Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Dr. Vivien Burt, a specialist in bipolar disorder treatment and research, dives into the nuanced discussion of lithium use during pregnancy. She unpacks the potential risks, including cardiac malformations, drawing on recent studies comparing lithium with other mood stabilizers. The conversation balances these risks against the dangers of untreated bipolar disorder. Listeners gain insights into the dose-dependent nature of these risks and the importance of informed treatment choices for pregnant women.

David Rosenberg, M.D., a distinguished researcher in pediatric anxiety treatments, discusses the promising role of escitalopram in managing generalized anxiety disorder in children. The conversation highlights a groundbreaking clinical trial showcasing escitalopram's efficacy compared to placebo. Rosenberg stresses the medication's safety, particularly for kids aged 7 to 11, and its potential to prevent future depression. This innovative approach could significantly reshape how we treat anxiety in young patients and emphasizes the need for combining medication with therapy.

David Mintz, an expert in psychodynamic psychopharmacology and director at the Austin Riggs Center, delves into the complexities of treatment resistance. He emphasizes how patient-doctor relationships and unconscious biases can significantly influence medication effectiveness. The discussion covers the impact of transference and countertransference in therapy, advocating for empathic engagement and empowering patients through non-pharmacologic interventions. Mintz highlights the importance of understanding attachment styles to enhance clinical outcomes with compassionate prescribing.

Sidney LeFay, a psychiatry expert focused on psychedelics, discusses their therapeutic potential in treating anxiety and depression. The rise of interest in these substances highlights their historical and contemporary use. LeFay explains how psychedelics interact with the 5-HT2A receptor, offering insights into their mechanism of action. He emphasizes the importance of cautious research and the need to challenge the stigma surrounding these compounds. This conversation delves into how psychedelics may revolutionize psychopharmacology for mental health treatment.

In this episode, we explore the concept of patient ambivalence in psychopharmacology. How can understanding a patient's conflicting feelings about treatment improve outcomes? We discuss strategies for recognizing and addressing ambivalence, and its impact on medication adherence and effectiveness. Faculty: David Mintz, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.75 CME: Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: From Biomedical Approaches to Patient Relationships Attending the Patient’s Ambivalence

David Rosenberg, a leading expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, dives deep into vaping cessation methods for teens. He discusses personalized approaches that consider individual perceptions of harm and social support. A key focus is on the motivation behind adolescent vaping and the common strategies employed, such as peer support and available online resources. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of tailored cessation strategies to effectively aid teenagers trying to quit, highlighting that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

David Mintz, M.D., a physician specializing in innovative approaches to medication-resistant patients, discusses the transformative concept of psychodynamic psychopharmacology. He reveals how psychological factors play a crucial role in drug efficacy and adherence. Insights into the subconscious dynamics between patients and their medications unveil new strategies for overcoming resistance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding patients' perceptions and building meaningful therapeutic relationships to enhance treatment outcomes.

Dr. Paul Zarkowski, a faculty member specializing in the risks associated with benzodiazepines, discusses a groundbreaking French study revealing the complex link between these anxiety medications and suicide risk. The conversation highlights how benzodiazepines, while effective for anxiety, may inadvertently increase impulsivity and risk among vulnerable patients. Zarkowski advocates for cautious prescribing and thorough patient assessments, particularly for those undergoing significant life changes, to ensure safer treatment outcomes.

In this episode, we explore how a psychodynamic approach can shed light on treatment-resistant cases. Can understanding a patient's psychological dynamics be the key to unlocking better outcomes? Faculty: David Mintz, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.75 CME: Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: From Biomedical Approaches to Patient Relationships Understanding the Problem of Treatment Resistance

In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between ADHD, pain sensitivity, and methylphenidate treatment in children. Could methylphenidate help reduce pain sensitivity in pediatric ADHD patients? Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: CAP Smart Takes Vol. 17 Effect of Methylphenidate on Pain Perception Thresholds in Children With ADHD