Harvard Mental Health Letter: April 2008

Mild cognitive impairment is considered to be the state between normal mental function and dementia. Researchers are seeking a way to diagnose the condition sooner, so that medication can be used to treat or at least manage it, to keep it from worsening.

Because of the rapid pace of brain development in preschoolers, particular care must be used when prescribing them medications for psychiatric conditions or disorders. Psychotherapy should be attempted before prescribing any medication.

Veterans returning from deployment often have mental health issues, but many do not seek treatment for fear it will affect their chances for advancement. Family menbers should watch for unusual behavior that could be a symptom of a problem.

Researchers found that children and adolescents with asthma were more likely to suffer from anxiety or a depressive disorder, but as yet there is no indication what the connection might be.

A study found that people taking antipsychotic medications, which can cause weight gain, were able to lower their body mass index and improve their overall health by taking metformin, which lowers blood sugar.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study that seems to question the effectiveness of antidepressants. Is that correct? What does this mean about continuing the antidepressant I am taking?