Gustavo Alva, MD, DFAPA

Our Mood Disorders Section Editor discusses the disorder in honor of World Bipolar Day.

The Psychiatric Times Special Report on Treatment-Resistant Depression includes expert discussions on how clinicians can manage major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression in patients who do not achieve wellness right away.

Psychiatric Times chats with new Mood Disorders Section Editor Gus Alva, MD, about his new role, his interest in mood disorders, and his love of psychiatry.

Clinicians wrap up their discussion on novel, rapid-acting agents for major depressive disorder (MDD) with key insights and takeaways for providers.

Clinicians expand their discussion with a second patient case, highlighting similarities and differences between cases, and particular treatment algorithms that may be helpful.

Experts continue their discussion of the first patient case, explaining how glutamate-modulating therapies could help improve his symptoms and outcomes.

Experts use a major depressive disorder (MDD) patient case to provide clinical insights on managing MDD, and how they would educate patients about their condition.

Clinicians wrap up their discussion of three new agents approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Clinicians continue their discussion of three new agents approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Clinicians begin their review of three new agents approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Experts highlight the current and prospective therapies for patients with MDD, highlighting key similarities and differences in patient pathophysiology, drug onset of action, and overall therapeutic limitations.

Experts discuss the impact of targeting glutamate receptors, highlighting its positive effects for patients with anhedonia.

Experts discuss the need to review current clinical guidelines in light of the need for rapid-acting treatment, especially as first-line treatments for some patients.

Clinicians discuss the particular benefits of rapid-acting agents for major depressive disorder (MDD), highlighting the gap glutamate-modulating agents fill in targeted therapies.

Experts continue their discussion on the role of glutamate receptors, explaining their role in stimulating neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

Clinicians discuss the effects of glutamate modulation on neuroplasticity, memory, and cognitive function, highlighting their role in improving overall wellness for their patients.

Experts highlight the role of NMDA and AMPA receptors in major depressive disorder (MDD) and how new therapies are targeting novel mechanisms of action.

Clinicians discuss past treatment options compared to novel glutamate-modulating agents, highlighting their rapid onset of symptom relief.

Experts discuss the significance of glutamate in major depressive disorder, highlighting its links to neuroplasticity and stress.

Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Charles Montano, MD; and Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA, provide take-home messages for the management of patients with MDD and other depressive disorders.

Experts in psychiatry examine emerging agents and unmet needs for the management of MDD.

Charles Montano, MD, and Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC, comment on the impact of various classes of MDD treatments on time to achieve goals and/or response.

Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC, leads a discussion on the level of satisfaction for both patients and providers with currently available MDD treatment options, barriers to access, and the impact of residual symptoms on a patient’s quality of life.

Experts in psychiatry share their treatment approaches for the management of episodic and chronic MDD.

Charles Montano, MD, and Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC, review currently available treatment options for the management of MDD and criteria used for treatment selection.

Charles Montano, MD, and Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC, provide advice regarding monitoring for adverse events and compliance with different classes of MDD treatment and review suggestions for follow-up and special patient populations.

Experts in psychiatry share their thoughts on the perception of MDD within the healthcare community and the implications of this condition being viewed as chronic vs episodic.

Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC, and Charles Montano, MD, comment on the interplay between depression and other comorbid psychiatric and medical health conditions as well as the economic impact of MDD.

Charles Montano, MD; Carmen Kosicek, MSN, PMHNP-BC; and Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA, review the impact of the duration of MDD episodes and goals of managing episode recurrences.

Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA, discusses key takeaways for the management of bipolar disorder.