This fact sheet reviews when to order and how to interpret a urinalysis (UA) in psychiatric settings

Therapeutic drug monitoring refers to measuring serum medication levels to guide dosing, evaluate toxicity, or identify nonadherence.

In earlier decades, inpatient units frequently ordered neuroimaging as a routine part of psychiatric admissions. 

The CBC is one of the most commonly ordered tests in psychiatry. 

The basic metabolic panel is commonly ordered at admission on psychiatric units. 

Generally, when treating a patient with ADHD symptoms, psychostimulants are the first-line choice because they tend to be more effective than nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, bupropion, clonidine, guanfacine, and viloxazine.

Omega-3 fatty acids form the lipid bilayers of cell membranes, and supplementing our natural dietary supply may have psychological and cardiological benefits.

Lithium is the gold standard for bipolar disorder.

Lamotrigine is a good choice for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, especially to prevent depressive episodes.

Equetro is the only FDA-approved formulation of carbamazepine for bipolar disorder, but use of other formulations would result in the same effects at a lower price.