Major Depressive Disorder

Even though firearms are only used in 5% to 6% of attempts, they are responsible for half of all suicide deaths and are by far the most common method of suicide. In turn, suicide is by far the most common manner of gun death in the US, far outpacing homicides and accidents. Paul Nestadt, MD, a psychiatrist and epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses suicide.

A breakdown of how we are living up to the ideals and standards proposed by the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, including the pandemic's impact on parity.

Although it may seem a bit of a luxury to begin an examination of countertransference at a time when life itself hangs in the balance, clinicians may be working with patients whose political views make it very difficult to address their emotional needs.

In the midst of this current head-spinning, mentally straining, emotionally draining, perplexing pandemic that is leaving many with a jaded, burned-out weariness, mental health and allied professionals can alleviate considerable pain.

A physician who is also long-term patient living with depression discusses a pervasive problem in the house of medicine.

Fangs dripping of bigotry hasten to attack human black deer. Such is a line in the work of this African American psychiatrist.

In just 3 months, the virus has changed the lives of our psychiatric patients and of psychiatry forever. What are the next best steps?

Practical suggestions about how we can approach these stressful times in peace and joy.

Last year, the FDA approved esketamine, a rapidly acting adjunctive intranasal therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Now, researchers are exploring its efficacy in major depressive disorder.

A virtuoso concert pianist and psychiatrist's "play" on the role of music in healing and the influence of psychological and medical factors on the creative output of the great composers in music history.

A patient with refractory MDD continued to suffer and feel as though her life was turned upside down, despite treatment. Learn the outcome of the case.

Policy initiatives can improve both physical and mental health care quality and outcomes for those with serious mental illnesses.

Dr Leslie Zun discusses factors associated with accessing services for patients undergoing psychiatric challenges during the pandemic.

In his 1918 essay, “Mourning and Melancholia,” Sigmund Freud examined the difference between mourning and melancholia, what we would now call major depression or depressive disorder.

The mortality rate is unacceptably high in patient with serious mental illnesses. Several psychosocial interventions have been developed that may benefit these patients.

Jeffrey A. Lieberman, MD, and Mark Olfson, MD, speak from the epicenter of the COVID-19 disaster, New York City.

Shifting the internal narrative can enhance resilience.

This has been an extremely challenging quarantine season for me, not so much because of the restrictions posed by the mandate to stay home, as I am still going to the hospital daily for patient rounds; my biggest struggle has been watching the toxic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on many in my immediate social circle.

Gregory W. Dalack, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Michigan School of Medicine, discusses the challenges of leading an academic department in the midst of a pandemic.

The doctors, nurses, aids, food staff, and janitors are among the frontline heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. They know its ravages best and are most at risk. We mustn't let them down.

In a time of panic, despair, and demoralization, art continues to inspire the author's reflections as it has over the last 40 years. Here, he shares some images that he finds inspirational and helpful. Even in winter there is hope.

Dr John Greden discusses many issues around college mental health and the upheaval the COVID-19 pandemic is causing in this population.

Richard Berlin, MD, recites "COVID-19," by Dr Chris Fitzpatrick. It is a series of haikus strung together to highlight the many moments in hospitals that are happening everywhere in the world. This. Very. Moment.

The public is gripped by fear of COVID-19 and by worry over whether the health system will be able to treat them or their loved ones should they become ill. Consequently, clinical and public health efforts have focused on acute medical care needs of those who are severely affected, while containing the virus’s spread in the population.

Ronald Pies, MD, offers advice on talking to patients about spirituality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While anxiety, depression, loneliness, substance abuse. and domestic violence are inevitable consequences of physical isolation and reduced socialization from coronavirus, emotional strain is not limited to COVID-19.

It’s not supposed to happen this way, but when dread pours over and out in this new dark night of the soul, I’m just thankful for anything that makes it stop.

Tips for advocating for yourself and the safety of your patients.

New hope for depression on the horizon and other updates.

Dr Jud Brewer discusses the benevolent effects of altruism during the coronavirus pandemic in this brief podcast.