Chronic Benzodiazepine Discontinuation: Pharmacological Options
Although benzodiazepines are only indicated for short-term prescription use, a certain percentage of patients can end up on the long-term use resulting in both physiological…
Serotonin Syndrome: 5 Clinical Facts
Serotonin syndrome is considered a psychiatric emergency, characterized by excess of serotonin in central nervous system, which if severe can become life threatening. We have…
Ulipristal Acetate for PMDD Treatment?
Share This Post Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on email Close to 70-90 % of reproductive age women are known…
New Sleep Medication Approved: Daridorexant (Quviviq)
On Jan 10, 2022, FDA has approved this new medication for treatment of adults with insomnia: Quviviq (daridorexant). This FDA approval is based on the…
Top 5 Viewed Posts in 2021
On this last day of 2021, let’s review our top 5 viewed posts of this year: Bipolar Disorder Psychopharmacology (1) Restarting Lamotrigine after abrupt Discontinuation…
Comparing FDA Approved Bipolar Depression Medications
Depression in bipolar disorder is considered the most common mood phase and also a major clinical challenge. This is known to cause impairment from being…
Lumateperone: Newest FDA Approved Medication for Bipolar Depression
Dec 20, 2021. We know that Lumateperone received its first FDA approval for the management of adult schizophrenia in 2019, but FDA has just approved…
Antipsychotics, High Prolactin Level & Risk of Breast Cancer
Today, we released the journal club #13 for our psychiatry education forum academy members. This journal club will compare the findings of this 2014 study…
Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis: What should you know as a Psychiatrist?
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis This is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack NMDA (N-methyl D aspartate) type glutamate receptors at central neuronal synapses. Psychiatrists should…
Comparing Serotonin Modulators: Vortioxetine vs Vilazodone
Serotonin modulators are a class of medications approved for the treatment of the major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Education Forum Academy’s recent chapter will compare these…
Antidepressants use with Hepatitis C?
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 According to this review article published in BMC Gastroenterology: Level 1 Evidence is based on ≥…
Antipsychotic of choice for “Schizo-Obsessive” Disorder?
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 There is growing evidence that patients with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia may represent a…
Ginkgo Biloba for Antidepressants Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Can Ginkgo Biloba help with antidepressants induced sexual dysfunction? MECHANISM OF ACTION: Prostaglandin synthesis and vasodilation ==> resulting in increase peripheral blood flow and to…
Lithium Induced Diabetes Insipidus: Prevention & Treatment
Lithium is considered the gold standard and first-line treatment for bipolar disorder and is known to have adverse effects on the kidney, thyroid, parathyroid, neurological…
Comparing Long-Acting Methylphenidate: Concerta vs Jornay PM vs Adhansia XR
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and impairing disorder affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Stimulant class of medications are considered first-line treatment for ADHD, including…
What Features Differentiates Bipolar Depression from MDD?
Q: What Features Differentiate Bipolar Depression from MDD? Bipolar depression is characterized by significantly higher rates of: Psychomotor retardation Difficulty thinking Early morning awakening, morning worsening…
Antidepressant with Renal Impairment?
A 43-year-old male with a history of major depressive disorder is referred to you by his primary care physician for management of depression with the…
How Long to Continue Antidepressants for MDD Treatment?
Once you have initiated antidepressants for MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) treatment and the patient has achieved remission, how long will you continue this current antidepressant…
ADHD Medications with Breastfeeding?
ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorder that can persist into adulthood and treatment can have a significant positive impact on a person’s daily functioning. ADHD…
Bupropion & Risk of Seizures
With the IR formulation, the rate is 0.4% (4/1000) at doses of 300 to 450 mg/day. With the SR formulation, the rate is 0.1% (1/1000)…
Venlafaxine vs Duloxetine: How are they different?
SNRIs: Venlafaxine vs Duloxetine © Psychiatry Education Forum FOR ACADEMY MEMBERS: (1) SNRI use with RENAL impairment This chapter will summarize the dosage adjustment of…
L-Methylfolate for Depression: When to use?
L-MethylFolate is used as an augmentation agent to antidepressants in patients with major depression disorder, but who is a good candidate for considering L-Methylfolate as…
Can we use Lamotrigine with Oral Contraceptives?
The drug interaction between Lamotrigine and Oral Contraceptives is of direct clinical relevance for your daily clinical practice. This topic is summarized in the following…
Bipolar Disorder with Mixed Features: Update 2021
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder associated with various mood states including mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed states. The identification and treatment of mixed…
Augmentation Strategies for Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia?
Clozapine is considered a gold-standard medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but close to 50% of these patients on clozapine may show poor or no response. What…
Is Bupropion Effective for Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric disorder with chronic waxing and waning course for some. Serotonergic medications (SSRIs and SNRIs) are considered first-line…
Valproate Adverse Events Management
Valproate is considered first-line treatment for the management of bipolar disorder with the following recommendations per recent CANMAT & ISBD 2018 guidelines: Acute Mania: First…
Geriatric Psychiatry: Neurocognitive Disorders [PEFA Discussions]
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type/cause of dementia. As we know that FDA recently approved Aducanumab (Aduhelm) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (read…
Treatment-Resistant MDD: Modafinil Augmentation
Partial response, no response, or residual symptoms following antidepressant therapy is common in clinical psychiatry. Hence, it is of clinical importance to have knowledge of…
Safest Antidepressant with Warfarin?
Answer: (b) Sertraline. Warfarin has two isomers: S-isomer (three times more potent than R-isomer): metabolized by 2C9. R-isomer: metabolized by 1A2 (major) and 2C19 & 3A4 (minor) —> monitor…
How to use Pramipexole for Bipolar Depression?
Pramipexole is currently only FDA approved for Parkinson’s disease & Moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome but Pramipexole has promising data as an augmentation option for…
Emotional Blunting with Antidepressants Versus Anhedonia from MDD?
Antidepressants are well known to cause this side effects of emotional blunting. It is clinically relevant to diagnose this early in the treatment as this…
Invega Hafyera™ (6-monthly paliperidone palmitate): FDA Approved for Schizophrenia
Sep 01, 2021. Today FDA approved the first and only 6 monthly long-acting injectable for schizophrenia treatment: Invega Hafyera. We have summarized Invega Hafyera clinical…
Topiramate & Cognitive Dulling
Topiramate is well known to cause cognitive dulling and patients should use caution when operating machinery including automobiles. How can we prevent the risk of…
Treatment Resistant Depression with Atypical Features Management
Depression with atypical features is defined as significant mood reactivity combined with two of the following clinical features: Hyperphagia Hypersomnia Leaden paralysis Pathological rejection sensitivity…
Testosterone & Depression in Men?
