The world has become more aware of the burden of Mental health (MH) conditions, thus the research to investigate the epidemiology, diagnoses, and treatments of these conditions as well as the funding and investments in improving MH services are increasing than ever before (1). It seems that MH is coming out of the shadows after…
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).…
ABSTRACT In 2017 The World Health Organization stated in their report that Major depressive disorder is the number one contributing factor to co-morbidity and disability in the world. Despite the use of optimal traditional treatment which includes pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, some depressive disorders remain resistant to this treatment and become chronic. Systematic reviews have shown…
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 adapted…
I am a psychiatry resident at McGill University and a Diversity Leadership Fellow at American Psychiatric Association. Given my background as a family physician and an immigrant in North America, I have a special interest in the mental health and well-being of vulnerable populations, most notably, the indigenous people (my current area of focus this…
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…
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…
Abstract As members of the Global Mental Health and Psychiatry Caucus of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), we would like to express our grave concerns about the ongoing policies and treatment of asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants coming to the United States, and the adverse mental health sequelae that such policies will have on these…
Clinical vignette Mr. D is a 73-year-old divorced man who was brought to the emergency room by his daughter for suicidal ideation and depression. He mentioned few months’ history of continuous excessive worry about his future, panic attacks and loss of interest in life. He self-isolated and avoided seeing family and friends. He had gradually…
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…