Monthly Archives: August 2015

Astute readers of obituaries know that “died unexpectedly” is a common euphemism for “died by suicide”. The family and friends of suicide victims are often reluctant to openly discuss the cause of death because of profound sadness, sense of privacy, … Continue reading →

Limitation of access to lethal methods used for suicide—so-called means restriction—is an important population strategy for suicide prevention. Many empirical studies have shown that such means restriction is effective. Although some individuals might seek other methods, many do not; when … Continue reading →

Mental disorders are common in all countries, affect every community and age group, contribute substantially to the overall burden of disease, and have major economic and social consequences and effects on human rights. However, the greatest inequities are cross-national: 80% … Continue reading →

Emil Kraepelin’s demarcation between dementia praecox and manic depressive illness defined affective disorder as a remitting and recurring disease. He considered that only long-term outcome was useful in assessing accuracy of diagnosis and treatment response in patients.1 The more recent … Continue reading →

Quite reasonably, patients with bipolar disorder want treatment that provides sustained relief from their illness without incurring serious side-effects. Functionally, this translates to the resumption of purpose and enjoyment. But of the numerous drugs available for the management of bipolar … Continue reading →

Mental disorders are among the most common morbidities of pregnancy and the postnatal period, and can have adverse effects on the mother, her child, and family. This Series paper summarises the evidence about epidemiology, risk factors, identification, and interventions for … Continue reading →

Bipolar disorder is a clinically challenging condition. In addition to the multiple mood states that patients can experience, the illness is frequently associated with multiple comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions. Bipolar disorder can best be understood as a family of … Continue reading →

At times the bridge is very narrow, with planks that are unstable, some even missing. I continue my journey holding on tight as the bridge narrows, and the planks are unsafe taking each step slowly making choices carefully as I … Continue reading →