Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is very common and can lead to medical, social and legal impairments for affected individuals and their families. Despite the high prevalence of AUD and its significant public health consequences, patients with this disorder continue to be under-identified and undertreated. The American Psychiatric Association has recently come out with practice guidelines […]
Category Archives: Newsletter
Maximizing Efficacy of Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications, most commonly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently prescribed by primary care providers for depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders. There are some important guiding principles to keep in mind when prescribing these medications, which can dramatically improve a patient’s response to treatment and ensure ongoing safety. Here is a review […]
Crisis Intervention for Aggressive Patients
As health care professionals, we are sometimes faced with patients in crisis. An estimated 4 percent of visits to primary care physicians involve psychiatric or social crises. Proper assessment and intervention are essential to ensure the safety of the patient and others. For purposes of this article, crisis moments refer to those points in time […]
Psychiatry and Chronic Pain
Pain affects nearly 100 million people and is one of the most common complaints made to primary care providers by their patients. More than 20% of all medical visits are pain-related. Consistent with a biopsychosocial model of illness, individuals with chronic pain often report that the pain interferes with their ability to engage in occupational […]
Medical Differential for Patient Presenting with Depressive Symptoms
When a patient, especially one without a history of depression, presents with depressive symptoms, it is important to consider if those symptoms are a result of another medical condition. Depressive symptoms that are more likely to be in this category include: Fatigue/low energy Trouble initiating or maintaining sleep Hypersomnia Significant change in […]
“Hallucinations” in Children
Hallucinations in children can be a confounding symptom and it is important to evaluate further if a child is presenting with concerns about hallucinations. It is important to distinguish among true hallucinations (false auditory, visual or other sensory perceptions that are not associated with real external stimuli), illusions (misperceptions of actual stimuli), imaginary friends, fantasies […]
Extra-Pyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Extra-Pyramidal Symptoms (EPS) refers to involuntary motor movement side effects that can result from antipsychotic use. EPS is generally less likely to occur with second generation antipsychotic medications (Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, Zyprexa, Latuda) compared to first generation antipsychotic medications, especially the high potency ones (Haldol, Prolixin, Trilafon). It is important to monitor for EPS, […]
Tips to Reduce the Side Effects of ADHD Medications
Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be very helpful for children who struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention so that they can be more successful in the home and school environments. Often these medications can lead to problematic side effects such as decreased appetite, stomach pain, sleep problems, and moodiness, that can make […]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder than can occur after a person is exposed to a major traumatic event. It is classified as a “trauma and stress-related disorder” in the DSM V. It used to be thought that PTSD only occurred in combat situations but it is now known that it can occur […]