Key Points Incidence Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health problem in the US, and are associated with marked distress and functional impairments in multiple domains. Epidemiology/Pathophysiology The pathogenesis of anxiety disorders likely resides in the interaction of innate…
Key Points Epidemiology Pregnancy does not protect against psychiatric disorders. Clinical Findings A growing amount of information exists regarding the course of psychiatric illness during pregnancy and the reproductive safety of psychotropic medications. Complications With the exception of one anticonvulsant,…
Key Points Incidence The lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorders is approximately 2%. Epidemiology Bipolar disorder is associated with significant morbidity, including functional impairment, as well as significant risk for suicide. Clinical Findings Diagnosis of bipolar disorder rests on establishing current…
Key Points Incidence The annual incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is approximately 3%, and the average duration of an episode of MDD is 30 weeks. Epidemiology MDD is a prevalent disorder, with a global point prevalence of approximately 5%.…
Key Points Schizophrenia is a clinical diagnosis that is based on a combination of characteristic symptoms of sufficient severity (in the absence of other factors that would account for them) that typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Even if…
Key Points Incidence Depending on the drug used and the clinical setting, up to 50% of patients in mental-health treatment will have a co-occurring substance-use disorder. Epidemiology Substance abuse is a major public health problem that affects a large number…
Key Points Incidence Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the US. Epidemiology The highest rates of alcohol use, heavy binge use, and alcohol use disorders occur between the ages of 18 and 29…
Key Points Incidence Factitious disorder and malingering are uncommon syndromes that involve voluntary symptom production and deception of medical providers. Pathophysiology Factitious disorder involves the conscious production of symptoms with the primary motivation of assuming the sick role. Clinical findings…
Key Points Incidence Medically-unexplained symptoms (MUS) are ubiquitous in inpatients and outpatients. Epidemiology Patients with MUS that suffer from somatoform disorders may represent the largest group with psychopathology within primary care populations (at 10%–24%). Pathophysiology While the etiology of somatic…
Key Points Incidence and Epidemiology Impulsivity is common but diagnosed disorders range from rare to close to 10% of the population. Pathophysiology Disturbances in the reward system (dopamine) as well as in the serotonergic neurocircuitry help us understand these disorders.…