Awais Aftab

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.

Dr. Awais Aftab, a clinical associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Dr. Mark Horowitz, a clinical research fellow in the UK, dive deep into the complexities of SSRI withdrawal. They discuss the lack of strong long-term data and how withdrawal symptoms can be mistaken for relapse. Mark shares his personal struggles with long-term withdrawal, highlighting gaps in clinician training. They explore effective tapering strategies and the importance of prioritizing patient care over exact prevalence rates.

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.

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.

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.