Psychopharmacology

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?

Multidisciplinary insights on helping patients with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic, medication abuse, and other factors affecting care.

The war experiences of physicians and scientists shaped their research agendas.

What is the long-term, real-world effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for schizoaffective disorder? An investigation into 2 nationwide cohorts of patients living with schizophrenia provides new details.

If patients decline electroconvulsive therapy, psychiatrists still have many good options.

Aducanumab is named 1 of the 5 “Drugs to Watch” for 2021.

Does switching antipsychotics quell weight gain in patients with severe mental illness? A meta-analysis of 59 relevant studies provides insights.

It is important to monitor and alter psychotropic medications and dosages in older patients as needed. This slideshow serves as quick reference on the effects of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in the elderly.

Are current systems of mental health care alienating children and adults from the meaning inherent in their own emotional difficulties?

A study finds that testing genetic variations can predict outcomes and medication blood levels in patients with depression.

How often do your patients share with you the positive and negative effects of medications?

This comprehensive approach for assessing and addressing potential cardiac complications before prescribing psychotropics can enhance care.

Psychiatrists who prescribe certain medications need to mitigate cardiac risks.

As we learn about the effect of COVID-19 on patients with bipolar and other psychiatric disorders, clinicians should be prepared to ask questions to uncover new syndromic behaviors.

Why are serum levels so important?