WPIC Mental Health And Wellness Lecture Series To Begin October 1

The University of Pittsburgh's Clinical and Translational Science Institute Community PARTners Program and the Research Network Development Core at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC will host a Mental Health and Wellness Lecture Series to inform the public of new discoveries into the causes and treatments of mental health illnesses. The series is free and open to the public. Programs will be held at Carnegie Libraries throughout the area.

Lecture topics, dates and locations are:

Understanding Autism: New Discoveries

Nancy Minshew, M.D., professor of psychiatry and neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the NIH Autism Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University

What do we know now about autism that we didn't know 10 years ago? Are we getting closer to a "cure" or a more definitive treatment? Learn more about autism, the causes and new treatments.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

How To Cope With Stress For Better Physical And Mental Health

Bruce S. Rabin, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology and psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and medical director, UPMC Healthy Lifestyle Program

This presentation will help you understand the mental and physical effects of stress. Learn skills that can be used to minimize the effect of stress on your mental and physical health. Plus…free health screenings for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression will be offered.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library
7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood

Grief And Its Complications: Understanding How Grief Works (And When It Isn't Working)

Allan Zuckoff, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Grief is our natural response to the death of someone close. People grieve in different ways, and when the grieving process "works," we are able to accept the death and go on with our lives. However, in some cases, grief can become a lingering and unchanging state for which is needed. This presentation will discuss the nature of grief and complicated grief, clarify some commonly held misconceptions about the grieving process and offer suggestions for help with grief-related problems. Plus…free health screenings for complicated grief and depression will be offered.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

Rhythm And Mood: A New Way To Think About Bipolar Disorder

Ellen Frank, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director, Depression and Manic Depression Prevention Program, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC

What is bipolar disorder? What are the causes? Do other illnesses co-occur with bipolar disorder? How is bipolar disorder treated? How do you find the right care? Dr. Frank will discuss what is currently known about the causes and consequences of bipolar disorder and provide an update on today's effective treatments. Plus…free bipolar disorder screenings will be offered.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

Coping With The Challenges Of Cancer

Donna M. Posluszny, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and associate director, behavioral medicine clinical service, Hillman Cancer Center

People with cancer-and the family members and friends who love and support them-face many challenges. This workshop will explore the emotional impact of cancer and what you can do to help yourself or someone you love become emotionally stronger in the face of cancer.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

The Challenges, Benefits And Health Effects Of Family Caregiving

Richard Schulz, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, director, University Center for Social and Urban Research, associate director, University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging, and director, Geriatric Education Center of Pennsylvania

Family members are the primary providers of long-term care to the elderly in the United States. Learn more about the signs of caregiver stress and how to deal with the emotional and practical sides of caregiving.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Carnegie Library
612 Smithfield St., Downtown

Pediatric Obesity: A National Health Crisis

Marsha D. Marcus, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and chief, behavioral medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Pediatric obesity has increased dramatically, with rates tripling over the last 30 years. Obesity poses a threat to the health and well-being of American children. This presentation will focus on what science can tell us about the causes and consequences of the problem and what families can do to help their children lead healthy, active lives.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd): What Parents Should Know

Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Kids with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity. This means that they may have trouble focusing on certain tasks and subjects, or they may seem "wired" or act impulsively. Learn more about ADHD symptoms, causes, today's effective treatments and tips for seeking care.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

6 to 8 p.m.
Carnegie Library - Main
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland