Visualizing the Neurobiology of Trauma: Design and evaluation of an eLearning module for continuing professional development of family physicians in the Online Psychiatric Education Network.

Traumatic experiences can change brain structures and compromise emotional, cognitive, and bodily functions, thereby debilitating patients. Yet, trauma is not well understood by physicians and few educational resources are available, despite its prevalence. The goal of this design research project is to develop and evaluate 2D animations in a case-based eLearning module. Complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, are difficult to teach, talk about, and visually portray. Results of this study elucidate effective design dimensions of graphic narratives, keywords, and animations.

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) task force recommendations for the management of patients with mood disorders and select comorbid medical conditions.

BACKGROUND: Medical comorbidity in patients with mood disorders has become an increasingly important clinical and global public health issue. Several specific medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of mood disorders, and conversely, mood disorders are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with specific medical disorders. METHODS: To help understand the bidirectional relationship and to provide an evidence-based framework to guide the treatment of mood disorders that are comorbid with medical illness, we have reviewed relevant articles and reviews published in English-language databases (to April 2011) on the links between mood disorders and several common medical conditions, evaluating the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments. The medical disorders most commonly encountered in adult populations (ie, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, migraine, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and osteoporosis) were chosen as the focus of this review. RESULTS: Emerging evidence suggests that depression comorbid with several medical disorders is treatable and failure to treat depression in medically ill patients may have a negative effect on medical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes the available evidence and provides treatment recommendations for the management of comorbid depression in medically ill patients.