did the intake for me was, ‘I’m so glad you found us. I’m so glad we can help you; tell me about you,’” she recalls. “I liked that they would care for me as an individual, and they were not concerned about geography or insurance. They wanted to know my story and understand what my goals were.” It didn’t take long for Lowe to reach a decision: It was the beginning of a new year, January 2015, and she would “put her life on pause” to prioritize her mental health. At The Retreat, Lowe found a comforting, welcoming, and idyllic place to heal, where people from all walks of life had committed to seeking treatment
8
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT
[At The Retreat] “my loneliness and isolation were completely replaced by
Spacious living area at The Retreat.
the knowledge that there are so disorder who
for various mental health disorders:
hospitals are
emerging adults struggling to make the
not healing
who are scared like I am, and
transition to adulthood, professionals
environments;
who hurt like I do. There is no
substance
dealing with substance use problems
they’re scary
greater power in healing than
use issues.
and other stressors, and adults facing
and loud and
marital and other problems. Like every
tough places to
realizing you are not
resident who comes to The Retreat,
heal. Here at The
Lowe benefited from a hand-selected
Retreat, we know
treatment team to guide her care,
people are going to be here
diagnose her condition, and craft a plan
for several weeks or months, so it’s a
intimate about myself with a bunch of
for therapy and treatment. In Lowe’s
pleasant place to call home for a time.
strangers,” Lowe says. “And there was
case, her team included Thomas
It’s outfitted very comfortably to make an
surely no way that those strangers would
Franklin, M.D., medical director of
environment that facilitates healing
benefit me in any way. … [At The Retreat],
The Retreat, and Denise Connelly,
rather than getting in the way.”
my loneliness and isolation were
a certified addiction counselor and social worker.
many people who feel like I do,
also suffer from
“I resisted the idea of inpatient
the only one.”
Led by Dr. Franklin and others, Lowe
treatment, because there was no way I was going to share anything
completely replaced by the knowledge
immersed herself in dialectical behavior
that there are so many people who feel
therapy, art therapy, health-and-wellness
like I do, who are scared like I am, and
different ways,” says Dr. Franklin. “People
counseling — even horse therapy, which
who hurt like I do. There is no greater
are exposed to a lot of different therapies
she describes as “one of the most
power in healing than realizing you are
while they are here. We offer an enormous
enlightening and meaningful experiences
not the only one.”
amount of treatment in a typical day.
of my life.” She also received treatment
People come here to work hard, and we
through The Retreat’s co-occurring
program has to offer embedded in a
offer 30 hours of group and individual
disorders track, created specifically for
high-level psychiatric program,” adds
treatment per week. Most psychiatric
people diagnosed with a mental health
Connelly. “Between groups and individual
“We dig in pretty deeply in a lot of
“We have everything a drug-rehab
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
9
THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT
sessions, we offer more hours of facilitated
husband and other vital members of her
treatment than any other treatment
support system via phone or computer
center in the country. Much of the
when she wasn’t in treatment. She then
therapy happens among the patients,
moved on to Ruxton House, a transitional
as well. In matters of addiction, a lot of
living space in a neighborhood only a
people are very depressed and feel
few minutes away from Sheppard Pratt’s
isolated to the point that they can’t get
main campus, for an additional 59 days.
up and function. It can be devastating.
The therapeutic environment of Ruxton
In group therapy, they have conversations
House helped her — as well as the small
with their peers and come to realize they
group of residents there with her — gain
have similarities that can help them
confidence and independence as she
relate and come to acceptance of
worked toward returning to everyday life.
‘Yes, I do have a problem.’” When Lowe first arrived at
In the end, The Retreat gave Lowe the support and tools, not to mention
The Retreat, her treatment goal was to
several cherished friends, she needed to
resolve her mental health issues so she
regain control over her life. Three months
could drink in moderation, because
after her discharge from The Retreat,
the idea of life without alcohol was,
Lowe is, in her own words, doing
someone in early recovery who has
in her words, “terrifying.” To her, alcohol
“phenomenally well.” She recently
succeeded in committing to turn her
had been the only solution to her
celebrated her 166th day of consecutive
life around.
