Key Points Clinical Findings In the DSM-IV, dementia was defined as a syndrome with multiple etiologies and characterized by a disabling decline in memory as well as an impairment in at least one other higher cortical activity (e.g., with aphasia,…
Key Points Complementary and alternative medical therapies are made up of a diverse spectrum of practices (including natural medications) that often overlap with more traditional medical practice. The use of natural medications is growing considerably in the US and around…
Key Points Background A systematic approach to side effects of medications should include consideration of the nature, severity, and timing of symptoms to facilitate optimal management of such side effects. History Many medications (e.g., nefazodone) previously used in psychiatric disorders,…
Key Points Drug–drug interactions refer to alterations in drug levels or drug effects (or both) related to the administration of two or more prescribed, recreational, or over-the-counter agents in close temporal proximity. Although some drug–drug interactions involving psychotropic medications are…
Key Points Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. While the phenotype of ADHD changes across the life span, ADHD persists in many children, adolescents, and adults. Formulations of stimulant and non-stimulant medications are Food…
Key Points A “kindling hypothesis” of mood instability led to the search for anticonvulsant medications that might improve the course of illness in bipolar disorder (BPD). Divalproex sodium (valproate) and carbamazepine (in extended-release form) are effective in the treatment of…
Key Points Lithium remains a first-line treatment for all phases of bipolar disorder, including mania, depression, and prevention of recurrence. While not examined in a controlled trial, abundant evidence supports a role for lithium in decreasing the risk of suicide.…
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 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…