New articles will be added on a regular basis dealing with current topics in the area of psychiatry.
Adjunctive antidepressant treatment for bipolar depression: beneficial, risky or simply ineffective?
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Traditionally, agents known to be effective against major depressive disorder (MDD), such as antidepressants, have been used to treat bipolar depression; however, controversy exists around their use in this setting.
Importance of adherence in schizophrenia
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For clinicians managing patients with schizophrenia, nonadherence is a major problem. Around 36-75% of patients with schizophrenia are partially or completely nonadherent to their medication, a factor that greatly contributes to the risk of relapse.
Improving mental health in Europe: The European Mental Health Service Patient and Carer Survey
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A cross-Europe consultation exercise is set to place mental health at the heart of European Union (EU) policy, with patients and carers having a unique opportunity to comment directly on the issues that are most important to them.
Improving outcomes in anxiety disorders
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Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders. They often have an early age of onset, have a negative impact on individuals’ quality of life, and are often comorbid to other psychiatric, and physical disorders.
Informed consent: when is it appropriate to medicate a patient?
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Informed consent can only be given by an individual who fully understands the facts and implications of an action, and who has no impairment of judgement at the time of consenting.
The process of care in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
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Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are chronic recurrent illnesses that require a comprehensive and long-term programme of medical care. While most physicians will make broadly similar judgements about diagnosis and treatment, there is still significant room for variation.
The role of atypical antipsychotics in both bipolar and unipolar depression
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In an extract taken from our recent coverage of the European Collage of Neuropharmacology (ECNP) 2006, Dr. Gary Sachs presented his views on the roles of atypical antipsychotics in bipolar and unipolar disorder.
Treatment of bipolar depression: Addressing an unmet need
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The manic phase of bipolar disorder is the most differentiating phase of the illness, and the first manic episode is often the point at which the patient receives the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, bipolar depression is a key area with an unmet need.
Women and bipolar disorder: Encouraging collaboration
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Evidence-based psychiatry is often an elusive goal. Published treatment data is often scarce, is usually based on a small number of patients, and is commonly less applicable to the individuals that present for treatment than is hoped for.
World Mental Health Day: A global education campaign against suicide
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World Mental Health Day, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, has been observed on October 10th every year since 1992, and is an opportunity to increase public awareness and understanding of key mental health issues.
Young Minds in Psychiatry International Awards Program helps foster research around the globe
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With the burgeoning increase of mental illness around the world, in both the developed and undeveloped countries, psychiatry research increasingly needs to focus on the underlying intricacies of what causes such potentially devastating psychiatric problems.
