Antidepressants in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
There is broad consensus among psychiatrists who treat chronic pain that:
- Major depression and chronic severe pain are frequently comorbid conditions, and
- Antidepressants can improve both conditions, when found together, Or separately, and
- The management of both conditions is complicated by iatrogenic opiate and anxiolytic tolerance and dependency.
Dr. Covert is a psychiatrist in Houston, Texas and a Texas Workman’s Compensation psychiatrist who assists patients with these conditions with cognitive behavioral therapy, outpatient detoxification and treatment for depression with medications which are not habituating, and do not aggravate depression, cognitive functioning and the ability to collaborate in pursuing treatment goals.
Posted on 4-8-2011 | Permalink
New Medication Information
On April 5, 2011, Dr. Covert, a psychiatrist in Houston, Texas, attended an important continuing psychiatric education event. The speaker was William M. Glazer, M.D., who has been a member of both the Yale and Harvard Medical School psychiatric faculties.
Dr. Glazer spoke on the topic of "Management of Bipolar I or Schizophrenic Patients." He discussed salience, the ability to focus attention on what is important, often missing in these disorders. The efficacy of asenapine in these disorders was discussed by the local psychiatrists and residents attending. The comparative advantage of this relatively new medication was efficacy, but also a reduced incidence of tardive dyskinesia, hyperlipidemia, weight gain and akasthesia as well as dystonia.
Posted on 4-5-2011 | Permalink
