Alcohol Use: Effects on the Body and the Brain
Alcohol use affects the body and the brain in a variety of ways.
Slides
![Information on the factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients with SpA has been scarce. A questionnaire-based Swedish study that sought to shed light on this issue found the associations to be multifactorial, including patient- and disease-related factors.[5] The study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS-A and HADS-D) to measure anxiety and depression. It found that higher scores on these scales, as correlated with a higher probability of anxiety and depression, were associated with lower education, more chronic pain problem, more fatigue, lower overall health, lower health-related QoL, lower physical functioning, higher disease activity, and lower self-efficacy.[5] Higher HADS-D scores were also associated with less physical activity. The study authors conclude that since these comorbidities are increased in SpA patients and treatable, they instruments like HADS should be used to screen patients in clinical practice.[5]](https://2zadtx2dccrd43bc0r18hhqj-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2018/12/ankylosingspondylitisra1215_893214-544x306.jpg)
Psychological Comorbidities in Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic inflammatory diseases involving the joints and entheses. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the most common form, affecting 0.2% to 0.5% of the US population.[1] In patients with AS, the spine and vertebrae are typically affected, which can result in back pain, impaired mobility,…
Medical Marijuana in Psychiatry: Weighing the Pros and Cons
As more states legalize the use of medical marijuana, researchers have conducted studies that explore how marijuana use affects various conditions. Individuals with certain psychiatric disorders seem to benefit from marijuana use, while others may experience adverse effects. Read through the slideshow to see how marijuana may positively or negatively affect different psychiatric illnesses based…
Top 10 Mental Health Apps
As the prevalence of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety continues to grow, clinicians have turned to mobile applications as tools for aiding their patients’ treatment. These apps can be especially helpful for teenagers and young adults suffering from mental illness due to their frequent use of technology as a means of communication. The apps…
Interactive Media for Mental Health
Virtual reality has been explored for several decades as a treatment for various conditions including anxiety, PTSD, and phobias. Often, researchers use virtual reality devices to immerse patients in virtual exposure therapy, a form of behavior therapy where patients are exposed to feared or traumatic experiences. As advancements make this technology more affordable, virtual reality…
ACA Survey Results: Have Opinions Changed?
Nearly 400 healthcare providers responded to the Affordable Care Act Survey between December 2014 and February 2015, answering questions about how their opinion on health reform has changed since it was signed into law in March 2010.View the slideshow to learn more about how clinicians feel the ACA has influenced how they spend their time,…
Alternative Therapies for Psychiatric Conditions
Although pharmacotherapy can be effective in treating many psychiatric disorders, some patients may be looking for a more natural approach to supplement or take the place of other treatments. Many complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) exist for common psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. If your patients ask about CAM, consider these…
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by uncontrollable obsessions. In order to relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, a patient with OCD feels compelled to perform specific rituals or routines, called compulsions. This cycle of obsessions and compulsions significantly interferes with daily life. Read through the slideshow to learn more about the…
Top 10 Medical Innovations of 2014
The Cleveland Clinic has selected the top 10 medical innovations that they predict will have the biggest impact on improving patient care in 2015. The selections include more effective medications, new vaccines, and novel devices that improve upon existing treatment options. View the slideshow to learn more about each of the 10 innovations.
Psychiatry Advisor Social Media Survey 2014
How do psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use social media? Do you suffer from fear of missing out — also known as FOMO — wondering if your colleagues are getting more out of social media websites than you? Could you advance your career if you networked on LinkedIn? Might you attract more patients by…
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