Neuropsychiatry: A Renaissance
April 1st 2006The 5 papers in this Special Report on neuropsychiatry provide compelling evidence for the renaissance of neuropsychiatry as a clinical discipline. Wehave every reason to hope that this will lead to a better understanding of the complex interactions between brain and behavior and will reduce the artificial distinction between neurology and psychiatry.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Update on the Antidepressant Controversy
April 1st 2006A black box warning about increased suicidality in pediatric patients is now required for all antidepressant medications. This column reviews a number of studies on this topic that were published after the FDA advisory was issued.
Diffusion of Medical Innovation
April 1st 2006In the late 18th century, a French surgeon named Pouteau performed 120 successive lithotomies with an extraordinarily low mortality rate. His secret was the use of innovations used widely today. Why weren't his methods more widely adopted by other physicians in his time?
Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury
April 1st 2006Each year, more than 2 million individuals in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury. Increased vigilance for previously undiagnosed or incidental TBIs in general mental health populations may lead to more effective clinical management.
Treatment Challenges in Schizophrenia: A Multifaceted Approach to Relapse Prevention
April 1st 2006While an antipsychotic medication is the first step of treatment for schizophrenia, it is increasingly recognized that comprehensive care requires the integration of adjunctive therapies and attention to long-term treatment goals.
Gone to Pot: The Association Between Cannabis and Psychosis
April 1st 2006Cannabis, or marijuana, has been consumed by humans for centuriesand remains one of the most widely and commonly used illicitsubstances. The authors review the evidence supporting and refutingthe association between cannabis exposure and psychotic disorders.
Electroencephalography in Neuropsychiatry
April 1st 2006The recent evolution of neuropsychiatry/behavioral neurology as a subspecialty represents a paradigmatic shift regarding the responsibility of psychiatrists in diagnosing and managing behavioral disorders with concomitant and demonstrable brain pathology such as dementia or head injury. This authors define the clinical usefulness of electroencephalography in evaluating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Treating Cognition and Function in Patients With Alzheimer Disease
April 1st 2006The cost-effectiveness of treatment for Alzheimer disease has been questioned. But until the next generation of therapeutics arrives, cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine will probably remain essential components of therapy for cognition and function.
Antidepressants: Youth Suicide Warnings Increasingly Questioned
April 1st 2006The FDA advisories warning of increased suicide risk among children and adolescents beginning antidepressant therapy have alarmed the health care community--but it may actually be a disservice to withhold these medications from those who need them.
What Role Does Serotonin Play in PTSD?
April 1st 2006As many as 90% of Americans are exposed to at least one traumatic event in the course of their lives. Many more are exposed to more than one traumatic event. Short- and long-term sequelae of traumatic exposure vary greatly and range from complete recovery, to severe and debilitating PTSD.
Breast Cancer: What Psychiatrists Need to Know
April 1st 2006Many of our female patients are more worried about breast cancer than heart disease. Because psychiatrists will almost certainly care for patients who have a history of breast cancer, Dr Riba reviews some of the major issues to consider.