Demystifying Psychiatry

A resource for patients and families

Charles Zorumski M.D., Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D.

Integrating Psychiatric Care Into Primary Care Practices

To reach the large number of individuals suffering from depression and anxiety, health care models are being implemented where psychiatrists advise primary care teams.

Is Deep Brain Stimulation an Effective Treatment for Severe OCD?

A recent study investigated the efficacy of deep brain stimulation for severe, treatment-refractory OCD. Over half of the participants in this study showed significant improvement.

The Disturbing Link Between Psychiatric Illness and Accelerated Aging

There is a striking relationship between a history of psychiatric symptoms and the rate of aging. This relationship is clearly evident by age 45.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Affect More than the Brain

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves brain-related symptoms, other organs including the immune system, GI system, lungs, and heart also may become compromised.

Risk Factors for Suicide in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

A recent paper reported that 1.7 percent of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders died by suicide. About half did so within five years of first diagnosis.

Improving Outcomes for Persons with Schizophrenia

Although psychotic symptoms are often the most dramatic and visible features of schizophrenia, other symptoms are likely responsible for poor long-term outcomes.

A New Neurosurgical Procedure May Help Treat PTSD

Neurosurgical ablation of a specific brain area led to marked improvement in two patients suffering from both treatment-refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant PTSD.

Ketamine May Be Helpful in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

Two reports indicate that a single intravenous infusion of ketamine can help reduce alcohol consumption in people with problematic drinking behaviors.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Have Risen Dramatically During the Pandemic

The mental health consequences of the pandemic have been dramatic, and young adults are especially susceptible to anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Reflections About COVID-19 and Psychiatry

Although the virus causing COVID-19 can directly affect the brain, psychiatric symptoms resulting from pandemic-related stressors are much more common.

Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Disease Are Not Far Off

Major progress is being made in developing blood tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease even in pre-symptomatic phases. This is important for several reasons.

Race, the Pandemic, and Psychiatry

The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement is stimulating much needed discussion and action about diversity and equity at academic medical centers.

New-Onset Psychosis Associated With COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause brain-related complications, including new-onset psychosis and strokes.

Attendance at Religious Services and Deaths from Despair

In two longitudinal studies, there was a strong association between attendance at religious services and fewer deaths related to suicide, drugs, and alcohol.

How Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Medical Education?

Will the COVID-19 pandemic cause physicians, medical centers, and hospitals to return to core values?

A Potentially Powerful Treatment for Refractory Depression

Treatment with an intensive form of TMS may lead to improvement for patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Brain

COVID-19 influences brain function and can cause neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Psychiatrists are involved in studies defining disease mechanisms and developing treatments.

Preventing Suicidal Behavior in ADHD

Treating ADHD with stimulant medications may help reduce suicidal behavior. This effect is not observed with non-stimulant medication for ADHD.

Most People with Psychiatric Disorders Do Not Get Treatment

The majority of individuals suffering from mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders do not receive any type of treatment.

Microbes in the Gut Can Affect Human Behavior

Increasing evidence suggests that microbes living in our gastrointestinal system can influence brain function and behavior.

New Directions in Psychiatric Therapeutics

Studies indicate that a brief course of medication or brain stimulation coupled with psychological treatment may lead to relief for two complex disorders.

Children at Risk for Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder

Young children at risk for schizophrenia have significant differences in cognitive functioning when compared to children at risk for bipolar disorder and controls.

The Second Psychopharmacology Revolution

Two recently approved antidepressant medications may represent the beginning of a second revolution in psychopharmacology.

Worldwide Health Consequences of Alcohol and Drug Use

An important study indicates that alcohol and drug use are major contributors to the overall burden of disease worldwide.

A New Advance in Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

A recent study provides evidence that anorexia nervosa is both a psychiatric and metabolic disorder.

Why Early Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Can Be Difficult

Early diagnosis of bipolar disorder is important so that appropriate treatments can be initiated. However, diagnosis can be challenging. Why?

The Link Between Suicides and Unintentional Overdoses

Suicide rates in the U.S. have increased about 35 percent since the year 2000. Death rates from unintentional overdoses, however, have increased 450 percent over the same period.

Do Adults Recall Childhood Maltreatment Accurately?

When adults report being maltreated as children, are their reports always accurate? When children experience maltreatment, do they recall it later as adults?

ADHD Treatment and Subsequent Substance Abuse

A study of health claims data demonstrates that the use of medications to treat ADHD is associated with a decrease in later substance use-related events.

Blood Tests To Predict Alzheimer’s Disease

Substantial progress is being made to develop blood tests that can detect early stages of brain degeneration.

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