Patients may be reluctant to bring up restrictive eating or excessive exercise habits; it is up to the clinician to begin this conversation and share concerns. Use the ask, offer, ask framework to guide the conversation.
How do you talk with patients about restrictive eating? Read More »
SSRIs are the first line treatment for patients with PMDD, with a response rate of 60-70%. PMDD symptoms respond quickly to SSRIs, allowing SSRIs to be dosed continuously, intermittently during the luteal phase, or intermittently when symptomatic.
How do you treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Read More »
Symptoms of PMDD are of comparable severity to those of other mental health disorders, including MDD and GAD. Confirming a provisional PMDD diagnosis requires daily prospective symptom ratings for at least 2 menstrual cycles. Symptoms of PMDD fluctuate consistently and predictably with menstrual cycles.
How do you diagnose premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Read More »
Diagnosing ADHD in an adult involves both ruling-in ADHD by developmental history, current symptoms and functional impairment in multiple contexts and ruling-out other common causes of inattention.
How do you diagnose ADHD in an adult? Read More »
Silexan, an OTC oral medication made of lavender extract is well tolerated and effective in treating GAD and subsyndromal anxiety. In studies, Silexan 160mg was slightly more effective than 80mg.
How do you use Silexan for anxiety? Read More »
Data to support the Mediterranean diet as a treatment for depression is currently lacking. Exercise may prevent depression and improve depressive symptoms.
Can dietary interventions or exercise treat depression? Read More »
Patients with BPD may engage in suicidal and non-suicidal self-harming behavior.
Self-harming behavior is a maladaptive coping skill for emotional distress that serves different functions for different patients.
How do you support a patient with self-harming behaviors? Read More »
If you suspect the diagnosis of BPD, ground your conversation in the DSM-5 criteria, share the diagnosis, and refer the patient to psychotherapy; most patients appreciate having a diagnosis and receiving treatment for distressing symptoms.
How do you diagnose and manage borderline personality disorder in primary care? Read More »
Panic attacks are characterized by a surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and with at least four symptoms. Ask specific details to solidify diagnosis and narrow differential.
Are these panic attacks? Or something else? Read More »
The shame associated with binge eating may prevent patients from bringing up the topic with health care providers. A non-judgmental clinical interview, asked in the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship, can lead to the diagnosis of binge eating disorder.
How do you diagnose binge eating disorder in primary care? Read More »
