New Pentagon report shows 50% spike in PTSD cases

A recently released Department of Defense report shows a 50 percent increase in documented PTSD cases in 2007. Monica Matthieu, Ph.D., an expert on veteran mental health and an assistant professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis, says that “While it is important to know the number of men and women returning from war with PTSD, it is also critical that veterans and their family members know where to go to access mental health services.”

Research offers clues for dealing with anxiety, childhood depression, schizophrenia

Research is shedding new light on what happens in the brains of children and adults affected by clinical depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, according to Washington University in St. Louis studies presented at a recent mental health symposium. The findings, which come as America celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, point to new treatment options for preschool-aged children with significant clinical depression and for severely depressed adults who don’t respond to standard treatments, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Skin defects set off alarm with widespread and potentially harmful effects

When patches of red, flaky and itchy skin on newborn mice led rapidly to their deaths, researchers at the School of Medicine looked for the reason why. What they found was a molecular alarm system that serves as a sentinel to monitor the integrity of skin — the body’s essential protective barrier. The fatal effects of raising this alarm in the lab mice suggests generally that certain kinds of impairments to the skin’s structure can potentially trigger harmful effects in other areas of the body, according to the researchers.

David Stamilio named director of maternal-fetal medicine division

StamilioDavid M. Stamilio, M.D., has been named director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the School of Medicine, effective July 1. Stamilio is replacing Yoel Sadovsky, M.D., who became director of the Magee-Womens Research Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. Stamilio’s appointment was announced by George Macones, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Edison Theatre announces 2008-09 OVATIONS! Series

Courtesy photo*Masked Marvels & Wondertales*Since 1973 the Edison Theatre OVATIONS! series has presented both new works and innovative interpretations of classical material by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The 2008-09 season, the Edison’s 36th, will feature more than a dozen dance, music and theatrical events — including several St. Louis and world premieres — designed to challenge, educate and inspire.

147th Commencement video highlights

Washington University in St. Louis celebrated the 147th Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2008, in Brookings Quadrangle on the Danforth Campus. Highlights from the 147th Commencement at Washington University in St. Louis A day to be remembered by all, 2,655 candidates took part in commencement, receiving 2,790 degrees, of which 1,507 were undergraduate and 1,283 […]

Former WUSTL administrator, scholar Merle Kling to be honored at memorial service June 1

A memorial service for Merle Kling, Ph.D., former provost, executive vice chancellor, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and professor of political science in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, in Whitaker Hall Auditorium on the university’s Danforth Campus. A reception will follow in the Whitaker Hall Atrium.

Edison Theatre

September 27 Sweet Honey in the Rock This Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble celebrates the rich legacy of African-American musical traditions, capturing the sounds of spirituals, gospel, Blues, African chants and ancient lullabies. Founded in 1973, the all-female group takes its name from Psalm 81:16 — which describes a land so rich that honey flows […]