Psychopharmacology

A hypnotic might be a good option for augmenting depression treatment, but which hypnotic has the best evidence for efficacy?

After a string of disappointing results, mirtazapine gets another look in a recent study.

A deep dive into the history, side effects, and efficacy of a controversial drug.

Why does the prospect of getting back to normal after the pandemic disturb some patients? And what can be done to overcome these fears?

Although the new drug aducanumab has grabbed all the headlines, the future of Alzheimer treatment may be just as much about public health campaigns as it is about psychopharmacology. In this episode of Psych Pearls, we find out why.

A rare robust finding from a study on bipolar depression.

Travelling the middle road between skepticism and scientism in psychiatric research and treatment.

Patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities need psychiatrists to learn some special skills.

Sometimes the war represented more of a hiatus in ongoing research, which was later resumed. In other cases, it led to displacement or imprisonment.

The latest trial results for MDMA-assisted therapy are in—and they are eye-catching.

Higher lithium levels are associated with a greater risk of long-term kidney harm and more frequent depressive episodes. This bipolar update reviews ways to minimize renal side effects.

What do we know about TD? What is on the horizon? Take the quiz to learn more.

Because schizophrenia is associated with increased inflammation, studies on the effects of anti-inflammatory statins are warranted.

Although lithium is a first-line treatment that ranks high on the list of patient’s favorites, it has fallen out of general use, particularly in the United States. When lithium works well, its benefits tend to last. It is among the top medications that prevent hospitalization. More in this podcast.

A preview of 3 pivotal trials suggests promising results, but there are reasons to wait before jumping in with this antipsychotic.

The sexual side effects of psychiatric medications are troubling enough that some patients consider treatment cessation. The authors review 5 strategies for managing sexual dysfunction.

Sedation may not always be desirable, but it is difficult to avoid in psychiatry. Some of the most sedating medications are discussed.

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain evolves over time, leads to chronic complications, and is very difficult to reverse. Pharmacologic interventions used to tackle weight gain are modestly effective and worth considering in certain cases.

The psychiatrist's armamentarium to treat depression holds promise with a growing arsenal of integrative and pharmacologic options.

Whether an effect is adverse or desired can be a function of the clinical situation.

Opening certain potassium channels in the brain reduces depressive symptoms and anhedonia.

A quick primer on nomenclature, issues to consider, and switching.

Prazosin appears to be effective and perhaps the best medication for selected patients, including those with bipolar disorder.

Enlightening survey results reveal what psychiatrists think about medical marijuana/cannabis use, how or whether to discuss with their patients, and what biases might get in the way of such conversations.

Cannabis use has prompted symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue in older patients. Are there any benevolent effects?