Psychofarm Podcast

Schizophrenia treatment is complex, and choosing the right antipsychotic can make all the difference. In this episode, we take a deep dive into schizophrenia medications... breaking down the pros and cons of different antipsychotics, metabolic risks, sedation issues, and the challenges of adherence. We discuss how to tailor treatment to individual patients, avoid unnecessary side effects, and improve long-term outcomes. Whether you're a clinician prescribing antipsychotics or someone looking to understand schizophrenia medications better, this discussion offers practical insights and evidence-based strategies for optimizing treatment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

What is the future of psychiatric treatment? In this episode we explore groundbreaking innovations in neuromodulation, AI driven diagnostics, and the evolving business of mental healthcare. Dr Owen Muir discusses why business and policy are as crucial as clinical advancements in ensuring that cutting edge treatments like accelerated TMS, noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation, and AI assisted tardive dyskinesia detection actually reach patients. From reshaping psychiatric training to rethinking what it means to cure mental illness, this conversation challenges how we view progress in psychiatry. Tune in to discover how technology, policy, and medical practice are converging to transform the field. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

Discover practical lifestyle changes that can supercharge mental health beyond medications. Explore how exercise boosts well-being and fosters social connections. Unpack the importance of sleep and natural light for enhancing mood. Dive into mindfulness techniques that offer personal empowerment. Learn about the detrimental effects of substances on recovery and the need for supportive relationships. This engaging discussion underscores that combining lifestyle habits with traditional treatments can lead to more holistic mental health management.

In this engaging episode, Dr. Owen Muir dives into the science and practice of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), exploring its transformative role in modern psychiatry. The conversation begins with a historical look at how TMS emerged from groundbreaking research in the 1980s, evolving into an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment for mental health disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Listeners are taken on a journey through the mechanics of TMS, from precise brain mapping and neural synchronization to the innovative use of accelerated TMS protocols that offer rapid symptom relief.Dr. Owen Muir unpacks how TMS harnesses magnetic fields to stimulate neural circuits, effectively “resetting” brain rhythms and boosting neuroplasticity. They discuss real-world clinical applications, sharing insights on how tailored coil positioning and stimulation patterns can lead to significant improvements in mood regulation and cognitive function. The podcast also addresses practical challenges, including optimizing treatment intervals, insurance hurdles, and the future of neuromodulation in psychiatry.Whether you’re a clinician looking to stay up to speed on the latest in TMS research or a patient exploring nonpharmacological options for mental health care, this episode provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of TMS technology and its promising impact on mental health treatment. Join us as we decode the complexities of TMS and reveal how this innovative therapy is reshaping the landscape of mental health care. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

Explore the fundamentals of the Therapeutic Alliance and Frame in this podcast episode, where we highlight how trust, clear communication, and structured boundaries form the bedrock of effective psychiatric practice. Learn practical strategies for aligning treatment goals, clarifying diagnostic expectations, and navigating challenges like medication hesitancy or “trauma dumping.” Perfect for psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health enthusiasts, this discussion offers real-world examples, expert insights, and actionable tips to build a more collaborative and successful therapeutic relationship. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

Humbly…. we explore a practical overview of bipolar disorder, from refining your diagnostic approach to navigating effective treatments. In this episode, we highlight how sleep patterns play a pivotal role, how substances and antidepressants can complicate clinical presentations, and the fundamentals of evidence-based medication choices, spanning mood stabilizers and second-generation antipsychotics. Discover best practices for acute mania management, bipolar depression strategies, and why lifestyle interventions are crucial for long-term stability. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable insights on delivering comprehensive, balanced care for individuals with bipolar disorder. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

This episode delves into the pearls of treating depression with medications, offering practical strategies for clinicians and patients alike. From identifying the root causes of depressive symptoms to exploring evidence-based medication and lifestyle interventions, this discussion provides actionable insights for improving mental health outcomes. Learn about personalized treatment options, managing side effects, and the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in achieving sustained remission. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

Join renowned therapist Dr. Mark Ruffalo as he unpacks the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This discussion delves into the relational patterns, effective communication of diagnoses, core anxieties, and the need-fear dilemma. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone seeking understanding, Dr. Ruffalo provides invaluable insights. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the use of sleep medications in psychiatry. Is insomnia a standalone condition or a symptom of deeper issues? We discuss our clinical approach to treating sleep disturbances in psychiatric patients, focusing on medications to the nuanced use of trazodone, gabapentin, and antihistamines. Along the way, we explore the intersections of sleep and psychiatric illnesses, and the role of medications in patient recovery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Nancy McWilliams, we explore a diverse range of personality dynamics, from the socially expressive yet vulnerable histrionic style to the introspective and reserved schizoid personality. Dr. McWilliams offers unique insights into how cultural and social contexts shape personality types, especially the often misunderstood histrionic style, which she discusses from her own personal perspective. We also examine the attraction between histrionic and schizoid personalities, uncovering the push-pull dynamics that can both challenge and enrich these relationships. Rounding out the discussion, we turn to obsessive-compulsive personality, investigating its roots in control, morality, and perfectionism and differentiating it from clinical OCD. With practical tips for therapists, along with reflections on the importance of countertransference and empathy, this episode provides a rich, thoughtful journey into the diverse landscape of personality.One Fall on Spotify: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com