Volume 27, Part 3

Legal Issues of Psychiatric Malpractice in Suicide Cases
The loss of a patient to suicide is the most feared outcomes for mental health professionals, and unfortunately it is a situation that many are likely to encounter. Often, what is already a sad and difficult time for the clinician is exacerbated by the fear of litigation. In this lesson, Dr. Packman, along with doctoral candidates Gwynneth Smith and Houri Andalibian, explore the field of suicide and malpractice liability including: explanations of what constitutes negligence, relevant legal terminology, and a discussion of how to reduce the risk of malpractice liability. Read More

Diagnosis and Management of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an underdiagnosed psychiatric disorder, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. In this lesson Drs. Foster and Veale review the defining aspects of BDD including its etiology, biological and psycho-social associations, epidemiology, prognosis, risk factors, and diagnosis. Clinicians will also learn how to use psychological/biological management techniques to help in the fight against this often unnoticed disorder. Read More

Anxiety Disorders and Risk for Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt
Emerging evidence implicates anxiety disorders as risk factors for suicide, making it more crucial than ever for clinicians to accurately assess patients suffering from anxiety disorders and provide them with effective management techniques. In this lesson, Drs. Bolton and Sareen update clinicians on recent epidemiologic findings regarding this perhaps surprising association, and translate these findings into clinically meaningful terms, focusing on the assessment of individuals with anxiety disorders, the assessment of the suicidal patient, and finally providing an overview of the treatment of anxiety disorders. Read More

Schizophrenia and
Cardiovascular Disease
Schizophrenia is one of the most devastating neuropsychiatric illnesses encountered today. In addition to dealing with their positive and negative symptoms, patients often suffer from a host of other medical problems. In this lesson, Dr. Moss and Nasrallah explore the connection between Schizophrenia and Coronary Heart Disease in an attempt to explain why those suffering from Schizophrenia are 46% more likely to die from a cardiac ailment than the general population, and what clinicians can do to help decrease this disturbing statistic. Read More

The Natural Course of PTSD Symptoms: Findings from Longitudinal, Epidemiological Studies
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a persistent and often chronic disorder, can develop in the aftermath of traumatic events. Read More