Articles related to MENTAL HEALTH

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.

A patient requests a letter from the psychiatrist advocating for a service animal or an emotional support animal. What is the distinction between them? What is the psychiatrist’s responsibility when such a request is made?

All agree that the well-being of the patient is paramount. But how to find that in the midst of so much hostility and criticism? When the evidence base is weak or disputed, other factors must be weighed, such as how invasive is the recommended intervention.

The journal was created 25 years ago to address the disconnect between typical residency behavioral health training the skills needed to treat patients with depressive and related psychiatric illness in primary care.