In the primary care setting, mental health has become a prominent and emerging concern. At times, depression has often been overlooked and not been a focus of the office visit, especially when patients come in with other organic medical complaints. Multiple studies have shown that more than 50% of depression cases have been overlooked or missed in the primary care ... Continue Reading
Treatment-Resistant Depression in Outpatient Setting
By John Tumeh, MD and Hatcher, PA-S and Stephen Davis, LMHC
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide.[1] According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 7.8% of all U.S. adults above age 18 have experienced at least one major depressive episode.[2] The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among adult females (9.6%) compared to males (6.0%), and the prevalence of ... Continue Reading
Functional Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders in General Medicine
By Jorge L. Juncos, MD and Jennifer J. Hawkins, APC, NCC, CCTP
Functional disorders were previously known as psychogenic and conversion disorders.1 These entities consist of a series of neuropsychiatric and medical conditions in which individuals present with sensorimotor or somatic symptoms not explained by current or other know conditions. The change to the phrase functional and somatoform disorders was based on a new and more robust ... Continue Reading
Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19
By Helen K. Kelley
With the advent of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, constant sanitizing and mask-wearing, many Americans have experienced increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. We spoke to two Atlanta practitioners who shared their insights about treating mental health issues that have been brought on or exacerbated during the pandemic. The Shared Trauma of the ... Continue Reading
Depression and Anxiety in Teens
By Helen K. Kelley
Clinical depression and anxiety are on the rise among adolescents ages 12-17, as well as instances of self-harm. Here, we offer some insight into the importance of recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety in teens, which are often different from those of adults, as well as some of the differences in diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosing Anxiety and Depression in ... Continue Reading
Psychiatry Spotlight
By Helen K. Kelley Georgia physicians are at the forefront of developing innovative programs and research in the field of psychiatry. Here, we explore how they are increasing the knowledge and skills of new doctors, improving the lives of an underserved population with mental illness and more. Peer Specialist Has Important Role in Training Medical Students and Junior ... Continue Reading
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
By Kenneth H. Joel M.D. Ketamine is a medication that was patented in 1969 and put to medical use in humans in the 1970s. It has had many roles over the years, including as a general anesthetic in adults and children for surgery, a drug used in veterinary medicine for pain and anesthesia, as well as alternative roles abroad as a drug used in regression therapy and ... Continue Reading
William Jacobs, MD Provides Overview of Addiction Symposium
Reported by Dr. William S. Jacobs      I recently was invited to attend a symposium hosted by Michael Botticelli, director of the Obama Administration’s National Drug Policy. I was pleased to join representatives from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, National Institute on Drug Abuse, the American Board of Medical Specialties and other medical and ... Continue Reading
New Hope for People With Difficult-to-Treat Depression
Researchers at Emory University have found that a medication that inhibits inflammation may offer new hope for people with difficult-to-treat depression. The study was recently published in Online First Archives of General Psychiatry. "Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or wounding, says Andrew H. Miller, senior author for the study and professor of ... Continue Reading
Targeting Inflammation to Treat Depression
Researchers at Emory University have found that a medication that inhibits inflammation may offer new hope for people with difficult-to-treat depression. The study was published Sept. 3 in Online First Archives of General Psychiatry. "Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or wounding, says Andrew H. Miller, senior author for the study and professor of ... Continue Reading
Emory Study Shows Benefits of Therapeutic Intervention for Adolescents
A new study shows that a therapeutic intervention called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) appears to improve the mental and physical health of adolescents in foster care. CBCT is a tool that provides strategies for people to develop more compassionate attitudes toward themselves and others. It is well documented that children in foster care have a high prevalence ... Continue Reading
