Interface Consultation Services, PLLC

A new study indicates an increased risk of spinal bifida and 5 other congential malfunctions when used in the the first trimester of life compared to no use of antiepiletic medications.  Valproic Acid is often used as a form of medication treatment for mood and bipolar disorders.   

A brief overview of Interface Consultation Services current endeavors: I. Telemental Health Triage - We continue our day-to-day service commitment to Riverwood Center to provide professional triage services so their consumers are assured efficient and timely access to mental health services, appropriate level of care assignments and expert telephone crisis triage. II. ReEntry Project for Offenders with Special Needs - ICS is contracted as the Regional Care Coordinators for Western Michigan providing services to 18 counties. ICS has hired 5 contractors to assist with this initiative. This speciality program is designed for mentally ill, developmentally disabled, medically fragile and youthful offenders who are returning to the community. As Care coordinators we provide linking and coordinating for housing, medical, psychiatric, specialized placements, etc as well as consultation on some very difficult cases for the program. III. Passages Behavioral Health Services - Provides M...

A study completed by Laurie Barclay MD and published in Medscape indicated that routine screening at primary care offices for depression and suicide risk can increase early detention of suicide. Although they warn against asking questions regarding suicide if there is no availability to a mental health professional. This statement warning against asking about suicide if there is no clear referral that can be made seems to be in contradiction of this entire study. So primary care physicians "shouldn't" know if you are suicidal if they cannot refer you out? It is understandable that a physician may not feel they have the tools or training to assess clear risk of suicide in an adolescent. Why would they not at least be encouraged to try and seek additional training, especially if there are no other options? It could mean life or death....

The fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders will be updated and published in May 2013. There are several proposed changes: Proposed to delete Aspergers Disorder and include it in Autism Spectrum Disorders More stringent criteria for diagnosis of Bipolar in children and proposed new diagnosis of Temper Dysregulation Disorder. Proposed additions to Somatoform Disorders: "Abridged Somatization Disorder" 4 unexplained somatic conditions in men and 6 in women " Multisomatoform Disorder" at least 3 unexplained somatic concerns from the PRIME-MD for at least 2 year of active symptoms. Changes in the way Personality Disorders are assessed and diagnosed. proposal to return Depressive Personality Disorder and Negativistic (Passive-Aggressive) Personality Disorder. There is also some discussion about changing the name of Borderline Personality Disorder and changing it from Axis II to Axis I disorder. Listen to NPR regarding Bipolar Cha...

The Austrian study showed a 22.6% difference in the risk of progression of psychosis with high-risk indviduals treated with a 12 week fish oil supplement compared to similar individuals taking placebo. 81 Participants were placed into study groups using a random double-blind placebo controlled trial. The study was published in Feb 2010 Achives of General Psychiatry . This study is promising as we look to prevent and not just control and manage the disease of Schizophrenia that disable many even with treatment.

Interface Consultation Services continues to provide re-entry services for mentally-ill individuals releasing from prison. The linked article provides greater insight into the epidemiology of criminals with mental illness. Re-entry services provide for a seamless, intensive, clinically-sound alternative to long-term incarcerations. http://http//www.ps.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/49/4/483

Medscape Article... A study presented at the American Academy for Addiction Psychiatry 20 th Annual Meeting conducted at the University of California , Los Angeles found that average levels of cravings and psychopathology had decreased after 2 weeks for methamphetamine dependent individuals who were abstaining from use. Conversely, up to 30% continued to have significant depressive, mood and psychotic symptoms 5 weeks post use. These finding point to the difficulties of breaking the cycle of addiction to Methamphetamines . It is likely that even if someone has been abstaining for 5 weeks that they may show significant psychopathology that maybe more related to Amphetamine Dependence than to a co-morbid Mood or Psychotic Disorder. This information is useful as clinicians assess patients to understand the etiologies of symptoms and more accurately diagnose and treat individuals. See the article link above for more details....