Posted by blazer on April 1, 2001, at 8:17:57
This artice was provided by my PDOC the other day. It is quite interesting.
The recent article by Schatzberg et al! helps physicians increase their awareness on the discontinuation syndrome that may occur when patients stop taking their antidepressants. It is now clear that many physicians are unaware of the existance of antidepressant withdrawal symptons and that education is needed for both psychiatrists and family practice physicians. I n order to improve recognition of the sympton clusters that constitute the discontinuation syndrome, I have introduced the mnemonic FINISH, indicating the symptoms that may occur when patients "finish" their course of antidepressants.
Flu- like symptons, Insomnia, Nausea, Imbalance, Sensory disturbances, and Hyperarousal(anxiety/agitation are the 6 core symptons that sometimes developeafter discontinuation of antidepressant therapy. Awareness of this mnemonic should increase recognition of the syndrome and improve the advice given to patients with respect to discontinuation of their medications.
Mark J. Berber M.B,M.R.C.Psych.,F.R.C.P.C.
poster:blazer
thread:58274
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58274.html