Lois Wingerson

The molecular events that accompany drug abuse and addiction are different for women than for men, according to new studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). As yet, little if any of this knowledge has made its way into gender-based differences in pharmacological and behavioral treatments for addiction. But according to some of the speakers, it could and it should.

As transgender activists protested outside the American Psychiatric Association meeting, speakers at the meeting were presenting on the same topic: gender identity disorder. Some of their words would add clinical weight to the political slogans.

Is it ethical for a psychiatrist to Google a patient? There are no established policies about this, and perhaps there should be, contends Damir Huremovic, MD, co-chair of a session on cyberspace at the American Psychiatric Association meeting.