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The Carlat Psychiatry Report

Update on Substance Abuse (March) | 2008

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Smoking Cessation: Which Options are Best?

March 1, 2008

The field of smoking cessation has been abuzz since the FDA approved Chantix (varenicline) in 2006. Pfizer’s studies showed better efficacy for Chantix than bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban), and the mechanism of action is fascinating. But several controversial issues have arisen to muddy the waters. Read More

Practical Advice on Treating Alcohol Problems

March 1, 2008

The NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) has recently posted a practical guide for professionals interested in improving their skills in evaluating and treating patients with alcohol problems. Here are some useful tips for treating alcoholism, adapted both from the NIAAA and other sources. Read More

Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse

March 1, 2008

The current issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry carries a meta-analysis of different psychosocial interventions for the treatment of substance abuse (Dutra L et al., Am J Psychiatry 2008 165: 179-187). This review focuses specifically on techniques for treating abusers of cannabis, cocaine, and opiates. What works the best, and what techniques can you bring into your practice. Read More

Does Concerta augmentation of antidepressants work?

March 1, 2008

Psychostimulants are commonly added to antidepressants in order to augment their effects, but most of the clinical trials have been either open or small controlled trials. In what may be the largest trial done to
date, these investigators (who received funding from Janssen-Ortho, the maker of Concerta) randomized 145 depressed patients... Read More