When mental disorders mask a real medical problem...

There is growing awareness that the traditional approach of trial and error can lead to a delay in effective treatment, re-hospitalization, adverse events and increased risk of death. Adverse drug reactions are now the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.

This is particularly apparent in mental health treatment. Research finds that about half of patients with depression do not respond to their first treatment. For many people taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic or similar medications, there also can be side effects that interfere with everyday life including nausea, weight gain, fatigue and insomnia. In an adult, these side effects are dangerous, and in a child, they are devastating.

Here are several recent articles on the linkage between mental disorders and physical problems, highlighting how crucial it is to accurately diagnose and have multi-disciplinary team of medical experts involved in the treatment.

When Anxiety or Depression Masks A Medical Problem

OCD Linked To Inflammation In The Brain

Gut Bacteria Linked to Bipolar Disorder

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