Demonstrating the value of genetic testing in psychiatry is a tricky proposition. The latest case in point is the debate over whether determining variations in the gene coding for the serotonin transporter pump (5-HTTLPR) is useful for predicting future risk for depression.

response rates in depressed patients who were put on citalopram (Celexa) for eight weeks. Recently, some clinicians have advocated starting depressed patients with a combination of antidepressants, in the hopes that targeting multiple neurotransmitters will boost efficacy.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Lurasidone (Latuda) was approved by the FDA for schizophrenia in October 2010 and is the 10th atypical antipsychotic in our toolbox. The key question is: does lurasidone have any advantages over existing agents, or is it just another “me-too” drug?

In what ways, if any, are cognitive problem a distinct feature of schizophrenia? And how can we use this information to guide treatment?

Check out this table for details on all of the atypical antipsychotics you commonly prescribe.

Information in this table is on the June CME Test, so please read it with the rest of this issue's content.

Dr. Carpenter, you are a member of the DSM-5 work group that is considering risk syndrome for first psychosis, or what is now called “attenuated psychosis syndrome” as a new diagnosis in the manual.

A combination of clinical lore and some studies have led many psychiatrists to believe that it is crucial to screen depressed patients for subtle signs of “bipolarity.”

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Let’s face it, dealing with side effects is not high on the list of “things we like most about psychiatry."