Jeff Minerd

PHILADELPHIA -- Seven out of 10 patients with chronic insomnia never talk with their doctors about it. Instead, they self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines or alcohol.

PHILADELPHIA -- Infrequent bowel movements are not the most common symptom in patients with constipation.

PHILADELPHIA -- More than half of patients with atrial fibrillation are also likely to have obstructive sleep apnea, investigators suggested here.

WASHINGTON -- Anorectal biofeedback, probiotics, and the type-2 chloride channel activator lubiprostone all seem to be effective therapeutic options in chronic constipation. PEG 3550 is only for short-term use.

NEW YORK -- Gauging the winds of medical advances is an iffy proposition at best, but for psychiatrists the new year is likely to bring much-anticipated data on the safety and efficacy of antipsychotic and bipolar medications in children and adolescents.

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Clinical and regulatory developments in psychiatry during the year included extended black box warnings about suicide for antidepressants, new insights for treating schizophrenia gleaned from an old trial, and the possibility of a "taste test" for selecting the best medicine.