deep-seated pain, self-loathing, and
sobriety, her marriage is on a course to
“I want people to know that where
regret, but Dr. Franklin, Connelly and
repair, and she has a good, full-time job
there is hopelessness, there is a path
others at The Retreat worked together
with a new company. As of press time,
toward hopefulness, no matter your age,
to help her understand the connection
she was less than two weeks away
no matter your circumstances, no matter
between her alcoholism and her
from completing her 90th Alcoholics
how far down the scale you feel you’ve
depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Anonymous meeting in 90 days; also,
gone,” she says. “I encourage anyone
she was preparing to make her first
who knows they are struggling to find it
with her own private room and ample
AA speaker engagement at a local
within them to surrender and ask for help,
opportunities to connect with her
rehabilitation center as an example of
and there is amazing help available. The
Lowe spent 20 days at The Retreat,
rewards far outweigh any trepidation you Each resident enjoys the freedom of having his or her own single bedroom with a private bathroom.
might have in admitting you need help.” “It’s a life-or-death situation, and I believe The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt saved my life,” she continues. “The application of the skills I learned there put me in a position to save my own life and continue to improve. I’m indebted to the people I met there — the residents and the staff. I learned that the best way to express my gratitude to them was to take what they taught me and live a life they would be proud of and I can be proud of, and I’m trying to do that every day.” * Name changed to protect privacy
10
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mark Your Calendar! For a complete listing of events, continuing education classes, and lectures, visit sheppardpratt.org/calendar-events.
ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, November 17, 2015
PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS Once On This Island Charity Musical Concert
support continuing education of medical
ISTSS 30th Annual Meeting
and mental health professionals.
November 5-7, 2015 — New Orleans, La.
Anyone is invited to join. Please visit sheppardpratt.org/education-training for more information.
Baltimore County Consortium for Professional Education in Aging November 12, 2015 — Hunt Valley, Md.
Join members of the national touring
Psychodynamic Understanding of the Suicidal Patient: Fostering Hope and Resilience
cast of The Book of Mormon for a
November 11, 2015
one-night only concert performance of
Antonia S. New, M.D., director of medical
National Federation of Families Children’s Mental Health Annual Conference
Once On This Island at The Conference
student education for the Department
November 19-22, 2015 — Washington, D.C.
Center at Sheppard Pratt. 100% of the
of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School
proceeds will benefit Sheppard Pratt. Visit
of Medicine
Monday, November 9, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
sheppardpratt.org/donate/once-island or call 410-938-5010 to purchase tickets.
Annual Care for Kids Benefit Saturday, April 2, 2016 This year’s Care for Kids Benefit will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. The event will feature an Elvis theme, with all proceeds benefiting Sheppard Pratt’s pediatric patients and students.
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES Dick Prodey Lecture Series
Cutting Edge Uses of Brain Imaging in Psychiatry
APsaA National Meeting
Bradley S. Peterson, M.D., director of the
January 13-17, 2016 — New York, N.Y.
Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for Keck School of Medicine at University
NASW-VA Annual Conference
of Southern California
March 3-5, 2016 — Richmond, Va.
The Treatment of Opioid Dependence December 16, 2015 Erin C. Strain, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Research
CONFERENCE EXHIBITING
National Council on Alcoholism and
Throughout the year, Sheppard Pratt
A FREE, eight-class series held Wednesday evenings at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 410.938.3900 for information.
Continuing Education: Wednesday Lectures at Sheppard Pratt
SAHM Annual Meeting March 9-12, 2016 — Washington, D.C.
Psychotherapy Networker March 17-20, 2016 — Washington, D.C.
Sheppard Pratt Health System, and the
(NCADD-Maryland).
December 11, 2015 — Baltimore, Md.
December 2, 2015
Sponsored jointly by The Kolmac Clinic,
Drug Dependence of Maryland
MANSEF Annual Conference
Health System and its programs exhibit at a number of conferences and community events. Make sure to stop by our booth if you plan to be at any of the events below:
Howard County Autism Society Walk November 1, 2015 — Columbia, Md.
We offer a lecture series at The
MHAMD Brain Futures 2015
Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt
November 4-5, 2015 — Annapolis, Md.
The World of Possibilities Disabilities, Healthy Aging and Independent Living Expo March 19, 2016 — Timonium, Md.
Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference March 24-25, 2016 — Timonium, Md.
most Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. to
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
11
IN THE NEWS
Sheppard Pratt Once Again Ranked in the Top 10! WE’VE been named No. 6 best hospital for psychiatry and No. 1 free-standing psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the 25th consecutive year Sheppard Pratt has been ranked as one of the nation’s top psychiatric hospitals. We couldn’t have done this without the hard work and talent of our staff.
Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit Presents to Yale University PLEASE JOIN US in congratulating our Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit (1H) led by service chief Desmond Kaplan, M.D., who was invited to present to Yale University’s Autism Program this past June.
