NPI&H in the News

The faculty, staff, trainees, and associates of the Neuropsychiatric Institute & Hospital and the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences are involved in a wide range of activities, some of which have been covered in the news and are available in an on-line format.

Radio Sound-bites


  • Dr. Anand Kumar studies changes in the structure of the brain that occur in late life, particular the impact of small vascular changes on the brain and the symptoms even subtle changes can cause. On November 9th, 1999, National Public Radio's All Things Considered program aired this segment by Wendy Schmelzer, in which Dr. Kumar describes how these "ministrokes" are linked to late life depression.

    Vascular Depression -- In recent years, numerous studies have suggested "silent" strokes, often deep within the brain, may cause a kind of depression that strikes adults late in life. Scientists say that "vascular depression" leaves older adults listless and apathetic and may be linked to some of the same risk factors associated with full-blown stroke, like hypertension and heart disease. NPR's Wendy Schmelzer has more. (5:00)

  • Dr. Joan Asarnow works with children with depression at UCLA NPI/H. On May 26th, 1998, National Public Radio's All Things Considered program aired this segment by Michelle Trudeau, in which Dr. Asarnow described how she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy to help these children and adolscents recover from their illness.

    Childhood Depression -- NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports that an estimated three million young people suffer from severe clinical depression. For the most part, though, these children and teenagers are not receiving treatment for the illness. This is partly because childhood depression often looks very different from adult depression, but also because few children know how to articulate their problems. But now, growing numbers of psychologists and psychiatrists are recognizing the problems inherent to childhood depression, and are learning how to treat them more effectively. (12:30)

  • Dr. Robert Pynoos is head of Trauma Psychiatry at UCLA. On March 27, 1998, National Public Radio's Morning Edition program aired this piece, which featured an interview with Dr. Pynoos.

    Traumatic Experiences and Children --NPR's Vicky Que reports on advances in the treatment of children who have gone through traumatic experiences-- such as the recent killings at an Arkansas school. These experiences can be particularly harmful to young people, seriously affecting their development. Intensive, long-term conseling is crucial. (5:11)

  • Dr. Gary Small is the Director for the UCLA Center on Aging. National Public Radio interviewed him for their Morning Edition program on August 21, 1997, about the link between specific genes and the development of Alzheimer's Disease.

    Alzheimer Gene Isolated -- NPR's Wendy Schmelzer reports that scientists have isolated a gene they believe is linked to the early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. (3:35)