Conference Coverage

VIDEO: Treat insomnia in depressed, even suicidal people


 

EXPERT ANALYSIS FROM THE AAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

LOS ANGELES – The relationship between depression, suicidality, and insomnia is more complex than once thought. Insomnia might contribute to the other problems and make them worse, instead of simply being a symptom of depression.

Dr. Vaughn McCall, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, is running a randomized trial to see whether the judicious use of zolpidem (Ambien CR) improves the moods and outlooks of depressed patients on SSRIs who have active suicidal ideation. The results are still a few years away. In the meantime, he explains in this video from the American Association of Suicidology annual meeting that new or worsening insomnia cannot be ignored in depression. He also describes how to safely prescribe sleeping pills when necessary.

The video associated with this article is no longer available on this site. Please view all of our videos on the MDedge YouTube channel.

aotto@frontlinemedcom.com

Recommended Reading

Number of restless leg movements during sleep may predict AFib progression
MDedge Family Medicine
Oxycodone-naloxone nips RLS symptoms after other treatment failures
MDedge Family Medicine
Iron as effective as pramipexole in restless legs syndrome
MDedge Family Medicine
Iron may calm restless legs in children
MDedge Family Medicine
CPAP improves resistant hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
MDedge Family Medicine
ACP urges changes to curb prescription drug abuse
MDedge Family Medicine
Frustrated with the preauthorization routine? Bill for your time
MDedge Family Medicine
Pregabalin improves restless leg syndrome with less symptom augmentation
MDedge Family Medicine
Ideal agent for insomnia not always clear cut
MDedge Family Medicine
VIDEO: Insomnia is a marker for suicide and depression
MDedge Family Medicine