Mental Health

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  NICE on schizophrenia
I don't plan to cover the management of schizophrenia in great detail here, as it is a specialist topic. However, I will highlight the latest NICE guidelines on schizophrenia, picking out what is most relevant to us in primary care.
  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
This is based on NICE guidelines. Think OCD/BDD in those coming with minor blemishes/requesting dermatology referral.
  PTSD
Here I'll summarise this clinical review of PTSD in the BMJ. Then I'll outline the NICE guidance on PTSD from 2005.
  Antidepressants
In this section I will summarise the results of several trials that have been published in the last 2 years that relate to antidepressants, particularly whether they work or not.
  Depression
I find depression one of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of my work.
  Seasonal Affective Disorder

As I write this I am spending my sabbatical working in a mission hospital in Egypt. And always I see a clear blue, sun-filled sky. No chance of seasonal affective disorder here!
  Anxiety and panic
  Lithium safety
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) have recently reviewed lithium prescribing. Their focus was mainly on mental health trusts, but there are some lessons we can learn.
  NICE overview of mental health problems
  Self harm
  Fatigue
This review of the rational investigation of fatigue in primary care looked at the evidence around presentation and management.
  Insomnia


This BMJ clinical review helpfully looked at some of the causes and some treatment strategies.

Sleep requirements do fall with age – older people may spend more time in bed but report poorer quality and quantity of sleep.