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…
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…
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…
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.…
Abstract Objective: In an era of rising geriatric mental health care needs worldwide, technological advances can help address care needs in a cost-effective fashion. Our objective in this review was to assess whether mobile health technology, such as tablets and smartphones, are feasible to use in patients with late-life mental and cognitive disorders, as well as…
Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have widely replaced older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of depression and anxiety over the years, given their safer cardiac profile [Glassman, 1998]. Even at therapeutic doses, TCAs commonly cause a slowing of intraventricular conduction through their sodium-channel blocking properties, leading to prolonged PR, QRS and QT intervals [Pacher…
Abstract Background: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have become the mainstay of treatment for depression, anxiety, and many other conditions. However, they have been associated with an increased risk of hyponatremia. Little is known about the risk of SSRI-associated hyponatremia in certain potentially at-risk populations, such as patients with acute medical illnesses. Objective: The main objective of…
TO THE EDITOR: Serotonergic antidepressants are one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. The literature suggests that serotonergic antidepressants may be protective against ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs),1, 2 which has been thought to be due to effects on platelet activation and aggregation.3 However, the clinical relevance of the association between serotonergic antidepressants and CVAs has been challenged…
Abstract Background: Reports have suggested that citalopram and escitalopram may prolong the QTc interval, leading Health Canada to issue a warning to limit their dosages in 2012. Little is known about the effects of this warning and similar ones (e.g., by the Food and Drug Administration) on antidepressant prescribing in inpatients with acute medical illness, who…