Category: Publication

Political abuse of Iranian psychiatry and psychiatric services

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

For months the world has witnessed how the people of Iran dare to protest against their ruling regime for the extensive violation of human rights and multiple other social, economic, and political issues affecting their daily lives. Independent media reports claim that more than 300 people, including at least 40 children, have been killed by…

Scoping Review on Educational Programs for Medical Professionals on the Management of Acute Agitation

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

Abstract Background Agitation is a common reason for psychiatric consultation in the general hospital. The CL psychiatrist is often tasked with teaching the medical team how to manage agitation. Objective The purpose of this scoping review is to explore what resources the CL psychiatrist has for educational tools on teaching about agitation management. Given the…

Atorvastatin lowers serum calcium levels in lithium-users: results from a randomized controlled trial

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).…

Diet as a Potential Tool to help Treat Late-Life Depression: A Case Report.

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

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…

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

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 adapted…

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.…

Citalopram and escitalopram: adverse cardiac outcomes in medically ill inpatients

By Dr Artin Mahdanian

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…