Age-associated hypogonadism (testosterone deficit) can occurs in 30% of men after the age of 55 (1). Low testosterone is associated with decreased muscle mass, bone…
How to Screen for Delirium Superimposed on Dementia?
When delirium and dementia coexist: this is referred to as delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD). Delirium and dementia are associated with: lengthier hospital stays functional…
Mood Stabilizers Use During Pregnancy & Postpartum
The perinatal period can increase the risk of mood symptoms recurrence for patients with bipolar disorder, including the risk of depressive episode recurrences and postpartum…
How to Differentiate Obsessions from Delusions?
The presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in schizophrenia is frequent. It is of clinical relevance to separate obsessive symptoms from delusional…
Antidepressant & Tamoxifen use in Breast Cancer?
Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in breast cancer patients. As a results patients with breast cancer may require treatment with antidepressants. For this reason,…
Attention PEFA Members: Join PEFA Network
Dear PEFA Members. We are excited to release a new update in our academy: PEFA Network. This is a closed group for PEFA members only and…
Antipsychotics & risk of Hypersexual or Paraphilic Behaviors
We know that dopamine agonism can result in hypersexual or paraphilic behaviors but interestingly, case reports for second-generation antipsychotics association with increase in hypersexual behavior…
Traumatic Brain Injury: Management Series [PEFA]
The risk for psychiatric disorders and symptoms can increase after the traumatic brain injury, and long-term disability from TBI has primarily been attributed to neurobehavioral…
Clomipramine for Pediatric OCD?
We know that CBT and SSRI are considered first-line treatments for pediatric OCD management, but few patients are treatment-refractory and they do not respond to…
Cyproheptadine for PTSD Nightmares
The diagnosis of PTSD requires the endorsement of one of two symptoms from the symptom clusters of (1) reexperiencing, (2) avoidance, and (3) sense of…
Memantine for Treatment-Resistant OCD
OCD is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that can cause significant psychosocial impairment (Goodman et al., 2021), and delay in treatment is associated with poor outcomes…
Message Each Other: New PEFA Feature
Today we are excited to announce the release of our website’s new feature for PEFA members. Now PEFA members can message each other privately to…
Clomipramine Therapeutic Level
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of psychotropic medication is a clinically relevant topic as TDM can be a beneficial test in following clinical scenarios checking medication…
Antipsychotics Induced Edema
Antipsychotic-induced edema is not an uncommon side-effect. In most cases, this can be a transient and self-limited side effect but it is important to know…
How to Evaluate Six Neurocognitive Domains in Dementia? [PUBLISHED]
Psychiatry Education Forum Academy published its next discussion series today: It is important to have knowledge of these six neuro-cognitive domains for the evaluation &…
How to Evaluate Six Neurocognitive Domains in Dementia?
Today we are excited to announce Psychiatry Education Forum Academy’s next discussion with release date for this Saturday (July 24): It is important to have…
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Aggression & Irritability Management
We know that medications are not the first-line treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) management but they are helpful when first-line behavioral interventions are not…
Psycho-Ophthalmology: Psychotropics Ocular Adverse Events
Psychotropic medications are known to cause ocular side effects. We have a detailed section on this topic in Psychiatry Education Forum Academy. Let’s begin with…
Overcoming our Therapeutic Neglect of Lithium
A patient in his mid 30s was brought to the hospital by police for increased aggression towards his family members. On evaluation he reported a…
Alzheimer’s Disease: Comparing FDA Approved Medications
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type/cause of dementia. As we know that FDA recently approved Aducanumab (Aduhelm) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (read…
[PEFA Journal Club]: Claim 4.75 CME Credits
We just finished our 13 journal club discussions at PEFA (Psychiatry Education Forum Academy). PEFA members can claim a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category…
[Journal Club 13 + Coffee Club]: International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) for PTSD & CPTSD
Today we posted the following 13th journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series and discussion with an expert in our Coffee Club’s discussion section:…
[Journal Club #12 + Coffee Club]: Is Ketamine Safe with History of Psychosis?
Today we posted the following 12th journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series and discussion with an expert in our Coffee Club’s discussion section:…
[Journal Club 11 + Coffee Club]: Benzodiazepines & Risk of Subsequent Dementia?
Today we posted the following 11th journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series and discussion with an expert in our Coffee Club’s discussion section:…
[Journal Club #10]: Antipsychotics & Weight Gain
Today we posted our 10th journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series, discussing the risk of weight gain with antipsychotics: Journal Club #10: Almost…
[Journal Club #9 + Coffee Club]: Adjunctive Metformin for Antipsychotic-Induced Dyslipidemia.
Today we posted the following 9th journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series and discussion with an expert in our Coffee Club’s discussion section:…
[Journal Club #8]: Is Vortioxetine Effective for Emotional Blunting in MDD?
Today we posted the eighth journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series, discussing if Vortioxetine is effective for emotional blunting in MDD after inadequate…
[Journal Club #6 + #7]: Two New Schizophrenia Medications with Novel Mechanism of Action
Today we posted the sixth and seventh journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series, discussing the following two newer antipsychotics for schizophrenia treatment: (A)…
[Journal Club #5 + Coffee Club]: Comparing 32 Oral Antipsychotics for Acute Schizophrenia Management.
Today we posted the following fifth journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series and discussion with a expert in our Coffee Club’s discussion section:…
Journal Club #4: How Does Schizophrenia Symptoms Progress with Age?
Today we posted the following fourth journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series: Journal Club #4: Staging of Schizophrenia With the Use of PANSS:…
Journal Club #3: Bipolar Depression Guidelines: CANMAT & ISBD Versus Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project
Today we posted the following third journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series: Journal Club #3: The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South…
Journal Club #2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for MDD Treatment (ISNPR Practice Guidelines)
Today we posted the following second journal club in PEFA Journal Club’s discussion series: Journal Club #2: International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines…
Journal Club #1: Update on Nonpsychotic Unipolar Depression Management
We begin PEFA Journal Club’s updated schedule with our first journal club discussion today: Journal Club #1: The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South…
PEFA Journal Club: Updated Schedule Released
Psychiatry Education Forum’s Journal Club is an additional feature for PEF Academy’s members. All academy members will be automatically enrolled in this journal club. Here…
Antipsychotics of Choice during Lactation
Antipsychotics of Choice During Lactation: This PEFA academy chapter will summarize the use of antipsychotics during lactation in the following sections: FIRST-LINE treatment options during…
Aducanumab: New Medication FDA Approved for Alzheimer’s Disease
June 07, 2021 Today FDA has approved Aducanumab (Aduhelm) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. This is the first novel treatment to target the underlying…
Binge Eating Disorder: Diagnose & Treatment Options
PEFA (Psychiatry Education Forum Academy) is excited to announce the release of our new section titled “Feeding & Eating Disorders”. We have the following two…
LYBALVI™: New Medication FDA Approved for Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder
June 01, 2021 Today FDA approved LYBALVI for the treatment of: Schizophrenia in adults Bipolar I disorder in adults Acute treatment of manic or mixed…
PEFA Newsletter: May 2021
PSYCHIATRY EDUCATION FORUM ACADEMY’S NEWSLETTER MAY 2021 Here is the summary of topics posted in the month of May at Psychiatry Education Forum Academy. These…
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for MDD?