A Recent Hannah More Graduate Receives the Honor of a Lifetime CONGRATULATIONS to Emanuel “Manny” Dunstan, a recent graduate of the Hannah More School. He was
12
Take a Seat on Our New Adirondack Chairs!
awarded with the inaugural “Iron Manny”
A HUGE THANK YOU to Sean Pumphrey, woodshop teacher at The Jefferson
Aberdeen IronBirds at their September 2
School, for the new and improved Adirondack chairs. The chairs have long
game for attending 1,260 consecutive
symbolized the restorative powers of nature, a cornerstone of the health
school days and was invited to toss
system’s approach to healing and recovery, and can be enjoyed throughout our
the first pitch to Ripken on the 2131
Towson campus.
anniversary night. What an honor!
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
award from Cal Ripken Jr. and the
IN THE NEWS
SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PRESENTS
A Big Thank You to our Child & Adolescent Day Hospital Staff THE STAFF of the Child & Adolescent Day Hospital painted a beautiful mural on the resource/quiet room walls, based on patient feedback as to what they felt were the most calming and pleasant images. Thank you!
ONCE on THIS ISLAND
A musical concert featuring cast members from the national tour of The Book of Mormon Book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Music by Stephen Flaherty Based upon the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy
The Forbush School at Glyndon Grows EFFECTIVE JULY 1, the Hannah More School and The Forbush Therapeutic Preschool became part of The Forbush School at Glyndon, with the preschool moving from its Towson location to Glyndon’s campus in Reisterstown, Md. The Forbush School at Glyndon now has two campuses: Glyndon campus for nursery, elementary, and middle school, as well as the autism program, and the Hannah More campus for high school students.
November 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: sheppardpratt.org/ donate/once-island ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
13
SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PHILANTHROPY
Year in Review You make great things happen when you give to the Sheppard Pratt Health System.
Because of donors like you, we are able to help our patients and students to heal and recover. Here are just a few examples of how philanthropy made an impact during the past year:
MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM is a well-established, research-based program in which music is used to accomplish therapeutic and educational goals. Music therapy is a particularly important intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder to engage and foster their capacity for flexibility, creativity, variability, and tolerance to change. As a result of this program, our preschool students have increased their language development, social, cognitive concepts, motor, and music knowledge skills.
CLOTHING AND BASIC NEEDS ITEMS have been provided for many of our patients. Helping to fulfill basic needs provides a tremendous boost to our patients’ self-esteem and allows them to begin to conceptualize themselves as people with intrinsic value. Providing clothing and basic hygienic supplies makes a significant difference in their lives and directly impacts their ability to focus on treatment.
“ I was so worried about clothes and food that I haven’t had any time to worry about my illness. This truly helps.” — Anonymous patient
14
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
PHILANTHROPY
STUDENT FREE LUNCH PROGRAM at The Forbush School at Glyndon provides well-balanced, nutritious lunches
WRAP (WELLNESS RECOVERY ACTION PLAN)
each day to students who can’t afford to buy their own food. Almost 50 percent of
is a fluid and holistic approach to
our students benefit from this program
patient recovery that is currently being
and are able to better concentrate on
implemented at our Ellicott City Day Hospital.
their schoolwork now that their
Approximately 15-20 patients a day benefit from WRAP,
bellies are full.
which encourages patients to take part in their own recovery and to actively develop a personal safety plan using a journal that is provided to them. Because family members often feel helpless during their loved one’s recovery, this plan is also introduced to families during the patient’s family meeting. With WRAP, family members learn how they can help the patient and better educate themselves about the illness. As a result of WRAP, patients are empowered to move forward with their lives.
“ Thank you for helping me to find purpose in my life again.” — WRAP participant
“ We believe Sheppard Pratt is such an important resource in our community, offering both treatment and education for people at every stage of life. Sheppard Pratt brings mental illness to people’s awareness when it is all too often hidden and misunderstood. As a clinical social worker, Jane knows the importance of having a responsible and reputable haven for those in need. We are fortunate enough to have been able to be long-term supporters of Sheppard Pratt’s critical mission.” — Jane and Stan Rodbell longtime donors to Sheppard Pratt Health System
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
15
PHILANTHROPY
THE FROST SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUB is a program for graduating seniors who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Breakfast Club was created to teach job skills such as product ordering, sales, and customer service by having these seniors sell breakfast items to other students and staff. The Breakfast Club has been invaluable for the students who have participated, as they not only have learned real-world business and hospitality skills, but also have gained a stronger sense of pride and self-confidence. Our younger students have also benefited from the opportunity to practice spending money, ordering food, waiting their turn, and using polite manners in a familiar and comfortable environment.
