New Research Shows That Even Moderate Physical Activity Can Protect Against Depression

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A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that even moderate levels of physical activity can protect against depression in older adults. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Limerick in Ireland, looked at data from over 7,000 older adults with and without chronic disease. The researchers found that for every additional …

UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – June 2023

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The Adult Psychiatry Clinic at UCSF has released the schedules of their Group Psycho-Education for Bipolar Disorder for June 2023. This activity under the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Department of Psychiatry is aimed at providing a community resource for individuals with bipolar disorder, mental health professionals and psychiatrists. Headed by Dr. Descartes Li, the program director, it is designed …

Healthy Breathing

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Don’t neglect breath work Breathing is fundamental to life, so much so that we usually aren’t aware of doing it at all.  Yet many experts say people are breathing “wrong” – too rapidly and too shallowly – and breathing wrong may be affecting our physical and mental health in myriad ways. Healthy breathing, according to a recent article in the …

Somryst® – Currently Unavailable

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Somryst® the first and only FDA authorized digital treatment for chronic insomnia using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia – CBTi) will currently be unavailable. This is due to its parent company Pear Therapeutics, Inc. has filed for a Chapter 11 bancruptcy on April 7, 2023. The debtors voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bancruptcy protection in the United States Bancruptcy …

Qi Gong

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Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is said to promote health and well-being by harmonizing the flow of energy, or “qi,” throughout the body. Qi Gong is a safe and gentle practice that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a good way to …

Charges for Consultations and Updates via Email

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With the recent explosion in interest in and use of various types of telehealth services, patients are becoming used to getting in touch with their health care provider through their home computer or cellphone.  We celebrate the increase in channels for communication and hope that it will result in better accessibility to health care for all.  However, we also have …

Controlled Substance Prescriptions – Update January 2023

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FDA crackdowns and a shortage of staff in the pharmaceutical industry are making it harder to get controlled substance prescriptions filled. On October 12, 2022, the FDA announced a shortage of instant-release Adderall. Like many companies, Teva pharmaceuticals, the leading manufacturer of generic Adderall, has had trouble hiring people resulting in shortages of medications in pharmacies. The Adderall shortage has led to …

Orthostatic Vital Signs to Evaluate Medication Effects

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Many of the medications that psychiatrists prescribe can affect the body’s ability to respond to changes in blood pressure that occur naturally when you stand up, after being in a sitting or lying position for some time – orthostatic vital signs are taken as part of an evaluation of that risk. Heart rate and blood pressure should be obtained when …

Blue Spectrum Light

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Blue spectrum light, as emitted by electronic screens of all kinds disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms when they are used in the evening and at night.  These disruptions are especially problematic for people with mood disorders, who often experience difficulty sleeping and maintaining regular daily schedules of activities. We recommend blue light blocking glasses that block at least 90% …