Clinical characteristics of trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a common psychiatric disorder classified as an obsessive-compulsive and related condition in DSM-5. Despite being first described in the 1800s, little is known about its phenomenology and clinical presentation. Most information about trichotillomania is based on small samples.
Problematic internet use and suicidal behavior in adolescents: A review
Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents. Problematic internet use (PIU) has been associated with suicidal behavior in this age group. To assess this association, we reviewed population-based studies that examined the relationship between PIU and suicidal behavior.
Trichotillomania in sexual minority individuals
Trichotillomania is a common psychiatric disorder, but little is known about whether or how it differs in people with minority sexual identities. We sought to understand whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other individuals differ from heterosexual individuals in terms of hair pulling and associated characteristics.
Same but different? Phenomenological differences among various types of body-focused repetitive behaviors
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are highly prevalent conditions at the border of psychiatry and dermatology. Using a newly developed scale, the Generic BFRB scale (GBS-36), we aimed to compare 4 prominent BFRBs in terms of phenomenology, age at onset, and other illness-related aspects.
Vitamin D levels among adult psychiatric inpatients and the association with psychosis
The association between low vitamin D levels and mental illness has been described in earlier research. The aim of our study was to examine the association between vitamin D levels with psychotic symptoms among hospitalized patients.
Development of a mobile monitoring program for anxiety and depression in pregnancy and evaluation of 3-month results
The aims of this study were to develop a mobile mental health application (app) to scan the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related factors during pregnancy; examine the effect of the app on pregnant women; and determine the factors related to using such an app.
Posttraumatic stress disorder comorbidity in patients undergoing ECT for major depressive disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not recognized as an indication for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, research indicates promise for this treatment modality. To elucidate the effects of ECT for treating PTSD, prospective research is needed. The first step in assessing the feasibility of such research is to determine if many patients being treated with ECT have comorbid PTSD. This study examined the PTSD comorbidity rates and compared demographic data among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were treated with ECT vs patients with MDD who were not treated with ECT.
Protest behaviors among patients placed in seclusion in a psychiatric emergency service
Patients placed in seclusion for behavioral dyscontrol often perceive that the health care team is treating them inappropriately. These patients may express their indignation in many ways. To better characterize these behaviors, we conducted a study of protest behaviors in a psychiatric emergency service.
Concurrent Cotard and Koro syndromes in psychotic depression: Case report and literature review
Better than we think: Is the treatment of depressed patients more effective than we think?
Most studies of depression treatment rely on measures of symptom severity to evaluate outcome. We hypothesized that many patients would consider themselves to have benefitted significantly from treatment despite not being considered a responder according to a measure of depression symptom severity (ie, 50% reduction in symptom score).
High-dose armodafinil in treatment-refractory bipolar depression
Bipolar depression is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high risk of morbidity and suicidality. Standard antidepressants approved for treating major depressive disorder fail to exert efficacy in bipolar depression. Although 5 agents have been developed for the treatment of bipolar depression, treatment resistance is still observed in some patients, and requires off-label pharmacotherapy. Modafinil and armodafinil have been reported to improve treatment-resistant bipolar depression, but with inconsistent results.
Methamphetamine-associated catatonia: Case series and systematic review of the literature from 1943-2020
Catatonia due to a general medical condition may result from a variety of causes, including substance intoxication and withdrawal. Stimulants are occasionally associated with catatonia, though there has been little investigation of methamphetamine's relationship to catatonia. Here we present 5 cases of catatonia associated with methamphetamine use and a systematic review of the associated literature from 1943 to 2020.
Characteristics and experiences of professionals providing 9/11 mental health services
After disasters, mental health professionals might be called upon to help address the emotional consequences of the disaster among survivors and other affected groups, but the clinicians themselves could be affected. This exploratory study examined the experiences of 60 mental health professionals, most of whom provided mental health care to individuals affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (9/11), and/or experienced 9/11 sequelae themselves.
Stressors and coping mechanisms among pregnant women with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic
Women with psychiatric disorders are vulnerable to relapse in pregnancy, and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an additional stressor.
Differences in clinical presentations of patients seeking care for treatment-resistant depression across sexual orientations and gender identities
Sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) individuals experience higher rates and greater severity of depressive disorders than non-SGM persons. SGM individuals are more likely than non-SGM individuals to seek mental health treatment and to present to treatment with unique characteristics that should be accounted for when considering treatment recommendations. Patients seeking care for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are offered a variety of evidence-based interventions ranging in modality and invasiveness (eg, psychotherapy and neuromodulation).