Psychiatry

In part one of this three-part article, our panelists discuss the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse among medical professionals and its probable causes.

In the second part of their discussion, our panelists address the challenges in detecting an impaired colleague, intervention, and whether drug and alcohol testing should be mandatory for physicians.

In the last section of a three-part article, our panelists discuss physician recovery and possible relapse, as well as a patient's right to know about their physician's substance abuse problem.

One of the many challenges for clinicians treating fibromyalgia is determining whether a patient has developed a true comorbid major depression and when to make a referral to a psychiatrist.

Over the last few decades, improved understanding of the neurobiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia has made the disease less mysterious to clinicians.

Diagnoses of fibromyalgia were originally reached by excluding other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Today, by contrast, diagnosis is done through a process of inclusion.

Comorbid conditions accompanying fibromyalgia include depression, sleep difficulty, restless leg syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. Treating these conditions can help improve patients' overall condition.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common pain syndromes in the US, but it can be difficult to identify and treat. Learn what you need to know about the challenges and opportunities facing physicians who treat this condition.