Definition The term substance use disorder has replaced substance abuse and dependence in the diagnostic lexicon. As defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , “The essential feature of a substance use disorder is…
Definition A variety of terms have been used to describe the spectrum of medical, psychological, behavioral, and social problems associated with excessive consumption of alcohol (alcohol problems) . The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th edition (DSM-5)…
Definitions Cigarette smoking is the most frequent (>90%) method of tobacco use, although other forms, including pipe tobacco, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, are common. Nicotine, which is the active ingredient in tobacco, acts as a reinforcer for the use of…
Overview Disorders in Psychiatry Psychiatric disorders, also known as mental illnesses, are extraordinarily common and have a profound impact on well-being and functional status. Collectively, psychiatric disorders account for more aggregate disability than do disorders involving any other organ system,…
Evaluation of Change in Mental Status Evaluation of change in mental status requires simultaneous efforts towards (1) establishing a diagnosis; (2) identifying potential etiologies and addressing life-threatening contributors; and (3) managing symptoms to ensure patient safety. A careful history should…
Definition The human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) family has four members: HTLV-1, HTLV-2, HTLV-3, and HTLV-4. HTLV-1 causes two distinct types of disease: adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and several chronic inflammatory conditions, most notably HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-2 rarely causes…
With the advent of early, better tolerated, less toxic, antiretroviral therapy (ART), including fixed-dose combinations and single-tablet regimens, the life expectancy among people with HIV has come closer to that of the uninfected population. However, many complications may arise that…
Microbial Complications Epidemiology Despite the widespread availability of effective antiretroviral regimens in the United States, opportunistic infections are still seen frequently at many health care facilities, especially those serving populations with poor access to health care. The annual incidence of…
The development of effective antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is one of the most notable achievements in modern medicine. Antiretroviral therapy should be administered and overseen by a clinician with experience and expertise whenever possible. Under such…
At the end of 2020, approximately 37.6 million people worldwide were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and over 35 million people have died as a consequence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Opportunities to prevent new HIV infection…