

Awais Aftab
Clinical assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University and editor of Conversations in Critical Psychiatry. Author of the Substack newsletter Psychiatry at the Margins.
Top 5 podcasts with Awais Aftab
Ranked by the Snipd community

65 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Serotonin Hypothesis: Controversies and Nuance with Awais Aftab, MD
Dr. Awais Aftab, a Cleveland psychiatrist, discusses the intricate nuances of the serotonin hypothesis and its link to depression and antidepressants. He challenges the conventional notion of serotonin deficiency, diving into recent research on the efficacy of SSRIs versus placebo treatments. The conversation highlights the impact of adverse childhood experiences on mental health and emphasizes the need for personalized approaches in treatment. Aftab also critiques reliance on pharmaceutical solutions, advocating for diverse strategies including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

17 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 2min
Awais Aftab - Psychiatry and Anti-Psychiatry
Psychiatrist Awais Aftab discusses criticisms of psychiatry, rising rates of mental illness, and the public health approach to treatment. He also explores the difficulty of interpreting psychiatric studies and the dismissal of useful treatments like antidepressants by critics.

8 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 16min
Psychiatric Blues
In this enlightening discussion, Awais Aftab, a psychiatrist and philosopher of psychiatry, shares his profound insights on mental health. He tackles the pressing issues of overdiagnosis and critiques the DSM's relevance. Aftab reflects on the contrasts between psychotherapy approaches and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of mental illnesses, including the complexities of diagnosing conditions like OCD and depression. With a call for holistic care and critical thinking, he emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in mental health discourse.

Jul 3, 2020 • 53min
Awais Aftab - Bridging Critical and Conceptual Psychiatry
Awais Aftab, a psychiatrist in Cleveland and Clinical Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University, explores the dynamic intersection of philosophy and psychiatry. He shares insights from his journey and emphasizes the significance of 'conceptual competence' in transforming mental health care. Aftab discusses disparities in psychiatric practices between Pakistan and the US, and how critical psychiatry challenges established views, particularly regarding psychotropic medications. His interview series promotes constructive dialogues, encouraging a respectful, nuanced approach to treatment.

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 18min
E116 - What are Mental Disorders? (with Dr. Awais Aftab)
Dr. Awais Aftab, a Cleveland psychiatrist and author of Conversations in Critical Psychiatry, joins this insightful discussion. He delves into the philosophical angles of psychiatry and the challenges of psychiatric diagnoses. Aftab argues for a holistic view of mental health, blending biological, psychological, and social factors. He critiques the rigidity of current classification systems and emphasizes the complexities of depression and anxiety. Aftab also calls for improved pharmaceutical accountability, advocating for a more integrated approach to mental health care.