Practice-tools-and-tips - Articles - Page 8

ICD-10: What You Need to Know

January 1, 2016

Daniel Carlat, MD Editor-in-Chief, Publisher, The Carlat Report. Dr. Carlat has disclosed that he has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.

On October 1, 2015, you had to start using ICD-10 codes for reporting diagnoses in order to get paid by insurance companies. But what does ICD-10 mean, how does it relate to DSM-5, and what does a practicing clinician need to know about it?

Managing Bipolar Disorder: Practical Tips

January 1, 2016

Stephen M. Strakowski, MD

Stephen M. Strakowski, MD Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of UC Health; Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology & BME at the University of Cincinnati Dr. Strakowski discloses that he has been a paid consultant to Sunovion and Procter & Gamble. Dr. Carlat has reviewed this article and has found no evidence of bias in this educational activity.

Dr. Strakowski shares tips on diagnosing bipolar disorder, in addition to insight on treatment strategies such as maintaining a regular schedule, mood charting, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.

Before You Write That Prescription: Guidelines for Ordering Lab Tests

November 1, 2015

Rajnish Mago, MD

Rajnish Mago, MD Director, Mood Disorders Program, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Dr. Mago discloses that he has received research grants from Alkermes, Allergan (formerly Forest Laboratories), Genomind, and Takeda, and that he has been a paid consultant to Genomind, Guidepoint Global, Otsuka, and Lundbeck. Dr. Carlat has reviewed this article and found no evidence of bias in this educational activity.

Mental health clinicians often ask for a single, black-and-white answer to the question: Which lab tests should I order before starting this particular medication? Inevitably, the answer is that it depends. Here are some guidelines that are useful.

Distinguishing Between Medical and Psychiatric Conditions

November 1, 2015

Barbara Schildkrout, MD

Barbara Schildkrout, MD

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Part-Time Harvard Medical School, in the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Author of “Unmasking Psychological Symptoms” and “Masquerading Symptoms,” both published by John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Dr. Schildkrout has disclosed that she has no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Dr. Schildkrout discusses strategies for differentiating medical and psychiatric disorders. The interview covers how mental health professionals can catch red flags for medical conditions such as dimentia and seizures.

Antidepressant Use in Children and Teenagers

November 1, 2015

This Expert Q&A covers key things that John Walkup, MD, looks for in child and adolescent patients with depression to determine how they are likely to respond to different kinds of medication.

A New Treatment Program Effective for First-Episode Psychosis

November 1, 2015

Daniel Carlat, MD

Daniel Carlat, MD

Editor-in-Chief, Publisher, The Carlat Report.

Dr. Carlat has disclosed that he has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.

Catching patients early in the course of their psychotic disorders may improve outcomes. A new NIMH-funded study compared a very comprehensive treatment program with treatment as usual, and the results were promising.

The Latest in Designer Drugs

October 1, 2015

Joshua Sonkiss, MD

Over the past several years, the explosion of “designer drugs”—so named because they are designed to evade regulation and law enforcement—has continued unabated. Here is an update on the most popular of these: synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic hallucinogens.

Understanding the Dangers of Designer and Club Drugs

October 1, 2015

Dr. Michael Weaver discusses the latest in club drugs, providing insight on the background, dangers and legal issues surrounding these drugs, and also how to talk to patients about them with a credible understanding.

Integrating Technology in Your Practice

October 1, 2015

Jon Elhai, PhD

Jon Elhai, PhD Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry University of Toledo Dr. Elhai has disclosed that he has no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Dr. Jon Elhai discusses ways psychiatrists and psychologists can responsibly implement tele-communication methods in their practice, including encrypted emails, text messages, and video chat. The conversation covers how doctors can maintain HIPAA-compliance as they pursue an online practice.

Is Varenicline More Effective in Women Than Men?

October 1, 2015

Varenicline (Chantix) is probably the single most effective medication for smoking cessation. Some research has suggested that Chantix is more effective for women. A recent meta-analysis attempted to add statistical power to evaluating that question.