Physician's Weekly

New Approach Tried for Treatment-Resistant Depression

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:21:21 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO – A pilot randomized study of 30 patients with treatment-resistant depression suggests that helping them cope with their illness as a chronic disease might be more helpful than focusing exclusively on symptom remission.

Clinicians usually focus on trying to push symptoms of depression into remission using one medication or combination of therapies after another, Dr.…

APA 2013: Follow-Up Schizophrenia Care

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:10:59 +0000

The Particulars: The National Committee for Quality Assurance has proposed a quality measure for follow-up after hospitalization for schizophrenia for the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set. Patterns and predictors of follow-up care among publicly and privately insured inpatients with schizophrenia have not been well defined in the literature.…

APA 2013: Treating Delirium in Elderly Pneumonia Patients

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:04:41 +0000

The Particulars: Studies indicate that pneumonia is prevalent and potentially life-threatening in elderly patients presenting to the ED. In this population, delirium is common and may be the only manifestation of pneumonia.

Data Breakdown: A study was conducted using record reviews for patients hospitalized for pneumonia and treated for delirium.…

APA 2013: Patient-Perceived Barriers to Alcohol Use Treatment

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:58:13 +0000

The Particulars: Previous research has not clearly defined barriers to care for adults with a perceived need for treatment of alcohol problems.

Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers analyzed data from patients aged 18 and older who reported a need for treatment of alcohol problems but did not obtain treatment.…

Pedometers Lead to More Walking, Fewer Exacerbations in COPD

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:14:13 +0000

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — A program of walking enhancement is therapeutic for patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study has shown.

Advice alone was not sufficient to reverse patients’ sedentary ways. However, the researchers found that a pedometer intervention helped patients by allowing them to monitor their activity levels and providing them with objective feedback of their progress.…

ATS 2013: Improvements in Emphysema With LVRC Bronchoscopic Device

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:09 +0000

The Particulars: The lung volume reduction coil (LVRC) is a bronchoscopic device that gathers and compresses diseased lung tissue, allowing healthy tissue to function more efficiently. Previous research has not evaluated the LVRC in the treatment of homogenous or heterogeneous emphysema.…

ATS 2013: Exploring the Analgesic-Asthma Link

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:05 +0000

The Particulars: Studies have suggested that using analgesics during pregnancy or early childhood can increase the risk of asthma-related outcomes. These studies, however, are limited because of potential confounding by indication.

Data Breakdown: Researchers investigated the associations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen intake during pregnancy and the first year of life with asthma-related outcomes before and after controlling for respiratory infections.…

Is the Impending Physician Shortage Real?

SkepticalScalpel — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:08:05 +0000

It’s crunch time for radiologists. The New York Times reported that an osteopathic radiology residency in the Bronx was abruptly terminated (the decision was later reversed for this year), casting its 12 residents adrift. The article focused on the hospital’s plan to cash in on the primary care mini-boom that is allegedly taking place.…

Eye May Be Key to ADHD Diagnosis

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:36:43 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO — Examining the retina may aid in the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), new research suggests.

A small study by investigators at Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany, showed that patients with ADHD displayed significantly elevated “background noise” on a pattern electroretinogram (PERG) compared with their healthy peers.…

APA Leaders Defend DSM-5

PeeDubs — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:34 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO — The fifth edition of the “psychiatrist’s bible” was officially released here in all its 947-page glory, with its developers offering a spirited rebuttal to their critics.

Known as DSM-5, the new version of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was launched at a press briefing to kick off the organization’s annual meeting.…