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…
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…
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).…
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…
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…