Tag

Treatment Access

All articles tagged with #treatment access

health2 months ago

OCD Cases in Under 25s Tripled Over a Decade

The number of young people aged 16-24 reporting OCD symptoms in England has more than tripled over the past decade, making OCD the second most common mental health disorder in this age group. Despite increased awareness and some government efforts to improve services, many face long waits and limited access to effective treatment, with some families resorting to private care or experimental procedures. Experts warn that societal pressures, social media, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the rise, highlighting a significant mental health crisis among youth that requires urgent attention and better funding.

global-health6 months ago

South African Activist Demands H.I.V. Treatment Access Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

Zackie Achmat, a veteran South African AIDS activist, has returned to advocacy amid U.S. aid cuts and government inertia threatening South Africa's HIV treatment programs, which had previously achieved significant success. Despite government assurances, activists fear a collapse of services, prompting protests and potential legal action to ensure continued access to lifesaving HIV treatment.

health6 months ago

New Haven County Faces 68 Opioid Deaths Since January Amid Treatment Efforts

Since January, New Haven County has experienced 68 fatal opioid overdoses, prompting calls for urgent action. The APT Foundation has launched a campaign to improve access to immediate, low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder, emphasizing the need to treat it as an urgent medical issue and eliminate systemic delays and stigma. Despite existing efforts, delays and barriers still hinder timely care, contributing to preventable deaths.

health7 months ago

Call for Specialist Binge Eating Disorder Services in Northern Ireland

Sinead Quinn, suffering from binge eating disorder (BED), highlights the lack of specialized treatment services for BED in Northern Ireland, where patients are often referred to general mental health services instead. Experts emphasize the need for dedicated, evidence-based care and better recognition of BED as a serious mental health condition, advocating for reform to improve diagnosis and treatment options in the region.

health1 year ago

Global Diabetes Crisis: 800 Million Affected, Many Untreated

Global diabetes rates have doubled over the past 30 years, with many middle- and low-income countries struggling to provide adequate treatment, according to a study published in The Lancet. The report highlights that nearly 60% of diabetics over 30 did not receive medication in 2022, despite the availability of affordable drugs. The rise in type 2 diabetes is linked to increasing obesity rates, and access to treatment is hindered by supply chain issues and high costs. Efforts by pharmaceutical companies to improve access are insufficient, leaving many without necessary care.

health2 years ago

Persistent Shortages of Life-Saving Cancer Drugs Plague US Medical Centers

A survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network reveals that major cancer centers in the US are still facing widespread shortages of critical chemotherapy drugs. Among the surveyed centers, 72% reported a shortage of carboplatin and 59% reported a shortage of cisplatin, both of which are commonly used in cancer treatment. Overall, 86% of the centers reported a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug. The ongoing drug shortages, which have been exacerbated this year, are a cause for concern as they impact access to the best possible treatment for cancer patients. The survey highlights the need for enduring solutions to address these shortages and ensure equitable care for all cancer patients.

health2 years ago

"Alarming Drug Overdose Death Rate Surfaces in Sacramento County, Outpacing California and US"

Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have more than doubled since 2015, with over 100,000 deaths reported last year. A tracking system created by the San Francisco Chronicle reveals that the overdose death rate in Sacramento County, California, was higher than the state and national rates, at 3.7 per 100,000 residents in December 2022. Fentanyl is increasingly contributing to these deaths, often found in methamphetamine. Overdose deaths are particularly high among the American Indian population. Health organizations emphasize the need for more residential rehab, outpatient treatment, and access to care, while also highlighting the importance of naloxone (narcan) in reversing opioid overdoses.

healthcare2 years ago

Medicare Expands Coverage of PET Scans for Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Medicare is proposing to expand its coverage of PET scans, a diagnostic tool used to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The current policy of only covering one PET scan per lifetime for patients participating in clinical trials would be abolished. Regional organizations called Medicare Administrative Contractors would have the authority to decide whether to cover the scans based on their "reasonableness and necessity" for diagnosis. This change could make it easier for patients to access new treatments for Alzheimer's. Medicare has already agreed to cover the Alzheimer's treatment Leqembi, and will also cover other antibody treatments for Alzheimer's if they receive FDA approval. The proposed policy has been welcomed by the Alzheimer's Association as a "major step forward" in removing barriers for patients.