August 1, 2009

Obsessive-compulsive disorder often goes unrecognized, and treatment can be delayed for years. This condition has a reputation of being difficult to treat, but there are many effective treatments available. Patients should be closely monitored for comorbid depression and…

Keloids and hypertrophic scars represent abnormal responses to dermal injury. Although treatments are similar, hypertrophic scars have a better prognosis. Keloids are difficult to treat, with a high recurrence rate regardless of therapy. First-line options include silicone…

Although N-acetylcysteine is widely used as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, evidence shows that itmay also be useful in a number of other conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, contrast-induced nephropathy, influenza, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis…

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging tests commonly used for renovascular hypertension include computed tomographic angiography, duplex Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and nuclear medicine angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor renography. The American…

CMS Proposes Rule to Adjust Fee Schedule, Increase Payments for Primary Care | ACIP Members Express Preference for Combination vs. Component Vaccines | House Testimony Underscores Importance of Primary Care in Health Reform | IOM Publishes Report of Comparative Effectiveness…

In June 2008, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) launched the “Time to Talk” campaign to encourage physicians to discuss complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies with their patients. Data show that a growing number of patients…

Based on moderate quality evidence, contraceptive effectiveness of the vaginal ring or patch is similar to COC. Compliance is better with the patch, but its use is discontinued more often than COCs or the ring because of adverse effects. Vaginal ring and COC users have similar…

There is not enough evidence at this time to support or refute incorporating smart-home technologies into care of persons with disabilities.

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) released a clinical guideline that gave recommendations for using second-generation antidepressants in the treatment of depressive disorders and accompanying symptoms in adults. Depressive disorders addressed in the guideline include…

Keloids (KEY-loids) are raised, red scars that are caused by excessive healing of skin wounds (for example, burns, cuts, acne). They can also occur after piercings, tattoos, or surgery. Many are itchy and painful. Sometimes they can cause emotional distress. Keloids can grow…

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD) is an illness that causes upsetting thoughts that are hard to control. People with OCD often do things over and over to help them cope with these upsetting thoughts.