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Prescribing Atypical Antipsychotics: What are the Risks?
Over the past several years, the use of antipsychotics has expanded dramatically. Aside from the traditional indication, schizophrenia, various members of this class have received FDA approval for bipolar mania, bipolar depression, major depression, and autism, and increasingly they are used off-label for anxiety, insomnia, and agitation.
Psychotropics and Pregnancy: An Update
On May 28, 2008, The Food and Drug Administration announced a major revision in the labeling of the pregnancy and breast-feeding risk of drugs. The current labeling system was devised in 1979 and grades drugs from A (controlled studies show no risk) to X (contraindicated in pregnancy). It has been criticized over the years for being confusing and for failing to incorporate the most recent data.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is Approved. Now What?
One year ago we reviewed the status of transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, and concluded with the following TCPR Verdict: “TMS for depression: Approval is highly unlikely.” We were wrong.
Treating Headaches in Psychiatry
We know that headaches are common in the general population, but they are particularly common among patients with psychiatric problems. According to one review, (Pompili M et al., J Headache Pain 2009; 10(4):283-290) patients with depression have a 46% lifetime prevalence of migraine, while bipolar patients have a 51% prevalence. Patients with migraines have triple the risk of developing depression than patients without migraines.
Evaluating and Treating Tremor
While tremor is traditionally thought of as a neurological issue, the symptom pops up often in psychiatric practice, and some basic knowledge of its diagnosis and treatment comes in handy.