THANKSGIVING DINNER is held every year for patients in the Sullivan Day Hospital, which treats adults with psychotic disorders or chronic schizophrenia. Our staff strives to fill the void that many patients feel around the holidays with a sense of belonging and acceptance. The atmosphere of Thanksgiving Dinner is inviting, warm, and full of holiday spirit. The patients have the opportunity to feel like a part of an extended family and are treated with both dignity and respect. Even the most reserved patients spontaneously share how thankful they are to have such a meaningful experience.
If you are interested in making a donation to support Sheppard Pratt Health System, please contact Marguerite Kelley, Vice President of Philanthropy at 410.938.4018 or visit givetosheppardpratt.org.
16
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
rd Pratt a p
Sh e
p
PHILANTHROPY
2nd Annual Sheppard Pratt Stride A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our sponsors for helping us to raise nearly $50,000 to support Sheppard Pratt programs that
al
help patients and students, their families, and those affected nd n n 2 nd A
u
by serious mental illness. NEW IN 2016 - 5K IS COMING - SAVE THE DATE 10.8.16
Gold Sponsors Presenting Sponsor
• Asbestos Specialists, Inc. • East Coast Ambulance & Wheelchair Service LLC
Sodexo touches the lives of 75 million consumers in 80 countries every day. In North America alone, Sodexo serves
Silver Sponsors
more than 15 million consumers at 9,000 client sites.
• American Office
Wherever Sodexo works, their dedication to making every
• CTI
day a better day for people and organizations comes from
• First Potomac Realty Trust
one goal — to positively improve quality of life.
Thank You, Chairman! W. BYRON FORBUSH II has left his successor, Fred Motz, with very large shoes to fill as he retires as chairman of the board of trustees at Sheppard Pratt Health System in January 2016. A trustee for 41 years, Byron has helped to guide the health system from a single hospital in 1974 when he first arrived, to a hospital without walls. And for that, we could not be more grateful! Because of his leadership, we have grown into one of the nation’s largest providers of mental health, substance use, and special education services. During his tenure, Byron has been involved with multiple projects, all with the same goal: to tell the story of Sheppard Pratt and to destigmatize mental illness by bringing people together and onto our Towson campus! A Quaker, Byron has ensured that the Quaker traditions and principles that have guided this health system have continued to remain as important as ever. While we will miss Byron’s spirit, dedication, and commitment, we will still be able to seek him out in the archives, as he will remain part of our family as chair emeritus of the board of trustees and archivist.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
17
THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT
From Our Blog: He Got a Girl’s Number LAST NIGHT was one of the best nights I’ve ever had. One of my best friends’ daughters became a bat mitzvah. And she was amazing. But the best part, Bryce had fun. He had more than fun. He got a girl’s number. That may seem like a silly thing for a mom to be excited about, but not this mom. Bryce was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 5 and later with bipolar disorder and anxiety. I wasn’t sure if my son would ever get to have that rite of passage of getting a girl’s number. He might not have a bar mitzvah — but for us, this was better. Seeing him smile, seeing his excitement that someone was paying attention to him, a girl, at a party, that he was doing what the other kids were doing was what was truly amazing. “I am partying,” he told me. It started like every other night. He wanted to bring a stuffed animal. We said no, it’s not appropriate, to which he said, “I don’t want to go.” It’ll be fun, we said. Five minutes into the party, he ran up to me and said, “I hate this, I’m done,” and went and sat down with his video game. When I went to check on him, there he was, sitting with a nice girl who was talking to him while he played. Hmmmm, OK, I’ll let him be. Then he was dancing … with her. “I asked her to dance,” he told me in the morning. “I convinced her to,” he said. Our friends and neighbors were there. They all saw it. Bryce is sitting with a girl, one friend told me. I know. Bryce is on the dance floor! What? OMG, he is. Bryce is on the stage. What? Bryce is taking pictures with her. “Mom,” Bryce said, “she has to leave. Can I walk her to the door?” “Of course you can, Bryce.” And he did. Then he came
Tracy Greenberg and Bryce enjoy a happy moment.
remember the last time my son was that happy. And he is still happy today. To our friends, thank you for having a bat mitzvah party last night. I will remember it forever. Like what you’ve read? Check out our blog at sheppardpratt.org/blog for more great posts from our staff, patients, and community members.
back to the party, all on his own. Not once did I worry about him last night. Not once did he tell me he wanted to hurt himself or that his life sucked or that he wanted to go home. He smiled, he danced; Bryce was just
Tracy Greenberg has become a strong part of the Sheppard Pratt community. She is mother to Bryce, who attends The Frost School, and she gives her time as part of the Consumer Council, a group of family members, former patients, former students, and employees of the health
like all the other kids. I danced; I was able to relax and enjoy
system who are dedicated to improving our quality of care and enhancing
myself and my time at a party with my husband. We took a
recovery from mental illness and addiction.
family photo. It was easy. Bryce is IN the photo, and better yet, he is smiling. I cried of happiness this morning. I can’t
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Sheppard Pratt Health System is a provider of health services that receives federal funds under Medicare Part A and Medicaid. Accordingly, we are required to have a non-discrimination policy as required by Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Specifically, that policy states that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any care, service, or employment.
