Key Points Background Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to an inadequate response to at least one antidepressant given in sufficient doses and for an appropriate duration. History Despite the recent advances in treatment of depression, only 30%–40% of patients achieve remission…
Key Points The immediate mechanism of action of modern antidepressants (“immediate effects”) involves influencing the function of one or more monoamine neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, norepinephrine [noradrenaline], or dopamine). Influencing monoaminergic function has been shown to result in several changes in…
Key Points All antipsychotics share dopamine 2 blockade as the presumed main mechanism of action. Primary symptom targets of antipsychotics are positive symptoms (disorganization, delusions, and hallucinations) and agitation; their efficacy for negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia is…
Key Points A variety of pharmacological agents are effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line pharmacological agents for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are effective, rapidly acting and well-tolerated, but are associated with…
Key Points One can approach the study of the brain and its pathophysiology from various perspectives with different levels of resolution: molecular, genetic, cellular, synaptic, systems, and behavioral. Pathological processes and therapeutic interventions can target one or more of these…
Key Points Epidemiology Personality has evolved to guide both social and interpersonal function. Use of dimensional diagnostic systems improves reliability and descriptive breadth. Clinical Findings Normal personality traits and DSM-5 personality disorders share many features. Treatment Options Empirical findings indicate…
Key Points Epidemiology Death and loss are part of the human condition; therefore, everyone is at risk for the experience of grief. Clinical Findings Grief may be defined as the physical and emotional pain precipitated by a significant loss. Though…
Key Points Incidence Eating disorders are prevalent among young women, but they can occur across diverse ages and populations. Epidemiology Eating disorders are associated with serious medical co-morbidity related to nutritional compromise, to low weight, and to chronic bingeing and…
Key Points Incidence Sexual disorders are common, occurring in 43% of women and 31% of men in the US. Epidemiology Advanced age and co-morbid medical (particularly cardiovascular) and psychiatric conditions are associated with higher rates of sexual dysfunction in both…
Key Points Epidemiology A large segment of the general population will endorse dissociative symptoms in the absence of significant psychopathology, suggesting that these symptoms exist along a spectrum from normal to pathological. Dissociative disorders are most often associated with a…