The Journal of clinical psychiatry
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Comparative Study
Association between number of deployments to Iraq and mental health screening outcomes in US Army soldiers.
High rates of mental health concerns have been documented in US Army soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The goal of this study was to compare the postdeployment mental health screening results of US Army soldiers with 1 or 2 deployments to Iraq. ⋯ These results provide preliminary evidence that multiple deployments to Iraq may be a risk factor for PTSD. However, these cross-sectional data require replication in a longitudinal study.
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Despite increasing pediatric psychiatric emergency room service (PPERS) visits, data are lacking regarding visit characteristics and appropriateness. ⋯ Over one third of PPERS visits were inappropriate, characterized by better functioning, low harm potential or severity of presenting complaint, and absent suicidality or psychosis. Development of and improved access to urgent child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient care services in the community and referral agent educational programs may minimize inappropriate PPERS visits.
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A correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder is crucial to determining appropriate treatment strategies, but the majority of patients with this illness are initially misdiagnosed. Bipolar presentations share features with other psychiatric disorders such as unipolar depression and borderline personality disorder, and comorbid medical conditions further complicate diagnosis. Clinicians may minimize diagnostic and treatment issues by focusing on differential diagnosis and dual treatment of bipolar disorder and co-occurring conditions. The physical health of patients with bipolar disorder should be monitored, because this population is at risk for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and associated conditions.
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To assess possible antidepressant effects of varenicline augmentation in outpatients with treatment-resistant depressive disorders and nicotine dependence. ⋯ Open-label varenicline augmentation was associated with significant improvement in mood in a small sample of outpatient smokers with persistent depressive symptoms. Larger, double-blind studies are needed to investigate potential antidepressant effects of varenicline augmentation.
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Letter Comparative Study
A 5-year follow-up of diabetes knowledge in persons with serious mental illness and type 2 diabetes.