Robert Klitzman, MD, professor of psychiatry, addresses the ethical and health concerns that must be considered in tackling the obesity epidemic and broader public health challenges.
A Columbia study shows a simple smell test and memory exam can predict cognitive decline as accurately as costly brain imaging, offering a more affordable and accessible way to assess dementia.
"While the dropping numbers of American smokers is something to be celebrated, the percentage of smokers who have a mental health issue is on the rise," writes Dr. Ardesheer Talati.
Lower diagnosis rates for Hispanic children and girls might be partly explained by cultural biases and not necessarily a lower risk of autism for these children, said Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele.
Dr. Jonathan Stewart, who is currently running a wake therapy trial, only keeps patients awake for one night. “I couldn’t see a lot of people agreeing to stay in hospital for three nights," he said.
Dr. Drew Ramsey suggests using a sleep app to monitor how much or how little sleep you're getting. “When you see the digital data, it helps people enact behavioral change,” he says.
"Several mental illnesses have at least some genetic component," Dr. Ravi Shah said. "Broadly speaking, family history of mental illness raises the risk of mental illness in patients on average."
"Several mental illnesses have at least some genetic component," Dr. Ravi Shah said. "Broadly speaking, family history of mental illness raises the risk of mental illness in patients on average."
Dr. Ravi Shah gives insights on SAD. His main piece of advice: Get proactive about staving it off. SAD happens at certain times of year, primarily in winter—after Daylight Savings Time.
"When a psychiatrist does a fitness for duty exam—which are quite common—the first task really is to understand what the job is," said Dr. Paul Appelbaum.