Recently Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have drawn the clinical attention for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The…
How do Schizophrenia Symptoms Progress over 40 years?
Today (May 24) is World Schizophrenia Day. The purpose of this day is to increase awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the diagnosis of…
How to Switch Between Valproate Formulations?
Valproate is an FDA approved treatment for bipolar disorder. According to CANMAT and ISBD (2018 guidelines) valproate is indicated for the following phases of bipolar…
Psychological Approaches for Auditory Hallucinations Management
We are excited to announce our next video discussion for Psychiatry Education Forum Academy members: Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat the auditory hallucinations…
Benztropine or Glycopyrrolate: Which one is preferred for Antidepressants Induced Sweating?
Glycopyrrolate is preferred over Benztropine for the following reasons: for Glycopyrrolate is less known to cross the blood-brain barrier, hence less central adverse events (less…
Medications vs Psychotherapy for MDD: Comparing 5 Major Guidelines
How do you decide between psychotherapy versus medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder? Depression severity is one of the criteria used to make…
Psychotropics & Risk of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is defined as the conscious awareness of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. Psychotropic medications are commonly used as the…
Naltrexone XR: When & How to Initiate?
Naltrexone XR is an opioid antagonist, which is FDA approved for opioid use disorder. The main benefits of naltrexone-XR are: extended duration of its action…
Pseudobulbar Affect: Identify & Manage
Psychiatry Education Forum Academy’s Coffee Club contains short discussions with clinical experts in the field of psychiatry. Coffee Club’s goal is to get answers for clinically…
Lumateperone: Mechanism of Action?
Lumateperone is the most recently approved FDA-approved medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. Watch the following short video discussion from our journal club regarding the…
How to Diagnose PMDD?
Premenstrual disorders can range from mild premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is known that close to 70-90 % of reproductive age…
Lithium Induced Polyuria: Laboratory Evaluation
Watch the following short 5 minutes video from Psychiatry Education Forum’s Bipolar Disorder Update 2020 Conference. This video will briefly discuss the important laboratory workup…
Psychiatry Education Forum Featured on Psychiatric News.
Thanks to Psychiatric News for covering Psychiatry Education Forum’s Bipolar Disorder Update 2020 Conference. Here is Dr. Harvinder Singh’s interview on Bipolar Disorder Mixed Features:…
Treatment-Resistant GAD: 8 Augmentation & 12 Switching Options
Psychiatry Education Forum Academy will publish a detailed lecture on the management options for treatment-resistant GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) tomorrow: April 18 (Sunday). This detailed…
Genetic Testing in Psychiatry: MTHFR & L-MethylFolate
MTHFR gene encodes for MethyleneTetraHydroFolate Reductase (MTHFR) enzyme. It is important to have the knowledge of the following two MTHFR polymorphisms for you to interpret…
GAD: Initial Medication of Choice?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric disorder with chronic waxing and waning course for some. Psychiatry Education Forum Academy will summarize the pharmacological…
Transdermal Asenapine
ANSWER: (d) All of the above. Apply to a different application site each time a new transdermal system is applied. Do not cut the patch.…
PEF Clinical Fact: Antipsychotic of Choice in COVID & Pneumonia
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? JOIN PSYCHIATRY EDUCATION FORUM ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP This educational activity is dedicated to the essential and must-know clinical facts regarding the interaction…
Restless Legs with Antidepressants?
Restless leg syndrome is defined as having following four essential clinical consensus criteria: (a) Compelling urge to move the legs with or caused by uncomfortable…
Can L-Theanine Help with Anxiety Management?
Share this post Share on facebook Share on google Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on pinterest Share on print Share on email L-theanine…
Is Olanzapine Effective for Bipolar Mixed Features Management?
Share this post Share on facebook Share on google Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on pinterest Share on print Share on email Bipolar…
Propranolol for TBI
PROPRANOLOL FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Traumatic brain injury can significantly impact an individual’s life, in terms of cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments. Among these, aggression…
Top 5 Psychiatry Articles Discussed on PEF
Happy New Year to all PEF Followers I want to thank you all for following Psychiatry Education Forum and giving me the encouragement to continue…
Role of ANK3 in Bipolar Disorder
Share this post Share on facebook Share on google Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on pinterest Share on print Share on email Ankyrin-3…
Asenapine: Transdermal vs Sublingual?
ASENAPINE: TRANSDERMAL VS SUBLINGUAL This post will summarize the key differences between the transdermal and sublingual formulation of asenapine in the following 10 minutes of…
Bipolar Disorder with comorbid ADHD
Bipolar Disorder vs ADHD Which Symptoms are More Prominent in Bipolar Disorder-I, Compared with those with only ADHD? Elevated Mood Grandiosity Flight of Ideas Decreased…
Lithium & Renal Damage: Prevention?
