Current psychiatry reports
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Substance use disorders are a large public health problem in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a trend of increased prescription drug misuse, morbidity, and mortality related to prescription opioids. ⋯ Acute, chronic, and palliative each present distinct issues in pain treatment. A best practices model of pain treatment, including risk stratification and integrative treatment, may provide the best prospect for safe and effective treatment.
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Curr Psychiatry Rep · Aug 2012
Feasible evidence-based strategies to manage depression in primary care.
According to the World Health Organization, major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. However, recent evidence suggests depression remains undertreated in primary care settings. Measurement-based care (MBC) is an evidence-based strategy that can feasibly assist primary care physicians in managing patients with MDD. Utilizing health information technology tools, such as computer decision support software, can improve adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines and MBC at the point of care.
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With the "Baby Boom" cohort reaching the age of 65 years, the older adult population is growing and will continue to grow at a rapid rate. There is a substantial and growing number of older adults who misuse alcohol, psychoactive prescription drugs, and/or other substances. ⋯ The development and refinement of techniques to address these problems and provide early intervention services is going to be crucial to meeting the needs of this growing population. This chapter provides background on the extent of the problem, guidelines for alcohol and psychoactive medication use, and methods for screening and providing early interventions to improve the lives of older adults who misuse alcohol and/or psychoactive medications and drugs.
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Bereavement, one of life's most difficult experiences, usually triggers acute grief with yearning and longing for the deceased person that is often intense and preoccupying, along with frequent thoughts and memories of the person who died and relatively little interest in anything unrelated to the deceased loved one. Anxiety is a very common feature of grief that is often neglected. ⋯ In addition, loss of a loved one can trigger the onset of a DSM-IV anxiety disorder that, when present, can derail the mourning process and prolong acute grief. Bereavement-related anxiety disorders need to be recognized and treated.