Psychotherapy options have increased and appear equally effective.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a challenge to treat not only because it is complicated and stigmatized, but also because its symptoms reflect ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior. Although it is heterogeneous in nature, causing different clusters of symptoms in different people, the disorder has three major clinical components: a fragile sense of self that impairs relationships with other people, impulsiveness, and emotional volatility. Many patients with BPD also have other mental health problems, such as a mood disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Drugs may be moderately helpful at reducing ...

The new PORT guidelines focus on improving physical as well as mental health.

The Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) has issued updated treatment recommendations that not only include detailed advice about medication and psychosocial treatments but also address, for the first time, common problems in this population such as smoking cessation, substance abuse treatment, and weight loss. The authors note that the goal is not only to help clinicians and patients understand how to increase chances of schizophrenia recovery (albeit modest in scope), but also how to reduce the risk of additional life-threatening medical problems such as diabetes and ...

Drug interactions may increase risk of cancer recurrence or death.

Tamoxifen is a standard adjuvant treatment for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer — the most common type, fueled by the hormone estrogen. Typically, women take tamoxifen for five years after undergoing initial cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy). The drug is also used as a preventive agent for women at high risk of developing breast cancer, based on family history or genetic profile.

Since it received FDA approval in 1977, tamoxifen has reduced breast cancer recurrences by one-half and breast cancer deaths by one-third in women with early-stage estrogen ...

Researchers are investigating whether chewing gum improves the brain's memory-forming ability, though as yet there is no evidence to support this theory.

I've tried to quit smoking three times. A friend suggested that instead of giving cigarettes up all at once that I try to kick the habit gradually. Which method is best?

My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder several years ago. Now a new therapist thinks the problem might be temper dysregulation disorder. What is that? How is it treated?