Neurostimulation for Mood Disorders
September 5th 2014We have medications that can affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and-to a lesser extent-dopamine. Many other neurotransmitters are involved with mood disorders, but we have no medications yet to target them. Neurostimulation offers a non-systemic somatic approach to depression, often with an improved side effect profile. More in this Q&A.
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Psychotic Depression: Underrecognized, Undertreated-and Dangerous
July 31st 2014Here: the history of psychotic depression for the Study of the Pharmacotherapy of Psychotic Depression (STOP-PD), a summary its epidemiology, significance, diagnostic complexity, and treatment, as well as case vignettes.
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Update on Mood Disorders in Later Life
June 17th 2014Mood disorders in older adults are neither inevitable nor particularly resistant to treatment. With attention to the special needs of older patients during evaluation, treatment, and follow up, clinicians can help many patients derive greater enjoyment from their later years.
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The Clinical and Treatment Implications of Co-Occurring Mania and ADHD in Youths
December 17th 2013The relationship between bipolar disorder and ADHD remains unclear; however, this combined condition may represent an important genetic and clinical subtype with distinct psychopathology, familiality, and treatment response.
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“Switching” of Mood From Depression to Mania With Antidepressants
Mood switching is not uncommon and it is much more prevalent in depressed juveniles than in depressed adults, and there is a large apparent excess of antidepressant-associated switching over reported spontaneous diagnostic changes to bipolar disorder. Details here.
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To Treat or Not to Treat: That Is the Question With Perinatal Mood Disorders
October 4th 2013In a PsychCongress presentation on perinatal mood disorders, Marlene Freeman, MD, stressed that treatment is essential for women with mood disorders-but whether to treat becomes complicated during a women’s reproductive years.
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Natural Products Used to Treat Depressed Mood as Monotherapies and Adjuvants to Antidepressants
September 23rd 2013Most persons who use CAM modalities to self-treat a mental health problem take prescription antidepressants concurrently. Combined use can result in serious supplement-drug interactions.
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Mind-Body Interventions for Mood Disorders in Older Adults
September 9th 2013Nonpharmacological interventions-such as mind-body interventions-can improve a partial response to antidepressants via stress reduction, improved physical functioning, increased socialization, and reduced risks of polypharmacy.
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Olanzapine/Fluoxetine Combination Affirmed for Bipolar Depression
July 17th 2013A recent meta-analysis supports evidence of the effectiveness of the fixed olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (Symbyax) in treating the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Response was ranked higher, but with no more adverse effects, than with treatment with olanzapine alone.
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Hypothyroidism: An Important Diagnostic Consideration for the Psychiatrist
July 11th 2013Hypothyroidism is a common clinical disorder that psychiatrists frequently encounter. However, symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are often vague and nonspecific, which can lead to delayed or missed diagnosis.
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