Major Depressive Disorder

What an exciting time to be involved in understanding and providing care for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders!

A review of the distinction between depressive and psychotic symptom domains, current knowledge about the etiology and neurobiology of depression and psychosis, and how this knowledge can inform the treatment of patients with features of both.

Will novel treatments from around the world be treats or tricks? Whatever they turn out to be, they are as fascinating and varied as Halloween costumes.

Recent studies examine placebo responses to antidepressants, the effect of SSRIs on sleep in the elderly, and the best time of day for psychotherapy sessions.

Is St. John’s wort (SJW; Hypericum perforatum) an appropriate treatment option for patients with MDD? What advice should be given to patients who inquire about it?

The authors focus on the psychiatric management of transplant recipients and the evaluation and care of living organ donors.

"Like many good psychiatrists, I have empathy and concern for my patients. But in my case, I’ve quite literally walked in their shoes."

Three new studies help predict which patients with depression may not respond to pharmacotherapy and which women may become depressed during menopause.

Among patients with treatment-resistant MDD, transcranial magnetic stimulation wins the popular vote.

Psychiatrists are playing an ever-increasing role in the evaluation and care of organ transplant candidates and living organ donors-before and after transplant.

Are you aware of this newly identified risk factor for suicide?

A summary of important CBT studies with the most current evidence-based information, chosen for their relevance and clinical utility.

Patients want to know what to expect with a given treatment, how their experiences compare with those of others, or whether they are alone in coping with their conditions. Who best to answer these questions than others like them?

Can lithium pass the LiTMUS test?

A searching interrogation of scientific findings reflected against experience with patients.

Recent studies illustrate the importance of homing in on the somatic symptoms of depression

Which patients are most likely to find a computer-based program helpful?

Poetic, raw, and haunting, this young woman's description of having a psychiatric illness powerfully reveals what I believe are common, but rarely articulated, thoughts and feelings.

A low-cost intervention creates “virtual darkness” to help stabilize mood.

Insights from the first study of mortality and cumulative psychotropic exposure in schizophrenia.

Three recent studies assess the benefits of various therapies for MDD.

Should doctors be legally allowed to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide?

A safe, noninvasive method for early detection of depression could be around the corner.

Once a health care professional has reached a chronic stage of burnout, lives may be at stake. But prevention and treatment are possible.

When physicians behave disruptively in the workplace, what is the most likely cause?

How best to tackle a challenging core feature of MDD.

Three new studies focus on innovative strategies to manage depression.

The very traits that define a good physician make it difficult for most doctors to prioritize basic self-care. Many fail to notice early signs of dysfunction.

Proper technique, practiced over time, can transform an appointment from "medication management" to a serious change in behavior, as evidenced by the 5 examples featured in this article.

Does this patient have decision making capacity to refuse a blood transfusion that will likely save his life? You are the ethics consultant, and the decision is yours.