Harvard Mental Health Letter articles from June 2003

Harvard Mental Health Letter archives from June 2003

Confronting suicide: Part II.(preventing suicide, recognizing suicidal patients)
June 1, 2003... Part I of this series discussed personality, psychiatric disorders, and stress in relation to suicide. Part II considers how society and mental health professionals try to meet the challenge of preventing suicide. The first line of defense...

Aripiprazole.(antipsychotic drug's mechanism of action, side effects)
June 1, 2003... Aripiprazole (Abilify), an antipsychotic drug approved by the FDA in 2003, holds special interest because of its unique mechanism of action and the possibility that it will have a low rate of side effects. It works neither like the older...

A genetic legacy of trauma.(genetic susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder)
June 1, 2003... Two twin studies confirm that some people may be genetically susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One study indicates that genetic influence is especially important in a certain kind of trauma. The other suggests that the size...

In Brief - Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: New data.(omega-3 fatty acids can relieve depression, bipolar disorder)
June 1, 2003... Clinical trials and international surveys of fish consumption (see Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 2001) have raised hope that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils can help prevent or relieve depression. A study offers some...

Questions & Answers.(Viagra may help alleviate sexual problems caused by taking antidepressants)
June 1, 2003... Q Does Viagra work for women who have sexual problems caused by an antidepressant? A Baseball sluggers, race car champions, and former presidential candidates have successfully promoted sildenafil (Viagra) as an on-demand balm for male...

Questions and Answers (2).(exercise can be helpful in treating depression)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... Q Is exercise a good treatment for depression? A Studies consistently demonstrate that apart from its general health benefits, exercise can enhance emotional well-being. People who exercise regularly report a more cheerful mood, higher...