Category: Miscellaneous

As I See It: Vol.1 Issue #2

As I See It: Vol.1 Issue #2

We’ve all been hurt by someone or have found ourselves on the short end of some situation. And when treated unfairly, there’s a natural tendency to want to right the wrong or level the playing field, so to speak.

Three Reasons Why I’m Not Looking Forward to a DSM 5

Three Reasons Why I’m Not Looking Forward to a DSM 5

The absence of clear biological markers to aid us in establishing an etiological basis for diagnosing mental health disorders will translate into a manual that is more of the same. Lacking such markers, lists of symptoms will continue to be grouped into syndromes that are different in name only.

Mental Health Diagnosis: A Model for Success

Mental Health Diagnosis: A Model for Success

Diagnosing mental health conditions is more art than science – always was, always will be. The diagnosis of general medical conditions is not without an art component, but physical medicine has a major advantage over mental health medicine: the ability to objectify findings. Diagnostically speaking, there is an obvious, self-evident advantage to be able to [...]

As I See It: Vol.1 Issue #1

As I See It: Vol.1 Issue #1

I’ve always liked the signature phrase that helped define the Nike Corporation, namely, “Just Do It.” I like this phrase because it simply and succinctly states the best way to learn something, particularly something new.

Gender Issues and Psychotropic Medication

Gender Issues and Psychotropic Medication

Here’s a breakdown of the role that gender plays in psychotropic medication response:

Psychotropic Medication and Suicide Prevention

Psychotropic Medication and Suicide Prevention

Antidepressants: As a pharmacological class, the antidepressants work far too slowly to be an apt choice as a suicide deterrent. The older cyclic agents can actually be fatal in overdose, particularly if combined with alcohol. This is because many of them block the actions of histamine, thereby producing marked sedation. Serotonin antidepressants, particularly the SSRIs, [...]

Drugmakers to Pool Data in Psychiatric Medication Research

Drugmakers to Pool Data in Psychiatric Medication Research

Demystifying the workings of the brain have proven to be a far more daunting task for pharmaceutical companies whose bread and butter rely upon the research and development of new psychotropics. As a result, nine major pharmaceutical companies have agreed to pool data on drug trials in an effort to streamline the methodology for formulating [...]

Regular Physical Activity and Mental Health Benefits – Context Matters!

Regular Physical Activity and Mental Health Benefits – Context Matters!

Individuals who engage in regular physical activity – regardless of intensity – are less likely to experience symptoms of depression, according to new research published in the November issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. Of particular importance, researchers studying this issue found that this physical activity needs to be taken in people’s leisure time [...]

Independence Day

Independence Day

On July 4, two hundred thirty four years ago, influential members of the Continental Congress, affectionately referred to as our founding fathers, were hard at work pursuing the arduous process task of declaring independence from the abusive, arrogant and autocratic governance of King George III. What I find strikingly poignant was how painful this ordeal [...]

5 Questions Your Clients Should Ask When Having a Psychiatric Medication Evaluation

5 Questions Your Clients Should Ask When Having a Psychiatric Medication Evaluation

How well do your clients communicate with their mental-health medication prescribers? Many clients develop “white-coat brain lock” when it comes to asking questions – particularly on the first visit – because one of the most prevalent communication gaps is between doctors and patients. Clinicians can help, here’s how: On a 3X5 index card, have your [...]