How to Minimize Renal Damage Risk with Chronic Lithium Use? <img width=”768″ height=”854″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02889320-0192-4269-938a-0f27a483c3f2-copy-768×854.jpg” alt=”” loading=”lazy” srcset=”https://i1.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02889320-0192-4269-938a-0f27a483c3f2-copy.jpg?resize=768%2C854&ssl=1 768w, https://i1.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02889320-0192-4269-938a-0f27a483c3f2-copy.jpg?resize=270%2C300&ssl=1 270w, https://i1.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/02889320-0192-4269-938a-0f27a483c3f2-copy.jpg?w=813&ssl=1 813w” sizes=”(max-width: 768px) 100vw,…
Role of NAC for Treatment-Resistant OCD
ROLE OF NAC FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT OCD This is a short 5-minute video from <a href=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.teachable.com/p/conference1″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Psychiatry Education Forum’s 1st CME Conference</a>. Here I…
Montelukast & Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events
MONTELUKAST & NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ADVERSE EVENTS Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events from Non-Psychiatric Medications BY DR. HARVINDER SINGH Montelukast is indicated for the treatment of: Prophylaxis and chronic…
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for MDD Treatment: Practice Guidelines
Detailed Answer is available in our first Journal Club discussion: Journal Club #1: ISNPR Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major…
Comparing Serotonin Modulators: Trazodone vs Nefazodone
This post will compare trazodone and nefazodone in the following table: INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? JOIN OUR ACADEMY & GET ACCESS TO FOLLOWING COMPLETE LECTURE…
Grief, Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Versus Prolonged Grief Disorder
This topic will be summarized in the following three sections: (1) Grief versus Major Depressive Episode: https://youtu.be/WIQmiWnqhFg (2) Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Versus Prolonged Grief…
Remdesivir & Psychotropics Interactions
On Oct 22, 2020: FDA approved the antiviral medication Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. This was the first treatment for COVID-19 to…
Varenicline (Chantix): 5 Clinical Facts
READ BELOW FOR DETAILS (1) Dosing Instructions for Chantix: First set a date to quit smoking. Initiate Chantix one week before this quit date. …
Lithium Formulations & Dosages
This video podcast will be discussed in the following sections: 1. Available lithium formulations and dosages.2. Lithium Citrate vs Lithium Carbonate.3. Which lithium formulation &…
ALKS 3831 (Olanzapine/Samidorphan): Investigational Atypical Antipsychotic Drug
On Oct 9, 2020: Alkermes announced that FDA Advisory Committee voted in support of ALKS 3831 for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.…
Treatment-Resistant PTSD Nightmares Management
Today we released our updated lecture series on the management of treatment-resistant PTSD nightmares management. With this lecture series, we have crossed 260 chapters in…
Beware of “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok: FDA Warning
You must be aware of life-threatening challenges posted on social media in past, including the Tide Pod Challenge (in 2018) and the Bird Box Challenge…
Why Patients with Dementia develop Behavioral Symptoms?
Behavioral Symptoms Management in Dementia Lecture Series This lecture series will be discussed in the following sections: 1. Types of agitated behaviors in dementia: (Duration:…
FDA Update: Boxed Warning for Benzodiazepines
On Sep 23, 2020: FDA released this new announcement in their Drug Safety Communication, that the following update will be included in the Boxed Warning…
How do Antidepressants Cause Bruxism?
Bruxism is an involuntary activity of the jaw musculature characterized by jaw clenching, bracing, gnashing, and grinding of the teeth. Antidepressants induced bruxism is an…
Role of Depakote for Delirium Treatment.
Delirium can present with hyperactive, hypoactive or mixed clinical presentations. Depakote can be an effective treatment option for the management of delirium. Answer: Hypoactive Delirium…
How to Use Lithium During Pregnancy & Postpartum?
Lithium is considered a gold-standard mood stabilizer for the management of bipolar disorder. How about managing bipolar disorder with lithium during pregnancy OR for a…
PTSD Treatment if Prazosin fails: Doxazosin
Prazosin is used for treatment of intrusive nightmares and flashbacks symptoms of PTSD. Prazosin has limitation in some patients due to: Need for multiple dosings…
Evidence-Based Prevention Guidelines of Alzheimer’s Disease
This most recent study published by Jin-Tai Yu et al in J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry (on Jul 20, 2020) completed a systematic review & meta-analysis…
Trazodone: Dose, Mechanism & Clinical Response
This post will summarize Trazodone’s mechanism of action and answer the following two questions: What dose of Trazodone is effective for major depression disorder (MDD)…
25% Price Drop: 1st CME Conference
Psychiatry Education Forum’s first CME online conference is dedicated to the essential and must-know clinical facts in psychiatry. This conference will offer a maximum of 10 AMA…
Comparing Antidepressants: Long-Acting Formulations
This post will focus on the following three available long-acting formulations of antidepressants: (1) FLUOXETINE CR: Comparing daily fluoxetine with weekly fluoxetine in terms of:…
ADHD & Depression: Psychotropic Drug-Drug Interactions
This question is more directed toward drug-drug interactions and the role of Cytochrome P450: Atomoxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6, so we should avoid medications inhibiting…
Peer Reviewer for Psychiatry Education Forum
We are currently working on exciting educational activities for Psychiatry Education Forum subscribers. We at Psychiatry Education Forum rely on reliable peer review process to…
Medications Induced Neutropenia: Avoid them with Clozapine.
Neutropenia is the single most important risk factor for infection and Clozapine is well known for the increased for neutropenia. This neutropenia risk will increase…
First FDA Approved Transdermal Antipsychotic: Asenapine (SECUADO®)
On Oct 15, 2019 FDA has approved the first-and-only transdermal patch for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia: SECUADO® (asenapine) Transdermal Patch <p>This post will…
Choosing Antidepressants Based on Comorbid Medical Conditions
Let’s begin this discussion with the following hypothetical case: <img width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2-1024×576.png” alt=”” srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?w=1920&ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pink-Blooming-Bridal-Bouquets-Sales-Presentation-2.png?w=1280&ssl=1…
Cognitive Impairment with Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury can significantly impact an individual’s life, in terms of cognitive, behavioral and physical impairments. Among these, cognitive impairments are often the most…
Mood Stabilizers: Drug Interactions
This short 10 min video will discuss the important drug interactions for commonly used mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder management: Our course chapter will compare…
PEF Coffee Club: Bipolar Depression
Psychiatry Education Forum’s (PEF) Coffee Club is a new feature for Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry course subscribers. PEF Coffee Club contains short discussions with…
Snorting your way out? Using Stimulants for Depression
Stimulants have been intuitively considered as treatment options for depression for a very long time. It is often said that Freud treated his own depression…
Treatment-Resistant OCD: Can NAC Help?
A 36 year-old-female with history of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is currently on fluvoxamine 300 mg/day with clomipramine 250 mg/day with persistence of intrusive obsessive thoughts…
Peer2Peer ChatRoom: Our New Course Feature
PEF Peer2Peer ChatRoom (PEF P2P) is a new feature for Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry subscribers. This ChatRoom brings together fellow psychiatric practitioners in our…
Grinding your Teeth in Depression
We all know about the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms with the use of antipsychotics. A similar risk can also be seen with antidepressants, but this…
Intranasal Olanzapine: New Drug-Device Product for Acute Agitation?
