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In elderly patients, symptoms of depression can be mistaken for symptoms of another medical problem, so it is important for clinicians to consider all physical problems and medications of elderly patients before making a diagnosis.

A genetic testing kit for bipolar disorder is now available to consumers, but because of the many variables involved in genetics, even if a particular gene is identified, it does not necessarily mean that person will go on to develop the disorder.

Patients with eating disorders who also had problems with self-esteem or interpersonal relationships responded favorably to treatment that combined cognitive behavioral therapy with counseling to address their underlying issues.

People who suffer from depression are more likely to have a sleep-related breathing problem such as apnea. Treating the sleep problem may help alleviate the depression in some people.

While children with ADHD typically have difficulty staying focused and sitting still, adults with the disorder are more likely to struggle with attention and memory. As with children, medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment option for adults.

Prescribing antipsychotic medications to children and teenagers is complicated by side effects such as weight gain (which can increase health risks later in life), sedation, and neurological problems such as stiffness or spasms.

Patients being treated for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often do not take their medication properly, because of side effects, belief that they do not need the medication, or various other reasons.

Patients taking antipsychotic medications, particularly at higher dosages, are at increased risk of dying from a sudden cardiac event, though screening for heart problems and prescribing at the lowest effective dose may reduce the risk.

Children who took second-generation antipsychotic drugs were likely to experience weight gain as a side effect.