Late-Life Onset Bipolar Disorder Presenting as a Case of Pseudo-Dementia: A Case Discussion and Review of Literature.

Late-life Onset Bipolar Disorder Presenting as a Case of Pseudo-Dementia: A Case Discussion and Review of Literature.

Yale J Biol Med. 2013 Jun; 86(2): 235-44
Banga A, Gyurmey T, Matuskey D, Connor DF, Kaplan RF, Steffens DC

Depression and comorbid cognitive impairment in the elderly can be difficult to distinguish from dementia. Adding to the complex differential is that depression may be part of a bipolar illness rather than a unipolar mood disorder. A diligent workup and close monitoring of patients can inform appropriate treatment and can make the difference between recovery and persistence of symptoms. The present case will illustrate how a comprehensive workup utilizing extensive data gathering, laboratory workup, use of neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and timely treatment can lead to successful clinical outcomes that can be sustained for many years. HubMed – depression

 

Collaborative care for depression in primary care: how psychiatry could “troubleshoot” current treatments and practices.

Yale J Biol Med. 2013 Jun; 86(2): 139-46
Barkil-Oteo A

The bulk of mental health services for people with depression are provided in primary care settings. Primary care providers prescribe 79 percent of antidepressant medications and see 60 percent of people being treated for depression in the United States, and they do that with little support from specialist services. Depression is not effectively managed in the primary care setting. Collaborative care based on a team approach, a population health perspective, and measurement-based care has been proven to treat depression more effectively than care as usual in a variety of settings and for different populations, and it increases people’s access to medications and behavioral therapies. Psychiatry has the responsibility of supporting the primary care sector in delivering mental health services by disseminating collaborative care approaches under recent initiatives and opportunities made possible by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). HubMed – depression

 

Nutritional interventions in depression and perinatal depression.

Yale J Biol Med. 2013 Jun; 86(2): 127-37
Rechenberg K, Humphries D

Depression is the leading cause of mental disability worldwide. Women who are depressed during pregnancy are at a higher risk for preterm delivery, preeclampsia, birth difficulties, and postpartum depression. The treatment of depression in conventional medicine has focused on physiological factors that lead to impaired neurotransmitter function and treatments to improve neurotransmitter function. Pharmaceutical substances pose risks for pregnant and lactating women, and lower risk options are preferred. Micronutrients, including certain B vitamins, folate, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play a role in the synthesis and absorption of neurotransmitters. Experimental studies suggest that supplementation with specific micronutrients may alleviate depressive symptoms and improve birth outcomes in patients with perinatal depression. Alternative treatments for depression, including nutritional supplements, are an important treatment option for depressive symptoms while limiting potential side effects and treatment costs. This article explores the biological basis of perinatal depression and reviews the potential benefits of non-pharmacological interventions. HubMed – depression