Month: May 2023

Atorvastatin lowers serum calcium levels in lithium-users: results from a randomised controlled trial (2022)

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Abstract Background Although lithium is considered the gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), it is associated with a variety of major endocrine and metabolic side effects, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) dependent hypercalcemia. Aside from surgery and medication discontinuation, there are limited treatments for hypercalcemia. This paper will assess data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT).…

Connecting During COVID-19: A Protocol of a Volunteer-Based Telehealth Program for Supporting Older Adults’ Health (2020)

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Introduction: Social distancing due to COVID-19 has led to social isolation, stress, and mental health issues in older adults, while overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. Telehealth involving phone calls by trained volunteers is understudied and may be a low-cost, scalable, and valuable preventive tool for mental health. In this context, from patient participatory volunteer initiatives, we have…

WHO Guidelines: the mhGAP community toolkit field test version

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Overview The mhGAP community toolkit: field test version is an integral part of WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), and aims at scaling up services for people with mental health conditions to achieve universal health coverage.  The toolkit provides guidance for programme managers on how to identify local mental health needs and tailor community services to match…

WHO Guidelines: Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Overview The WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia provide evidence-based recommendations on lifestyle behaviours and interventions to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia and, with one new case every three seconds, the number of people with dementia is set to triple by 2050. The increasing…

Religion and Depression: A Review of the Literature

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Abstract Background: Depressive disorders are among the most important causes of disability and can be considered a major contributor to the global burden of mental illnesses. Religious beliefs and practices have roots in the history of mankind and are broadly prevalent around the world. People with chronic medical and psychiatric conditions employ religion as a…

Can Geriatric Psychiatry Patients Complete Symptoms Self-Reports Using Tablets? A Randomized Study

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Abstract Background: With our aging population and limited number of geriatric psychiatrists, innovations must be made in order to meet the growing demands for geriatric psychiatry services. Emerging technologies could greatly improve access to care and systematic data collection. Methods: This randomized study compared completion rates and time to completion (primary outcomes) when using iPad technology vs.…