Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

In this engaging discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and fellowship program director, dives into the complexities of benzodiazepine discontinuation. She highlights the cognitive and emotional challenges faced during withdrawal, including alarming rates of suicidal ideation. The conversation reveals why many patients seek support from online forums over traditional healthcare and explores alternative therapies and peer support as vital components in recovery. Listeners gain insightful strategies for providing empathetic care and informed consent in discontinuation processes.

Oliver Freudenreich, a seasoned psychiatrist from Boston specializing in clozapine, shares vital insights on the lesser-known, yet dangerous side effects of this antipsychotic. He highlights the risks of bowel obstruction and pneumonia that often slip under the radar compared to agranulocytosis. Drawing from a landmark Finnish study, Oliver emphasizes the crucial need for vigilant patient monitoring. He also discusses the role of pharmacogenetics in managing these risks, advocating for proactive strategies to enhance patient safety.

Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and fellowship director at the University of Colorado, dives into the complexities of tapering benzodiazepines. She shares evidence-based strategies such as 'cut-and-hold' and 'microtaper' techniques tailored for patient comfort. The discussion emphasizes personalized approaches that enhance safety during withdrawal, alongside the challenges of dosage precision and patient adherence. By highlighting case studies, Ritvo showcases the importance of supportive therapies in navigating benzodiazepine deprescribing.

In this episode, we explore lithium's surprising positive effect on bone mineral density in patients with bipolar disorder. Could the medication many psychiatrists use as a mood stabilizer also be protecting patients from osteoporosis? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 68 Can Lithium Protect Against Osteoporosis?

In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for successful benzodiazepine tapering with addiction psychiatrist Dr. Alexis Ritvo. How can clinicians minimize withdrawal effects while supporting patients through this challenging process? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Understanding the Principles of Benzodiazepine Tapering

Scott Beach, a faculty member at the Psychopharmacology Institute, dives into the intriguing findings from the UK Biobank study. He reveals how vitamin D deficiency might elevate dementia risk by up to 25%. The discussion emphasizes the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels, especially in older adults, and suggests that this affordable supplement could be key in bolstering brain health. Beach also highlights the notable differences linked to skin color and gene type, making a compelling case for dietary interventions to promote cognitive well-being.

In this insightful discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and esteemed program director at the University of Colorado, shares expert insights on benzodiazepine deprescribing. The conversation tackles the balance between benefits and withdrawal challenges, emphasizing patient-centered care. Ritvo highlights the importance of education, informed consent, and open dialogue, showcasing findings from the Empowered Trial. Strategies to help patients safely reduce their dependence on these medications are explored, ultimately promoting better mental health outcomes.

Oliver Freudenreich, a seasoned psychiatrist from Boston, delves into the complexities of treating women with schizophrenia using long-acting injectable antipsychotics. He highlights the impact of hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum, on medication efficacy. The discussion also covers the unique challenges women face regarding treatment adherence and the need for personalized strategies. Freudenreich emphasizes how these tailored approaches can significantly improve stability and support for women during critical life transitions.

Discover the complexities surrounding benzodiazepine use in high-risk populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and adolescents. The discussion highlights the potential risks and necessary precautions, emphasizing the need for cautious prescription practices. Learn about the delicate balance between benefits and risks, and explore alternatives for safer management. Key insights focus on fostering coping skills to address the challenges at these critical life stages.

Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, shares insights on benzodiazepine use disorder. She clarifies the crucial distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Surprisingly, only 1.5% of users develop a use disorder despite common concerns. The discussion delves into responsible prescribing practices and the necessity of monitoring for potential misuse. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on recognizing warning signs and promoting safe medication use.