The relationship between pain intensity and severity and depression in older people: exploratory study.

Background: Pain and depression are known to be associated in later life, and both have a negative effect on physical performance both separately and in combination. The nature of the relationships between pain intensity and depression in elderly persons experiencing pain is less clear. The objectives of this study were to explore which factors are associated with depressed mood in older people experiencing pain, and to test the hypothesis that older people experiencing pain are at risk of depressed mood according to the severity or frequency of their pain.

Health risk appraisal in older people 3: prevalence, impact, and context of pain and their implications for GPs.

Background: Pain is a common experience in later life. There is conflicting evidence of the prevalence, impact, and context of pain in older people. GPs are criticised for underestimating and under-treating pain.

Thyrotoxicosis after complete or partial lithium withdrawal in two patients with bipolar affective disorder.

Objectives: To highlight and discuss thyrotoxicosis after lithium withdrawal as a potential complication of lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.

Case Reports: Both patients presented developed thyrotoxicosis, the first patient after stopping the lithium completely, and the second patient after a reduction in the lithium dose.

Conclusions: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of thyrotoxicosis emerging when lithium is being completely or partially withdrawn.