Given the increase in prescribing of antipsychotic medication, it is more important than ever for providers to be screening for Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) related to antipsychotic use. Partially, the increase in prescribing of antipsychotic medications is related to their use in non-psychotic disorders, like monotherapy for bipolar disorder and adjunctive […]

Concussion, defined as a head injury with a temporary loss of brain function, is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. There is typically not a loss of consciousness associated with most concussions, and the sequelae are typically temporary. Concussion can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. This article is going […]

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 […]

Type of Treatment Advantages Disadvantages SSRIs*/SNRIs*: paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac),  citalopram (Celexa), venlafaxine(Effexor),  duloxetine (Cymbalta) Recommended first-line treatments in GAD Effective against comorbid depression Slow onset of action Sexual dysfunction, other side effects limit compliance Tolerability/withdrawal issues/”start low, go slow”. Maximize dose over time, as tolerated. Psychological Therapies/Counseling: Concurrent with possible medications; All patients […]

Telling patients no is not always easy.  Primary care physicians (PCPs) know this all too well. Most providers feel pressure to obtain better patient satisfaction scores and know that their compensation, in part, is linked to this. How do you tell such patients “no” in a nice way that minimizes your risk of being trashed […]