Overcoming Addiction, Googling Patients, and More From APA’s 2017 Annual Meeting

Highlights of day four coverage from APA’s Annual Meeting include two tales of patient recovery, the ethical and clinical questions you should consider before Googling your patients, and debates over the value of genetic tests in psychiatric practice.

Through tomorrow, Psychiatric News is delivering an evening digest of some of the day’s highlights—from the lecture halls to the exhibit floor. Whether you are here in San Diego or at home, these reports will convey the excitement and outstanding scientific program being presented at this year’s meeting.

From Depths of Addiction to Triumph of Recovery: ABC Journalist Shares Story of Strength and Inspiration

During the 2017 William C. Menninger Memorial Award Lecture Monday, Elizabeth Vargas delivered a candid address, describing the evolution of her alcoholism and its roots in a gripping anxiety she experienced since childhood. Read More >

Author Cahalan Tells a Tale of the Art and Science of Clinical Care

“I know what it is like to lose your grip,” author Susannah Cahalan said during the Opening Session on Sunday. “I have come back intact, and I hope I can share with you the perspective of a patient. I want to offer you a view from the inside of psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions.” Read More >

Rep. Tim Murphy Wins Javits Award

Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), who spearheaded the effort for mental health reform in Congress, received APA’s 2017 Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service. Read More >

To Google or Not to Google: How Much Do You Want to Know About Your Patient?

The practice of Googling a patient’s name may be too easy to resist and may seem innocuous. But a panel of experts said that Googling and other forms of collecting collateral information about a patient online raise a host of questions, ethical and clinical, about how that information may affect the physician-patient relationship and clinical care. Read More >

Pediatric Psychosomatic Physician Talks About Special Considerations for Young, Medically Ill

While most people think of psychosomatic medicine as a field that treats adult patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other serious illnesses, there is a vibrant and emerging community of pediatric psychosomatic doctors. Read More >

Expert Panel Debates Benefits, Harms of Pharmacogenetic Testing

Over the course of a Learning Lab session, experts fielded a range of questions on genetic testing—including scientific, ethical, judicial, and financial considerations. Read More >

Lessons Learned From Studying Mental Health Outcomes of U.S., U.K. Soldiers

The president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists describes the similarities and differences between the mental health outcomes of U.S. and U.K. military members. Read More >

APA Raises $16,000 for Free Clinic Project

The proceeds from the annual APA Gives Back program went to the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project. The project operates four clinics in the San Diego area, providing free medical and preventive care, health education, and access to social services. Read More >