Agitation is seen in various psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The use of intramuscular and intravenous medications is common in hospital settings for…
Antidepressants & Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Do you know of a condition “which causes such suffering that it should be known by every physician”?(1) That is what Ekbom, the neurologist who…
Neuroanatomy of Addiction
Understanding the neuroanatomy of the reward pathway and related circuitry is important in psychiatry, as abnormalities in these pathways are known to have a role…
‘Breaking Bad’ on a Routine Urine Drug Screen: The case of an innocent drug-positive
Post Contribution by Dr. Lena Palaniyappan Often we request urine drug screening when we suspect possible drug use, but cannot trust what the patient says.…
Clozapine and New-Onset Obsessions
Clozapine as a treatment option has many strengths. But it also has some weaknesses. This week I had a patient who has been stable on…
Clozapine Drug-Drug Interactions
Choose your answer first before scrolling down…. <strong>Answer: CYP1A2 interaction</strong></p><ul><li>Clozapine is extensively metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system. </li><li><strong>Cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A2…
The Fire of Psychosis
Journalists write a lot more than psychiatrists, right? But how can you write meaningfully when your “brain is on fire”? A 24 year old New…
Atypical Psychosis: Discussion Series Announcement
Psychiatry Education Forum is excited to announce the release of our upcoming discussion series with Dr. Lena Palaniyappan: <h2>ATYPICAL PSYCHOSIS:</h2> <img width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Dr.-Lena-Palaniyappan2–1024×576.jpg” alt=””…
Psychotropic Dose Conversions: Email Lecture Series
We will begin the following email lecture series for Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry course subscribers: PSYCHOTROPICS DOSE CONVERSION (MAY 18- MAY 29, 2020) (May…
Duloxetine FDA Approved for Pediatric Fibromyalgia (age 13-17 yr)
FDA has expanded the duloxetine indication for the treatment of fibromyalgia in pediatric population (age 13-17 yr). Duloxetine is now approved for following disorders: Major…
Non-Psychiatric Medications with: Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events (Email Lecture Series)
Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry’s Next Triweekly Email Lecture Series Announcement: In this email lecture series, we will discuss the neuropsychiatric adverse events from following…
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Diagnostic Criteria
This post is dedicated to the discussion of diagnostic criteria for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Here is the summary of an international consensus study of Neuroleptic…
Catatonia: Kahlbaum & Kraepelin
REFERENCES: Book: CATATONIA. From Psychopathology to Neurobiology. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) (amazon) Kahlbaum KL: Klinische Abhandlungen über psychische Krankheiten. 1. Heft: Die Katatonie oder das Spannungsirresein. Berlin,…
Burning Mouth Syndrome and Psychotropic Medications
Today we are excited to announce that we crossed 250 chapters in Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Course. Here is Chapter #252 (which is available…
Clozapine, REMS and COVID-19
FDA issued the statement on March 22, 2020 regarding the patient access to REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) medications like clozapine during COVID-19 public…
Psychotropics Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry’s next lecture series will discuss the psychotropics sexual side effects in the following six chapters/emails: (1) WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK? (MARCH…
Tobacco Use Disorder: Lecture Series
The Tobacco Use Disorder email lecture series will be discussed in the following sections: (1) Varenicline: (March 16) Mechanism Dosing instruction Comparison to bupropion Effect…
Do SSRIs have Active Metabolite?
References: Fuller RW, Snoddy HD, Krushinski JH, Robertson DW. Comparison of norfluoxetine enantiomers as serotonin uptake inhibitors in vivo. Neuropharmacology. 1992 Oct;31(10):997-1000. (PubMed PMID: 1279447)…
Bipolar Depression Updated Guidelines: Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project
The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program published algorithms for bipolar depression in 1999 and 2010. They just released their updated guidelines…
Depression & Hypothyroidism: 8 Clinical Facts
References: Minerva Endocrinol. 2013 Dec;38(4):365-77. (pubmed) J Affect Disord. 2014 Dec;169:112-7. (pubmed) Arch Intern Med. 2010 Dec 13;170(22):1996-2003. (pubmed) Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015 Aug;58:114-9. (pubmed) Facebook Twitter…
Antipsychotic induced Weight Gain Management: METFORMIN
This clinical topic will be summarized in the following 9 sections: Does metformin have role in the prevention and treatment of antipsychotic induced weight gain? …
Psychotherapy of Choice for PTSD?
FOR PHYSICIAN’S GUIDE FOR CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY SUBSCRIBERS: (Read Chapter 11.1): VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines for PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder. This chapter will summarize these…
Hydroxyzine and QTc Prolongation
For Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Subscribers: Read this chapter for details: (2.34) OTHERS: Hydroxyzine and QTc Prolongation. Read Course Chapter Dr. Harvinder Singh Admin,…
Antidepressants and Risk of Hyponatremia
For Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Course Subscribers: (This chapter is only available to course subscribers) This topic will be discussed in the following sections:…
FDA Warning: Increased Cancer Risk with Lorcaserin
On 01-14-2020, FDA released this alert of possible association of cancer with Lorcaserin: FDA mentioned that at this time, the cause of the cancer is…
Dasotraline: New Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor
Dasotraline is an investigational medication discovered by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and is currently under development for the treatment of: ADHD (in children) and Binge eating…
Lithium Induced Neuropathy
Lithium induced neuropathy is a rare side effect of lithium. We will discuss this adverse event in the following sections: Underlying mechanism. Clinical Presentation: onset,…
Psychotropic Drug Interactions: Clozapine and GERD Medications.
Detailed answer is available in our first email of Psychotropics Drug-Drug Interactions lecture series:- <a data-elementor-open-lightbox=”” href=”https://app.getresponse.com/view/a62b/EwvVVzw/whArc/email-message/bhdkY” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> <img width=”599″ height=”638″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Screen-Shot-2020-01-08-at-1.20.08-PM.png” alt=””…
DAYVIGO™ (Lemborexant): FDA Approved for Insomnia.
On Dec 23, 2019 Eisai Inc. announced the FDA approval of DAYVIGO™ (Lemborexant) for insomnia management. This post will summarize the important clinically relevant facts…
Our Top 5 Posts & Lecture Series of 2019: Happy New Year
We hope you had an amazing 2019! We sure did, thanks to all of your support over the past year. I want to say a…
Lumateperone (Caplyta): New Antipsychotic Approved for Schizophrenia
FDA has approved this new antipsychotic CAPLYTA (lumateperone) for the treatment of schizophrenia. This post will summarize the important clinically relevant facts regarding this medication,…
FDA Warning: Gabapentin and Serious Breathing Difficulties
FDA issued the following warning on 12/19/2019, and requires this information to be included in the package insert of this medication class: Combination of Gabapentinoids…
Prescribing Psychotropics with Medical Co-Morbidities
Detailed answer is available in our next email in the lecture series: <h3><a href=”https://app.getresponse.com/view/a62b/EFlZJSI/whArc/broadcast/18Akc” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Antidepressants use with Cardiac Risk</a></h3> <img width=”980″ height=”735″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Antidepressants-Cardiac.001.jpeg”…
Tardive Dyskinesia Management
Patient with history of schizoaffective disorder admitted for worsening of command auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions. He needed higher doses of haloperidol for stabilization of…
MDD: Switch vs Augmentation?
