Xerostomia, commonly known as “dry mouth”, is a reported side effect of >1,800 drugrs from >80 classes. This condition often goes unrecognized and untreated, but it can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and cause oral and medical health problems. Although psychotropic medications are not the only offenders, they comprise a large portion of the agents that can cause dry mouth. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, anticholinergics, and alpha agonists can cause xerostomia. The risk of salivary hypofunction increases with polypharmacy and may be especially likely when 3 or more drugs are takenper day.

Among all reported side effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics, dry mouth often is the most prevalent. For example, in a study of 5 antidepressants 35% – 46% of patients reported dry mouth. Rates are similar in users of various antipsychotics. Patients with severe, persistent mental illness often cite side effects as the primary reason for psychotropic noncompliance. Patients may not taste food properly, experience cracked lips, or have trouble eating, oral pain, or dentures that no longer fit well. Additionally, oral diseases such as dental decay and periodontal disease, inflamed soft tissue, and candidiasis also may occur.

There are several ways for patients to manage their dry mouth symptoms. Patients should be dilligent in their oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing. They should use a toothpaste containing fluoride – preferrably one free of sodium lauryl sulfate – and schedule regular dental visits, where they can receive high fluoride applications or be prescribed high fluoride prescription toothpastes. Patient should avoid foods high in sucrose content, rinse their mouth with water soon after eating, and drink fluoridated water regularly. Patients may be able to stimulate saliva flow with sugarless gum, candies, and foods such as celery and carrots. Patients should also avoid cigarettes, caffeinated beverages, and mouth rinses that contain alcohol. Some patients may benefit from sleeping in a room with a cool air humidifier. Patients can also try over-the-counter salivary substitues, which are dispensed in spray bottles, rinses, swish bottles, or oral swab sticks. In addition, products such as dry mouth toothpaste and moisturizing gels also may help relieve their symptoms.

**Information obtained from Current Psychiatry, Vol. 10, No. 12

Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, is a powerful new psychotherapy technique which has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress and many other emotional problems. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional stress. EMDR is the most effective and rapid method for healing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as shown by extensive scientific research studies.

The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions: loss of a loved one, injury of a loved one, car accident, fire, work accidents, assault, robbery, rape, natural disaster, injury, illness, witness to violence, childhood abuse, victims of violent crimes, performance and test, anxiety, trauma, depression, anxiety or panic, phobias, fears, childhood trauma, physical or sexual abuse, PTSD, bad temper, low self-esteem, relationship problems, worrying, trouble sleeping, and more. The EMDR technique is the most effective when used in conjunction of other traditional methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders. EMDR therapy can help clients release their anxiety and fear with positive images, emotions and thoughts.

What are the symptoms that can be helped by EMDR? EMDR can help symptoms such as high anxiety and lack of motivation, depression, memories of a traumatic experience, fear of being alone, unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame, difficulty in trusting others, and relationship problems.

Since the initial medical study in 1989 positive therapeutic results with EMDR have been reported with the following populations: people who have witnessed or been a victim to a disaster (rape, accidents, earthquakes, fires, murder, gang related violence; clients suffering PTSD; suffers panic disorders and anxiety attacks, suffers of phobia, chemically dependent clients; persons exposed to excess loss (loss by death, violence, divorce, loss of a house by fire); crime victims and police officers who were once overcome with violent memories; accident or burn victims. Although a fairly new therapeutic technique, EMDR is meeting with success all across the country. EMDR is a natural process. The client and become partners on a journey to help move traumatic and blocked energy. Together they work to transcend and free up the energy, so the client can return to their natural grounded state of being. The goal of this work is to help the client heal, so they can return to their life in peace.

There are a number of factors to consider when evaluating the appropriateness of EMDR therapy for a clients particular situation and history. During your initial consultation with a trained therapist, all the relevant factors will be discussed in full to help you both come to a decision to move forward with EMDR.

For more information about EMDR or to schedule an appointment, please call Cary Behavioral Health and speak to Mary Emerson at (919) 466 – 7540

Cary Behavioral Health is proud to announce the opening of our pharmacy in late September! For your convenience, you will now be able to pick up any of the generic prescriptions listed in the pharmacy tab when you see your doctor.

The Adult ADHD Skills Training Program is a six week program designed to foster skill development. The main purpose of the program is to help clients gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD in their lives and develop personal strengths and coping strategies in order to better deal with it. The program will encourage you to identify negative beliefs and behaviors that are causing problems in your life. Since many individuals with ADHD are demoralized from years of struggle and unmet expectations, one of the main goals of the treatment is to transform this negative outlook into a more hopeful, realistic view. The Adult ADHD Skills Training Program also focuses on the practical issues that often come with ADHD, such as disorganization, work performance problems, and poor time management. Each session is usually just a copay, however you should contact your insurance company to determine your mental health benefits. Please address any further inquiries to Dr. Jeff Randall.

Dr. Murthy is now offering Mindfulness Based Cognitive therapy and Constructive Living therapy, based on a holistic approach addressing all four of the human dimensions including: Physical, Mental, Emotional (Social), and Spiritual. It is a structured educational approach guiding one to take better care of oneself, to live a healthier, more adaptive life rather than seeking temporary symptomatic relief. Mindfulness training allows us to remain balanced and clear-sighted, as if we were a mountain and our experiences were clouds. The mountain remains still as it observes the thunderstorms, rainbows, and sunshine.

The Eating Disorder Therapy Group is an ongoing program designed to address eating related issues in a group setting for people living with pre/post gastric bypass surgery, pre/post lap band, compulsive eating, binging, purging, and other food and eating related issues.  The main purpose of the group is to understand and address cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues related to eating problems.

For more information, click here to download a full brochure.

Cary Behavioral Health has renovated its website to provide new advantages for clients, including easier access to self-help resources and a convenient and secure client portal for electronic access to health records.