Bariatric surgery: a viable treatment option for patients with severe mental illness.

Background: Although bariatric surgery has become a recognized treatment for obesity, its utility among patients with severe psychiatric disorders has not been extensively studied. A few studies have reported similar weight loss outcomes in these patients, but psychiatric status after bariatric surgery has been studied only minimally, and it is unknown if exacerbation of the mental illness affects weight loss.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to shed greater light on the issue of serious mental illness and bariatric surgery.

Pain, coping and health care utilization in younger and older adults with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is characterized by acute pain crises. Pain, chronic medical problems, utilization and coping were compared in younger vs older patients using questionnaires and medical record review. Groups reported similar pain intensity and medical conditions.