In this discussion, we will go over the complications of alcohol and benzodiazepine (BZD) use disorders, the pharmacologic and harm reduction treatment, and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for patients. Introduction Unlike opioid use disorder which is not fatal in most cases, untreated alcohol and BZD disorders can precipitate seizuresContinue Reading
In this discussion, we go over a quick review of opioids, drugs of abuse, opioid use disorder treatment, and naloxone administration. Quick Review of Opioid Receptors They assist with pain modulation, reinforcement and reward modulation, stress modulation, respiratory depression, immune system activation, and somnolence. There are four opioid receptors. TheContinue Reading
In this discussion, we will go over the difference between substance abuse and dependence, the 12-step model, and the DSM-5, and identify problems with the disease model of addiction. Substance Abuse is marked by a negative impact on social and occupational life. Substance Dependence is marked by the body’s tolerance.Continue Reading
In this discussion, we will talk about the features of drug addiction, factors that influence the development of drug addiction, the neurobiology of drug addiction, and mechanism of action of highly abused medications. Features of drug addiction Drug addiction is a pattern of behavior that individuals develop and maintain thatContinue Reading
In this discussion, we will talk about the risk factors of migraine, differentiate between types of headaches, red flags of headaches, and treatment plans. Migraine Facts Migraine is generally recurring and unilateral. The pain is severe and typically comes with nausea, vomiting, light, and movement. The pain usually occurs inContinue Reading
In this discussion, we will talk about the symptoms of schizophrenia, the mechanism of actions and side effects of FGAs and SGAs, and the treatment process of schizophrenia. Etiology and Epidemiology of Schizophrenia The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but a genetic component and environmental factors are theorized toContinue Reading
In this discussion, we will talk about the mechanisms of action for different pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of schizophrenia. The agents discussed are first-generation antipsychotics, second-generation antipsychotics, and third-generation antipsychotics. We will also discuss novel antipsychotics, putative antipsychotics under development, and management for tardive dyskinesia. First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs)Continue Reading
In this discussion, we will go over the dopamine hypotheses of schizophrenia, the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, other hypotheses of schizophrenia, and the mechanism of action of antipsychotics Review of Schizophrenia The subtypes of schizophrenia are paranoid, disorganized, and catatonic. It affects roughly 1% of the population worldwide, and its onsetContinue Reading
In this discussion, we will talk about symptoms of schizophrenia, comorbidities of schizophrenia, and medications that can induce psychosis What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a brain disorder. There seems to be both a genetic component and environmental component that combined to trigger the onset of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects about 1%Continue Reading
In this discussion, we will go over some facts about bipolar disorders (BDs), symptoms and diagnostics criteria, pharmacology therapy, and patient education. Bipolar Disorder Facts Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by shifts in mood that can range from severe depression to extreme mania. It is most closelyContinue Reading