Author Archives: JmaC

Part #2 Oxcarbazepine Oxcarbazepine is another anticonvulsant structurally related to carbamazepine, with the same mechanism of action of blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, but it is less likely to induce cytochrome P-450 and drug interactions.19 A series of studies indicated the … Continue reading →

Part #1 Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, in addition to marked impulsivity.1 Although psychotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of borderline patients by focusing on … Continue reading →

Although psychotropic medications have revolutionized the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, the benefits sometimes come at a price. Unwanted adverse effects may limit the use of these agents and may, in some instances, result in serious morbidity and mortality. In … Continue reading →

Mood-stabilizing drugs slipped into the vocabulary of psychiatrists during the last 15 years without a proper discussion of their definition. Consequently, these medications have been used in ways that have no empirical justification. The original idea behind the term mood … Continue reading →

These vignettes describe two scenarios quite familiar to persons with severe mental illnesses and their families. Consumers frequently experience situations in which they are given little control over important treatment decisions. Families just as frequently are frustrated by having to … Continue reading →