18
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
MEET OUR DOCTOR
Catching Up with Dr. Scott Aaronson UTILIZING CLINICAL TRIALS TO CHANGE MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Dr. Scott Aaronson, director of the Department of Clinical Research Programs, is the principal investigator for multiple studies on the development of therapies for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, as well as Alzheimer’s disease. He has worked at Sheppard Pratt for more than 14 years and is a thought leader in the areas of biological psychiatry, diagnosis, and the integration of somatic and psychological therapies.
Q. What is unique about
Everything we’re testing within our
the Department of Clinical Research Programs?
Q. What should someone do if they
department is in Phase II (proof of
are interested in participating in a clinical research trial?
A. We are a small research program
submissions), so this is not the first time the
concept) or Phase III (trials to support FDA
within a large health care setting. Because
medication has been tried in humans. While
of this, we are able to provide treatment and
we cannot guarantee response or recovery
conduct our research in a more intimate
while in the study, during the study we learn
setting. Much of our research focuses
a lot about each participant’s illness, and
on mood disorders and the use of
can often make recommendations for
neurostimulation. Neurostimulation
future care. I will often work with study
encompasses many techniques used to
participants for a few months after the study
alter brain functioning using electrical or
to come up with the best treatment
magnetic interventions rather than
strategies before we refer them back to
medication, with the goal of providing relief
their outside clinician.
to patients whose illnesses have not responded to conventional therapies.
Q. What can we do to help destigmatize mental illness?
Q. What is your proudest achievement?
A. We need to recognize that these are
A. Over the past 14 years we have
biological illnesses no different than
become one of only a handful of the most
diabetes or hypertension. There are genetic
productive sites in the world studying
and environmental stressors that are
neurostimulation for depressive illnesses.
responsible for mental illnesses and people
We have been the lead site for several large
with these diagnoses deserve as much help
international trials using Vagus Nerve
and compassion as people with any other
Stimluation (VNS), an implantable device
medical illness.
used to treat only the most severely treatment resistant depressions. Additionally, we are getting ready to
The problem we run into is, unlike cancer where we can see there is a tumor and look at it under the microscope, we are
publish the largest and longest duration
still looking for the physical markers and the
study ever attempted for depression.
causes of psychiatric illness. The stigma
Q. How do you address concerns about safety when it comes to participating in a clinical trial?
against psychiatric illness will disappear once we have clear biological markers through imaging of the brain, genetic variation, or chemical markers in the blood.
A. I have a simple rule of thumb: Loan me
Until we get to that point we need to
your illness, and I will do my best to give it
encourage people to share their stories and
back to you better than when I found it.
put mental illness in the public eye.
CMYK / .eps
Visit our youtube channel to hear more from our interview with Dr. Aaronson: YouTube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth
A. Call us at 410.938.3136 and ask questions/get on our list. If you participate in our program you will at least learn about your illness and about how clinical research is done. We will also do our best to change the impact your illness may be having on your life.
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Mechanicsburg, PA Permit No. 63
6501 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21204 410.938.3000
GARRETT
★
ALLEGANY
★
WASHINGTO
★
N
FREDERICK
★★ ★ ★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★★ ★
CARROLL
★★
BALTIMORE
HOWARD MONTGOM
ERY
★★★
focused on helping you sheppardpratt.org
★
BALTIMORE CITY
KENT
ANNE ARUNDEL
PRINCE GEORGE’S
CECIL
★★ ★★
QUEEN ANNE’S
★
★
TALBOT CHARLES
CAROLINE
CALVERT
THESE FOUR SHORT, SIMPLE WORDS succinctly and powerfully sum up exactly what we try to do for each and every person we touch and can be applied to all programs and departments that comprise our vast health system throughout Maryland.
HARFORD
DORCHEST
ER
ST. MARY’S
★★
WICOMICO
Share Your Story With Us Share with us your memorable story from your time with Sheppard Pratt, and help us fight stigma. Please contact us at 410.938.4466 or share@sheppardpratt.org.
SOMERSET
★ WORCESTER