Switching Antidepressants Versus Adding Augmentation Agent in MDD. <h3>How do you decide?</h3> <h4>This question is answered by following two studies:</h4> <h3>(1) Canadian Network for Mood…
Cause and effect: The case for cause marketing
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent tempus sapien odio, sed porttitor mauris pretium eu. Suspendisse ornare tincidunt diam, ornare auctor nibh varius…
5 common myths about graphic design
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent tempus sapien odio, sed porttitor mauris pretium eu. Suspendisse ornare tincidunt diam, ornare auctor nibh varius…
4 tips for effectively communicating with clients
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent tempus sapien odio, sed porttitor mauris pretium eu. Suspendisse ornare tincidunt diam, ornare auctor nibh varius…
User Experience (UX) Design Trends for 2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent tempus sapien odio, sed porttitor mauris pretium eu. Suspendisse ornare tincidunt diam, ornare auctor nibh varius…
Mood Stabilizer Comparison: CANMAT & ISBD (2018)
WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS: This video will compare Lithium, Depakote, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine and Lamotrigine in following sections: FDA Indications. CANMAT and ISBD 2018…
Lamotrigine Clearance: Drug Interactions
Choose your answer before scrolling down. Lamotrigine is metabolized predominantly by glucuronic acid conjugation, so medications that induce or inhibit glucuronidation may affect…
Restarting Clozapine After Missed Dose
Answer: <img width=”1024″ height=”729″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-29-at-3.32.28-PM-1024×729.png” alt=”” srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-29-at-3.32.28-PM.png?resize=1024%2C729&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-29-at-3.32.28-PM.png?resize=300%2C213&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-29-at-3.32.28-PM.png?resize=768%2C546&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-29-at-3.32.28-PM.png?w=1196&ssl=1 1196w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” /> <h3>Detailed answer is available at following…
Long-Acting Antipsychotics Dose Conversion.
Dr. Harvinder Singh, MD Admin, Psychiatry Education Forum Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Course Subscribers will have more detailed access…
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pharmacological Management
Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social reciprocity, as well as repetitive behavior and restricted interests. First…
Antidepressants Induced Sexual Dysfunction
(Q) 28 year old male with history of major depressive disorder, reports having sexual side effects on trial of fluoxetine, sertraline, mirtazapine and venlafaxine.…
Antidepressants: Mechanism of Action (Part-2)
(Q.1): Which of the following antidepressant medication acts via: 5HT-2 Antagonism 5HT-3 Antagonism Alpha 2 Antagonism Venlafaxine Mirtazapine Vortioxetine Vilazodone (Q.2):…
Antidepressants: Mechanism of Action (Part-1)
(Q.1): Which of the following antidepressant medication acts via: 5HT-2 Antagonism 5HT-3 Antagonism Alpha 2 Antagonism Venlafaxine Mirtazapine Vortioxetine Vilazodone (Q.2): Which…
Duration of Antipsychotic use after Mania Remission.
Before proceeding further: Submit your answer first ANSWER: (c) 6 MONTHS (a) Continuing antipsychotics beyond 6 months (24 weeks) may not further protect against mania recurrence…
Naltrexone XR (Vivitrol)
This podcast will be summarized in the following sections: (1) Assessment: before initiation of Naltrexone XR (2) Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) (3) Naltrexone (oral)…
Triweekly Email Summary Published (Sep 2019)
Click here for more details: https://course-email-summary.subscribemenow.com/ Free preview of our email sent today: Bipolar Disorder Guidelines: Mania (CANMAT & ISBD): http://bit.ly/Email-Summary-Bipolar-1
Lamotrigine Dosing in Pregnancy
The answer is available at our following two channels: (1) YouTube This podcast will answer the following six questions: (2) Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry…
Clozapine Drug Interactions
YouTube Channel (Video Podcast): For Course Subscribers: Clozapine Interaction table PDF available for download (free preview available for a limited time only): https://psychiatryeducationforum.teachable.com/courses/451404/lectures/8430830 Subscribe to…
Join our Email Newsletter
Dear Psychiatry Education Forum Members. We send 1-2 educational emails/week to our email subscribers. We have upgraded to a new email service provider and this…
Lead Poisoning in Children
This post will be summarized by answering the following questions: (Q.1): What are the Neurological and Non-Neurological Symptoms of Lead Poisoning? (Q.2): What are the…
Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder Management
Management of Excoriation (Skin-Picking) disorder will be discussed in the following two chapters (video podcasts). This brings our total course chapters count to 225. In…
Naltrexone for Impulse Control & Self-Injurious Behaviors.
I will summarize this topic by answering the following nine questions: (Q.1) What Dose of Naltrexone is found effective?(Q.2) Naltrexone was found effective for which…
Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry: 6 Months Anniversary Announcements.
Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry course was released 6 months ago on Jan 19 with 180 chapters. We just published our 222nd chapter yesterday (= 42 chapters…
Suicide Risk Evaluation
Suicide risk assessment is the most important aspect of psychiatric evaluation. This video podcast will discuss the clinical factors that may increase or decrease the…
Top 3 Most Viewed Posts Last Week
Before this summary, I want to thank you all for subscribing to our YouTube channel (Psychiatry Education Forum): we crossed 100 subscribers this week 🙂…
Mental Status Exam: Back to Basics
Hello Friends. This post is dedicated to our new PGY1 psychiatry residents. This video podcast will summarize the basic details of a mental status examination. Highly recommended…
Psychiatry and Medical Co-Morbidities: Thrombocytopenia
Answer is available in our next video podcast here: Detailed answer available for course subscribers here: https://mailchi.mp/ac53f9c8e8fb/antidepressants-and-risk-of-thrombocytopenia
Psychiatry Education Forum Updates (June 2019)
Hello Friends. June is almost over and so is half of 2019 🙂 How are you all liking our posts so far? Please do not…
Antidepressant with Medical Co-Morbidities
Post your answers below We have summarized this topic in this short 20 min video podcast here: https://youtu.be/UXYBXOjUNuI
Q: Bipolar disorder, Depression
Post your answer by using “Leave a Comment” option below. More detailed answer is available here: https://mailchi.mp/62acf1868385/comparing-fda-approved-medications-bipolar-1-depressed
Drug Interactions: HIV Medications and Psychotropics.
