JAMA Psychiatry Author Interviews

Benoit H. Mulsant, MD, MS, and Tarek K. Rajji, MD, both from the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, dive into groundbreaking research on cognitive decline linked to major depressive disorder and mild cognitive impairment. They discuss innovative treatments, like transcranial direct current stimulation, and the significance of combining cognitive remediation with emerging therapies. Key findings reveal how these interventions promote neuroplasticity and enhance cognitive function. The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in Alzheimer’s and the pressing need for preventive strategies in vulnerable populations.

David B. Yaden, a psychedelic researcher, and Jared T. Hinkle, a medical doctor specializing in psychedelic studies, dive into the intricate world of classic psychedelics. They discuss a recent systematic review highlighting adverse events linked to substances like psilocybin and LSD. The conversation emphasizes the need for balanced evaluations of risks and benefits, improving reporting standards, and the necessity for long-term monitoring in clinical studies. Tune in for insights on psychedelics' therapeutic potential and the ongoing challenges in their research!

Interview with Jonathan A. C. Sterne, PhD, author of COVID-19 and Mental Illnesses in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People. Hosted by John Torous, MD. Related Content: COVID-19 and Mental Illnesses in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People

Interview with Robert D. Gibbons, PhD, and Ronald C. Kessler, PhD, authors of Social Vulnerability and Prevalence and Treatment for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Hosted by John Torous, MD, MBI. Related Content: Social Vulnerability and Prevalence and Treatment for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Interview with Vadim Zipunnikov, PhD, author of Integrative Modeling of Accelerometry-Derived Sleep, Physical Activity, and Circadian Rhythm Domains With Current or Remitted Major Depression. Hosted by John Torous, MD, MBI. Related Content: Integrative Modeling of Accelerometry-Derived Sleep, Physical Activity, and Circadian Rhythm Domains With Current or Remitted Major Depression

Tom Bschor, author of a study on placebo treatment across 9 psychiatric disorders, discusses the significant improvements seen under placebo treatments for disorders like major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The podcast explores the methodology of analyzing placebo responses, emphasizing the importance of understanding variations in response and the impact of contextual factors on treatment effectiveness.

Vincent Paquin, MD, and Jai L. Shah, MD, MSc, discuss the impact of adolescent media use on psychotic experiences. They explore the link between media exposure and negative mental health outcomes like cyberbullying. The study tracked media use patterns from 2010 to 2015, revealing higher video gaming and computer use linked to increased psychotic experiences by age 23.

Interview with Otto Simonsson, PhD, author of Adolescent Psychedelic Use and Psychotic or Manic Symptoms. Hosted by John Torous, MD, MBI. Related Content: Adolescent Psychedelic Use and Psychotic or Manic Symptoms

Guest Michael Hollifield discusses a randomized clinical trial on using acupuncture for combat-related PTSD. They explore the efficacy of verum acupuncture, the importance of rigorous research, and the superior effectiveness of VIRM acupuncture over CHAM acupuncture. Results challenge traditional trauma therapy theories and highlight the need for further research on acupuncture as a treatment for combat-related PTSD.

Interview with Nils R. Winter, MSc, author of A Systematic Evaluation of Machine Learning–Based Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder. Hosted by John Torous, MD, MBI. Related Content: A Systematic Evaluation of Machine Learning–Based Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder