MDLinx - Up to Date

Metabolic Syndrome, Androgens, and Hypertension Current Hypertension Reports, 02/03/11

Moulana M et al. – In men, obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with reductions in testosterone levels. In women, obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with increases in androgen levels. In men, reductions in androgen levels are associated with inflammation, and androgen supplements reduce inflammation.

 

 

 

 

 

Risperidone versus other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia Cochrane Reviews, 02/04/11

Komossa K et al. – Risperidone seems to produce somewhat more extrapyramidal side effects and clearly more prolactin increase than most other second–generation ("atypical") antipsychotics (SGAs). It differs from other compounds in the occurrence of other adverse effects such as weight gain, metabolic problems, cardiac effects, sedation and seizures.

 

 

 

 

 

Comparison of Antidepressant Responses in Patients with Bipolar vs. Unipolar Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review Pharmacopsychiatry, 02/03/11

Vazquez G et al. – Since there is considerable uncertainty about therapeutic responses to antidepressants among depressed patients diagnosed with bipolar (BP) vs. unipolar (UP) mood disorders. The findings suggest little difference in antidepressant responses by diagnostic type, sex, or other factors considered, but a substantial risk of mania and hypomania with BP disorders.

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation of Alzheimer's Australia Vic Memory Lane Cafes International Psychogeriatrics, 01/31/11

Dow B et al. – Dementia is a serious health issue in Australia, with prevalence estimated at 6.5% of people over 65 years of age. Living with dementia has significant social and psychological ramifications, often negatively affecting quality of life. Social support groups can improve quality of life for people living with dementia.

 

 

 

 

 

The association between general psychological distress and delusional-like experiences: A large population-based study Schizophrenia Research, 01/26/11

Saha S et al. – Delusional–like experiences (DLE) are prevalent in the community, and are associated with the both clinical and subclinical depression and anxiety. While DLE have traditionally been associated with psychotic disorders, they results suggest that they are associated with non–specific psychological distress in otherwise–well individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

Effectiveness of haloperidol, risperidone and olanzapine in the treatment of first-episode non-affective psychosis Journal of Psychopharmacology, 02/15/11

Crespo–Facorro B et al. – Risperidone and olanzapine demonstrated higher effectiveness relative to haloperidol, but the three antipsychotics were equally effective in reducing the severity of psychopathology. Specific clinical programmes and the use of second–generation antipsychotics may enhance the effectiveness of antipsychotic treatments.

 

 

 

 

 

Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology Journal of Psychopharmacology, 02/15/11

Barnes TRE et al. – These guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology address the scope and targets of pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia. A consensus meeting, involving experts in schizophrenia and its treatment, reviewed key areas and considered the strength of evidence and clinical implications.

 

 

 

 

 

Beta-Blockers in Hypertension The American Journal of Cardiology, 12/13/10

Ram CVS – Much of the unfavorable data revealed in the recent meta–analyses were gleaned from studies involving nonvasodilating, traditional (beta) blockers, such as atenolol. However, findings with traditional (beta) blockers may not be extrapolated to other members of the class, particularly those agents with vasodilatory activity. Vasodilatory (beta) blockers (i.e., carvedilol and nebivolol) reduce blood pressure in large part through reducing systemic vascular resistance rather than by decreasing cardiac output, as is observed with traditional (beta) blockers. It is time for a reexamination of the clinical evidence for the use of (beta) blockers in hypertension, recognizing that there are patients for whom (beta) blockers, particularly those with vasodilatory actions, are an appropriate treatment option.