Answer posted here: https://mailchi.mp/2c27d4fc37d1/drug-interaction-hiv-medication-psychotropics
Cariprazine (Vraylar) Approved for Depressive Episodes in Bipolar I Disorder
Cariprazine (Vraylar) was initially approved for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. This week FDA also approved…
Antipsychotics and Warfarin Interactions
Answer Posted: https://psychiatryeducationforum.teachable.com/courses/451404/lectures/10380068 Subscribe for similar clinically relevant topics and podcasts.
Clozapine-Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility
This podcast will summarize Clozapine-Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility (CIGH) in the following six sections:1. How clozapine can cause CIGH?2. Clinical signs of ileus states.3. Risk factors for CIGH…
Comparing Antidepressants: (1) SSRIs vs SSRIs.
Chapter: http://bit.ly/Comparing_Antidepressants_1 YouTube: https://youtu.be/lB3l77VA4bc Chapter: http://bit.ly/Comparing_Antidepressants_2 YouTube: https://youtu.be/u8WLCAcv4tE Subscribe for similar clinically relevant topics and podcasts.
Behavioral Symptoms Management in Dementia: Lecture Series.
Welcome to Behavioral Symptoms Management in Dementia Lecture Series. This post will summarize the list of chapters (based on their release dates). Here is our…
Antidepressants use with Renal Impairment.
Answer with detailed explanation is available in our following course chapter (available for free access): Subscribe for similar clinically relevant topics and podcasts.
Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Course Video
This short video will answer the following commonly asked questions regarding our Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry course:Q.1. Why I created this course?Q.2. Who is…
Long Acting Antipsychotics Dose Conversions.
This table will summarize the dose conversion between: (1) Oral Risperidone (Risp) (2) Oral Paliperidone (Invg) (3) Risperidone Consta (R. Cont) (4) Invega Sustenna (I.…
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This is our fifth video podcast and will be summarized in the following sections: Diagnosing PMDD. PMS vs PMDD. Evaluating PMDD with Scales. Treatment Options:…
FDA Psychiatric Medication Shortages (April 2019)
Following Psychiatric medications are CURRENTLY IN SHORTAGE: (1) Buspirone (2) Diazepam Injection (3) Diphenhydramine Injection (4) Flurazepam Hydrochloride Capsules (5) Fluvoxamine ER Capsules (6) Haloperidol…
Video Podcast #1: Comparing Mood Stabilizers
This is our first video podcast lecture. This podcast will compare Lithium, Depakote, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine and Lamotrigine in following sections: FDA Indications. CANMAT and ISBD…
FDA Approved Zulresso (brexanolone) for Post-partum Depression.
FDA approved Zulresso (brexanolone) injection for intravenous (IV) use for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adult women. Mechanism: Brexanolone is positive allosteric modulator…
Metformin for treatment of antipsychotic induced weight gain.
↓ ↓ Answer: 30 eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2: Metformin isContraindicated eGFR between 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m2 : Initiation of metformin is not recommended If eGFR falls…
Updated Guidelines by International Society of Psychiatric Genetics
International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) updated their guidelines on the use of genetic testing in psychiatric practice. Here is a summary of these recommendations:…
Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98)
Delirium screening tools such as the Confusion Assessment Method and the Delirium Symptom Interview: are designed to detect some delirium symptoms but not to measure…
Esketamine (Spravato) FDA approved for Treatment Resistant Depression.
Esketamine is a glutamate receptor modulator: acts as noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. On March 05, 2019: FDA approved Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, as an…
Autism spectrum disorder: co-morbid symptoms management
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social reciprocity, as well as repetitive behavior and restricted interests. ↓…
Antipsychotics Induced Edema.
Answer: C ↓ ↓ (190th Chapter Added to Course): Free preview available for next 48 hours only: Chapter #(2.8): Antipsychotics Induced Edema: Evaluation & Management.…
Warfarin and Antidepressants Drug Interactions
↓ ↓ Answer: Fluoxetine. Detailed Explanation Posted in Following Course Updated Chapter: (3.4) ANTIDEPRESSANTS and Warfarin (Chapter Updated) https://psychiatryeducationforum.teachable.com/courses/physicians-guide-for-clinical-psychiatry/lectures/8430865 Dr. Harvinder Singh, M.D. (Admin & Course…
(Q.3): Neuro-anatomical Correlates of Traumatic Brain Injury
Question Series on Traumatic Brain Injury Continues…. Read below for answer and other details: Symptom 1: Patient with impairments of consciousness following traumatic brain injury.…
Parkinson’s disease and Impulse Control Disorders
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson’s disease: (a) Problem or Pathological Gambling (b) Compulsive Buying (c) Compulsive Sexual Behavior (d) Binge or Compulsive Eating Dopamine Agonist Treatment and Association…
Q: Optimal Duration of Augmentation Antipsychotic use in Bipolar Disorder?
Patient with diagnosis of bipolar I disorder had remission of his recent manic episode with combination of mood stabilizer (lithium/ divalproex) and antipsychotic (risperidone/ olanzapine)…
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (#2): Management of Medically Unexplained Symptoms in Primary Care.
Kroenke (1) published the following stepped approach for evaluation and management of medically unexplained symptoms in primary care setting: STEP #1: Determine Severity (a) for acutely…
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (#1): Differentiating Disorders.
DSM-5 Somatic Symptom & Related Disorders includes: Somatic Symptom Disorder Illness Anxiety Disorder Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder) Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions…
Catatonia (#3): Treatment with Benzodiazepines.
FIRST LINE MEDICATION: BENZODIAZEPINES (LORAZEPAM). Route of administration: IV or IM preferred over oral. Initiating dose of lorazepam: 2 mg (Lorazepam Challenge Test) Examine patient…
Catatonia (#2): Catatonic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: 293.89 (F06.1)
This post will focus on likely causes for catatonia secondary to underlying medical conditions. DSM-5 defines this as Catatonic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition:…
Catatonia (#1): History of Catatonia: Kahlbaum & Kraepelin.
Kahlbaum is well known for his monograph “Catatonia or Tension Insanity“, where he described catatonic symptoms as having behavioral and motor components. He described this…
Atypical Antipsychotics Augmentation for Treatment-Resistant Depression.
A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis conducted by Peng Xie et al. investigated the comparative efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive atypical antipsychotics for treatment-resistant depression.…
Dose Conversion: Risperidone Consta & Invega Sustenna
(Q.1): HOW TO CONVERT ORAL RISPERIDONE TO RISPERIDONE CONSTA? ORAL RISPERIDONE RISPERIDONE CONSTA 3 mg/day or less. 25 mg >3 to <5 mg/day or less…
Stimulant and Guanfacine combination for ADHD: (#3) Comorbid Oppositional Symptoms in ADHD.
