Articles related to MENTAL HEALTH

Disheartening statistics reveal that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with nurses appearing to be at a higher risk than the general population, particularly following the relentless strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that our profession can struggle with addressing institutional problems such as inadequate personal protective equipment and enforced overtime, these stressors can intensify the psychological toll. Despite several studies investigating the stress experienced by nurses, we’re often encouraged to endure these pressures stoically, even amidst a pandemic. The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide within our ranks is not addressed as it should be, which is detrimental to our wellbeing as individuals and professionals. In comparison, physician suicide does not pose a higher risk than that of nurses or the general public. However, a turning point came with the tragic suicide of Dr. Lorna Breen, an Emergency Department physician, leading to the enactment of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act in 2022. This legislation established a national program designed to prevent suicide, reduce mental health stigma, and enhance resilience among health care professionals. The Act emphasizes the importance of seeking mental health support and demystifying the stigma associated with […]

Delve into the fascinating world of an integrated approach to brain medicine that amalgamates neurology and psychiatry, ushering a new era in patient care. Our understanding of the brain is constantly expanding. This unprecedented knowledge blurs the boundaries between neurology and psychiatry. However, an issue arises: current clinical training maintains a dichotomy stemming from 19th-century practices. This divergence is creating a shift. Neurologists, traditionally untrained in psychiatric management, find themselves treating more psychiatric patients. Likewise, new neuroscience-based precision treatments and diagnostic biomarkers demand skills beyond the psychiatric training purview. This status quo poses a significant challenge to training future doctors. We need to focus on establishing competence in whole-brain aspects and fostering subspecialized expertise. Additionally, implementing feasible and practical programs is paramount. In response, this article proposes a novel 4-year residency program. The first two years concentrate on common and urgent neurology and psychiatry aspects, followed by two years of elective subspecialty tracks. This concept mirrors internal medicine residencies and fellowships, without necessitating changes to existing departmental structures. The article further introduces ‘brain medicine’ as a fitting term for this unified practice. The name emphasizes a holistic focus on all brain aspects. Conventionally, the division between neurology and psychiatry relates […]

NEW YORK CITY | THE GLASSHOUSE CHELSEASATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023 In a comprehensive in-person setting, psychiatrists will get current, clinically relevant, and practice-based updates. This full-day conference will feature interesting presentations conducted by renowned thought leaders in schizophrenia, postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, ADHD, and addiction. Each session will include a patient perspective to ensure professionals obtain practical, real-world understanding.

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The FDA, in frequent communication with manufacturers, has not provided a clear timeline for when the shortage will be resolved. The shortage is attributed to various factors. The demand for Adderall has increased significantly, with a 10% rise in prescriptions filled in 2021 compared to the previous year. The US Drug Enforcement Agency’s efforts to combat prescription drug misuse have also played a role in limiting production. Furthermore, the pandemic led to the emergence of telemedicine startups, making it easier for individuals to obtain Adderall prescriptions, sometimes inaccurately. While waiting for the supply to be restored, healthcare professionals can consider alternative therapies such as dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine.

This 1-Minute Consult reviews the bedside workup of delirium and possible stroke and reviews the cases for – and against – imaging.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) researches how germline (or inherited) alterations impact a person’s receptivity to medication. Almost everyone has a clinically significant variant of one or more pharmacogenes. Genetic variations in PK, PD, and HLA are linked to variations in drug response. Evidence only supports the utility of PGx testing for the four genes CYP2C19, CYP2D6, HLA-B15:02, and HLA-A31:01 in mental health. Fill out the CPE exam and submit it online at www.pharmacist.com/education if you’re interested in receiving 1 hour of CPE credit for this activity.