Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Run in the Same Families
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis of familial coaggregation studies yields positive results.
By Steven Dubovsky, MD
August 10, 2009
Covering:
Van Snellenberg JX and de Candia T., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2009 Jul; 66:748
Of Depressed Mice and Men: Similar Genetic Expression in the Amygdala
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
An elegant cross-species study homes in on genetic expression in depression.
By Joel Yager, MD
August 10, 2009
Covering:
Sibille E et al., Am J Psychiatry 2009 Jul 15
A New and Improved Anxiolytic?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A drug that promotes production of GABAA receptors also prevents panic attacks.
Psychological Effect of Disclosing Genetic Risk for Alzheimer Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Among extensively counseled subjects, disclosure of genotype information did not affect psychological status.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
August 4, 2009
Covering:
Green RC et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jul 16; 361:245
Which Psychotherapy Works for Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Both CBT and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy were effective in a group of relatively healthy patients.
By Joel Yager, MD
August 3, 2009
Covering:
Leichsenring F et al., Am J Psychiatry 2009 Jul 1
Factors in Middle Age Might Predict Later Dementia
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Being calm and staying married may reduce the risks for dementia.
By Joel Yager, MD
August 3, 2009
Covering:
Gallacher J et al., Psychosom Med 2009 Jul; 71:659
Håkansson K et al., BMJ 2009 Jul 2; 339:b2462
The System of Care and Outcomes in Geriatric Depression
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Comprehensive care reduces depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in elders with depression.
By Joel Yager, MD
July 27, 2009
Covering:
Alexopoulos GS et al., Am J Psychiatry 2009 Jun 15
Gene–Environment Interaction Redux: BDNF Pathways
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Researchers use a sophisticated analytic method to trace the effects of the interaction between early life stress and genotype.
Lithium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
These authors provide detailed advice on monitoring and treating patients who take lithium.
Medication for Depression and Anxiety: Don't Give Up Easily
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Clinicians should consider switching medications in patients who show little effect after 4 or 6 weeks of treatment.
By Peter Roy-Byrne, MD
July 13, 2009
Covering:
Baldwin DS et al., Hum Psychopharmacol 2009 Jun; 24:269
Debunking the Serotonin Gene–Life Stress Hypothesis?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis finds little evidence that gene–environment interaction increases risk for depression.
The FDA’s SSRI Warning: "We’re from the Government, and We’re Here to Help"?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
The FDA’s black-box warning about juvenile suicidality and SSRIs might have had unintended consequences: Prescription rates and depression diagnoses, including in adults, have decreased significantly.
By Steven Dubovsky, MD
June 29, 2009
Covering:
Libby AM et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2009 Jun; 66:633
Early Predictors of Response to Atomoxetine
A 25% reduction in core ADHD symptoms by 4 weeks of treatment predicted a good response at 6 to 8 weeks.
By Martin T. Stein, MD
June 24, 2009
Covering:
Newcorn JH et al., J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2009 May; 48:511
Doubts About Genetic Determinants of Depression Risk
General Medicine Summary and Comment
No association was noted between risk for depression and the interaction between genotype and stressful life events.
Citalopram Ineffective for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
Repetitive behaviors did not improve with treatment, and activating behaviors increased.
By Barbara Geller, MD
June 22, 2009
Covering:
King BH et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2009 Jun; 66:583
Volkmar FR., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2009 Jun; 66:581
Adding ADHD to Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Volatile Mixture
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Even if it disappears in adulthood, ADHD in childhood suggests a more difficult course of bipolar disorder.
By Joel Yager, MD
June 22, 2009
Covering:
Rydén E et al., Acta Psychiatr Scand 2009 May 7
The Environment and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Neighborhood characteristics may contribute to risk for depressive symptoms.
By Joel Yager, MD
June 22, 2009
Covering:
Beard JR et al., Am J Public Health 2009 Jul; 99:1308
Inhibit Histone Deacetylase Type 2 to Improve Memory?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Results from an animal study might indicate a new research avenue.
Preventing Depression in At-Risk Youth
Cognitive-behavioral therapy reduced incident depressive episodes, but only in adolescents whose parents were not depressed at baseline.
Preventing Depression in Adolescents
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Cognitive-behavioral therapy lowered depression risk in teens, if their parents were not actively depressed.
Reviews of Note
Depression after ACS; inflammatory markers; medical and prenatal issues with ECT; bone loss in anorexia nervosa patients; preventing PTSD; trajectories of brain development; and genetics of mental retardation
Concomitant Management of Depression and Pain
General Medicine Summary and Comment
An intensive, combined approach was more effective than usual care, but absolute response rates were still modest.
Treating Depression and Pain in Primary Care Patients
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
This collaborative-care intervention using antidepressants and pain self-management had sustained effects.
Accentuating the Positive Is Hard for Depressed or Socially Anxious Patients
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
The two disorders are associated with different facets of the extraversion trait, consistent with their fundamental differences.
CBT for Preventing Depression in Teens? It Depends
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
CBT showed no preventive effects in adolescents whose parents were currently depressed.
