Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a clinical mood disorder defined by the presence of five or more depressive symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, representing a change from previous functioning. At least one symptom must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia). The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities

• Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite

• Insomnia or hypersomnia

• Psychomotor agitation or retardation

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness

• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt

  References:

  Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. (2023). Major Depressive Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

The review found that Memantine, mainly used as an adjunct to SSRIs, may reduce OCD symptom severity, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Most studies reported greater improvements on Y-BOCS scores compared with placebo or SSRI alone, with generally good tolerability. However, the evidence is limited by small samples, short study durations, and methodological heterogeneity. While results support a potential role for glutamatergic modulation in OCD, larger and more rigorous trials are needed before memantine can be recommended routinely.

References:

Bryan, J. W., & Hassoulas, A. (2026). Memantine for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC psychiatry, 26(1), 130. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-026-07787-7

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person’s mood to swing between high and low states. During the high, called mania or low, hypomania (and depressive symptoms), a person may feel very happy, full of energy, talk a lot, or make quick decisions without thinking. During the low, called depression, they may feel very sad, tired, or lose interest in things they normally enjoy. These mood changes can affect sleep, energy, and daily life. With the right treatment, such as medication, therapy, and support, people with bipolar disorder can manage their moods and live healthy, balanced lives.

References:

Oliva, V., Fico, G., De Prisco, M., Gonda, X., Rosa, A. R., & Vieta, E. (2024). Bipolar disorders: an update on critical aspects. The Lancet regional health. Europe, 48, 101135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101135

This article examines how an academic outpatient psychiatry clinic transitioned from in-person care to telehealth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in March 2020, nearly all visits were rapidly converted to virtual formats (video or phone) to maintain care continuity while reducing infection risk.

Over the course of one year:

• Total visit volume slightly increased compared to pre-pandemic levels.

• No-show and cancellation rates decreased by more than 10%.

• Around 65% of visits were conducted via video, the rest by telephone.

• Patient satisfaction remained high—over 90% felt their needs were met.

The authors highlight telehealth’s success in ensuring uninterrupted psychiatric care and expanding access. Benefits included improved attendance, convenience, and continuity for existing patients.

References:

Peck, P., Torous, J., & Sullivan, S. (2022). Evolution of Telehealth in Ambulatory Psychiatry: A One Year Perspective. Administration and policy in mental health, 49(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-021-01148-0