The anxiolytic and hypnotic properties of benzodiazepines make these agents the treatment of choice for insomnia and anxiety problems. Benzodiazepines have low toxicity if they are not combined with other respiratory depressors, and they have a favorable adverse-effect profile. Here, in the first of 2 articles, the focus is on their role in the management of anxiety and sleep problems.

CME, 1.5 Credits    Aug 20, 2010

This activity will provide participants with education on benzodiazepines, their uses, and safety aspects.

CME, 1.5 Credits    Jul 20, 2010

Psychiatric diagnoses are primarily made by recognizing patterns of symptoms and clinical phenomenology, as outlined in DSM-IV-TR. Thus, the first critical steps in the identification of diagnoses are obtaining a thorough history, conducting a comprehensive mental status examination, and performing a focused physical examination. The results of these endeavors help focus attention on areas that need further diagnostic assessment and identify appropriate laboratory tests and procedures (including blood work, neuroimaging, and tests of electrophysiology) that will aid in assessment. When psychiatric symptoms are of acute onset, atypical in nature, or of late onset, or if there is a history of chronic medical illness, a medical cause (rather than primary psychiatric illness) should be suspected.

CME, 1.5 Credits    May 20, 2010

Psychiatric Times April 2010: Psychiatric Aspects of the Obesity Crisis

CME, 1.5 Credits    Apr 20, 2010

This enduring online activity is a spin-off of a live presentation at the 2009 U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress. The activity includes a streaming video and slide presentation captured from the live event, an original case challenge, and an interactive faculty forum.

The session will provide participants with strategies and reinforcement in dose titration, multimodal treatment, and long-term treatment adherence for patients with ADHD.

CME, 2 Credits    Dec 20, 2009

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurosensory disorder first described by Sir Thomas Willis in 1672. As early as the 19th century, Theodor Wittmaack1 observed the comorbidity of RLS with depression and anxiety. He termed this condition 'anxietas tibiarum,' and believed it to be a form of hysteria.

Once thought to be rare, data now suggest that RLS is relatively common but underrecognized and undertreated.2 Several clinical and population-based studies have reported a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities-particularly depression and anxiety-in patients with RLS.3 Thus, for psychiatrists, understanding the clinical features and treatment of RLS has become critical in their daily practice. However, the symptomatic overlap between RLS and mood disorders and the potential impact of psychiatric medications on RLS symptoms make RLS a diagnostic and treatment challenge.

This article provides an overview of the clinical features of and treatment strategies for RLS. It also offers a survey of the current literature on issues in the diagnosis and treatment of RLS among psychiatric patients.

CME, 1.5 Credits    Sep 01, 2009

CME, 27.25 Credits    Oct 01, 2008