For the treatment of psychosis in schizophrenia, may an oral molecule constitute a new class of psychotropic drug with a non-D2-receptor binding mode of action? The purpose of a recent study was to answer that question, which Dr. Matt Birnholz delves into in this audio abstract.

SEP-363856, a non-D2-receptor binding antipsychotic, reduced the PANSS total score from baseline more than the placebo in this 4-week experiment comprising individuals with acute exacerbations of schizophrenia. Longer and larger trials are required to confirm SEP-363856’s effects and side effects as well as its efficacy in comparison to other medications currently used to treat schizophrenia patients.

The authors in this paper wanted to determine if, on the basis of basic clinical criteria, the stiff limb syndrome can be distinguished from the stiff man syndrome and progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity, and whether this distinction has any bearing on the condition’s origin, course of treatment, or prognosis.

In an analysis of electronic messages from patients, women physicians, DOs, and PCPs are twice as likely as other physicians to be referred to by their first name instead of as “doctor.” Is it acceptable? Is it good for the relationship? What are the best responses for institutions and individual practitioners?

This interview with Roger McIntyre, MD, professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto, highlights the key points from his presentation at the 2022 NEI Congress. Dr. McIntyre discusses the different clinical presentations and gives an overview of the most effective pharmacologic treatments for each disorder.

This prospective cohort study measured cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic drug-resistant epilepsy. Using subcutaneous cardiac monitors programmed to record episodes of tachycardia, bradycardia, or asystole ≥3 seconds, 90% of study patients had episodes of sustained tachycardia, 25% had bradycardia and nearly 10% had asystole.