The following study by Robert L. Findling et al tested the effect of guanfacine extended release (GXR) adjunctive to a psychostimulant on oppositional symptoms in…
Stimulant and Guanfacine combination for ADHD: (#2) Cognitive Effects.
The following study done by Dr. James T. McCracken et al tested the effects of stimulant and guanfacine monotherapies relative to combined treatment on cognitive functions important in ADHD.…
Stimulant and Guanfacine combination for ADHD: (#1) Cardiovascular Effects.
Q: Is this combination safe and well tolerated from cardiovascular side effect profile of individual medications? Stimulants are known for increase in pulse…
Lithium and Risk of Hypercalcemia & Hyperparathyroidism
This post will focus on: Differentiate Lithium associated hypercalcemia/hyperparathyroidism from primary hyperparathyroidism. Symptoms of hypercalcemia. Monitoring guideline. LITHIUM ASSOCIATED HYPER-CALCEMIA/ HYPER-PARATHYROIDISM PRIMARY HYPER-PARATHYROIDISM…
Opioid use disorder: Buprenorphine/Naloxone, Methadone & Naltrexone.
This chapter will compare following three FDA approved medications for opioid use disorder: Methadone (MET). Buprenorphine/Nalaxone (BUP). Naltrexone injectable- Vivitrol (NTX). MET BUP NTX…
Prevent our Weekly Emails in Spam Folder
Dear Psychiatry Education Forum Members and Physician’s Guide for Clinical Psychiatry Subscribers. I have noticed that only 60-70% of our emails are going to…
Restarting Lamotrigine after abrupt Discontinuation.
(Q.1): Patient is stable on Lamotrigine but suddenly stopped it due to rash. Lamotrigine can be restarted (without need for titration) within how many days of…
Low-Dose Naltrexone for Depression
DEFINITION OF LOW-DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN): Naltrexone is used in 50- 100 mg daily dose for opioid use disorder treatment. LDN is 1/10th of…
Top 5 Viewed Posts in October 2018.
Here is our list of top five viewed posts in October. POST #1: Trazodone for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. This…
Typical Antipsychotics- Quiz Series.
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . Answer 1: (e) None of the above. Typical Antipsychotics should be avoided…
Depakote Induced Hair Loss: Mechanism & Management.
MECHANISM OF HAIR LOSS: Depakote —> can result in biotin deficiency and low biotinidase enzyme activity —> results in alopecia (hair loss). Additional role…
High Dose Buspirone for Tardive Dyskinesias.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Partial agonist at 5-HT1A. Low affinity as antagonist for dopamine D2 auto-receptors. According to rat models: Repeated use of haloperidol —> result…
Does duration of antipsychotic use predict their weight gain potential?
This is second part of our post on this topic. First part is available here: Antipsychotics Induced Weight Gain. This post will focus…
Antipsychotics Induced Weight Gain
Weight gain is one of the untoward side effect of antipsychotic medications and the extent of weight gain varies among all antipsychotics. This post will…
Trazodone for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
This post will attempt to answer following questions regarding role of trazodone in treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD): How is Trazodone different from SSRIs…
Sertraline Receptor Profile
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . A is correct:Sertraline is more potent at blocking DA receptor…
Maudsley Staging Method (MSM) for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)
This post will answer following three questions: How to use and score Maudsley Staging Method (MSM) for treatment resistant depression (TRD)? What is the optimal…
Total Serum Valproic Acid (VPA) Concentration & Low Albumin Level.
Total VPA levels monitoring in patients with low albumin level may not represent correct VPA level. Hermida et al published this study…
Antidepressants of Choice in Adolescents
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . A Cochrane systematic review was done to answer this…
EnLyte and Deplin: What is the difference?
(1) * Deplin is a medical food containing L-methylfolate, the active dietary form of the vitamin B9 (folate).* EnLyte is an FDA-regulated prescription medication. This ensures prescribing uniformity and integrity, maintains your (the…
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: ARIPIPRAZOLE
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Aripiprazole <img src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/0-ogfdvzu02tegyrenmh4w7eyg4fz8zzfh13uz94u7bc.jpeg” title=”0″ alt=”0″ /> <h4>Therapeutic drug monitoring have limited value in the clinical use of aripiprazole. It may be useful…
Basal Ganglia Structures and Diseases Associated with Damage.
This diagram will answer basic overview of diseases associated with damage to basal ganglia structures: <img width=”1024″ height=”851″ src=”https://psychiatryeducationforum.com/project1/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Basal-Ganglia-1024×851.jpg” alt=”” srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Basal-Ganglia.jpg?resize=1024%2C851&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Basal-Ganglia.jpg?resize=300%2C249&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.psychiatryeducationforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Basal-Ganglia.jpg?resize=768%2C638&ssl=1…
5-HT2A Receptor Antagonists for Neuroleptic Induced Akathisia
This systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2014, compared the efficacy of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists for neuroleptic induced akathisia. This was the first meta-analysis on this…
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) Management
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . CLINICAL FEATURES: Uncontrolled crying or laughing. These episodes…
Lamotrigine to Augment Clozapine: 6 Clinical Points to Consider.
#1: Make sure that blood clozapine levels are in the therapeutic range and the patient is taking the maximum tolerable doses of clozapine over at least 18-24…
Major Depression Disorder: Sleep-Wake Cycle & Antidepressants.
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . BRAIN STRUCTURES (AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS) IMPLICATED IN SLEEP WAKE CYCLE: …
DRUG INTERACTION: Lamotrigine + Antiretrovirals
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . REDUCED LAMOTRIGINE LEVELS Atazanavir/Ritonavir: may decrease lamotrigine plasma concentrations due…
Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression in Older Patients with COPD
CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: (1) ANTIDEPRESSANT DOSING: ‘start low and go slow’ with antidepressants. Try not reach a therapeutic dose in patients with adequate tolerance.…
Psychosis Management in Parkinson’s Disease
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . Quetiapine is the drug of choice for…
Antidepressants Discontinuation Syndrome Vs Depression Relapse
Q: How can you clinically differentiate antidepressants discontinuation syndrome from relapse and recurrence of underlying depression? (1) SYMPTOMS: Distinctive symptom of discontinuation is dizziness, which…
Designer Drugs: Clinical Features
BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN ==> SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS FIRST 🙂 . . . . Designer drugs are synthetic analogs of controlled substances. This post will…
United Kingdom Parkinsons Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic Criteria’s
Diagnosis of a parkinsonian syndrome Bradykinesia and at least one of the following: Muscular rigidity. Rest tremor (4-6 Hz). Postural instability unrelated to…
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