What unique risk factors surround the COVID-19 pandemic and potential heightened risk of suicide? What populations have been most vulnerable to mental health consequences, substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, and self-harm during the pandemic and why? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Cutler interviews Dr. Roger McIntyre and Dr. Stephen Stahl on the suicide risk and prevalence during this challenging time. Dr. Roger S. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre is also Executive Director of the Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation in Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre was named by Thomson Reuters in 2014 and 2015, as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds”. This distinction is given by publishing the largest number of articles that rank among those most frequently cited by researchers globally in 21 broad fields of science and social science during the previous decade. Dr. McIntyre is involved in multiple research endeavors which primarily aim to characterize the association between mood disorders, notably cognitive function and medical comorbidity. His works broadly aims to characterize the underlying causes of cognitive impairment in individuals with mood disorders and their impact on workplace functioning. This body of work has provided a platform for identifying novel molecular targets to treat and prevent mood disorders and accompanying cognitive impairment. With this special series, brought to you by the NEI Podcast we will address a different theme in psychopharmacology every 3 months. Each theme is split into 3 parts, with one part released each month. The second theme is treatment-resistant depression and suicide prevention. Episodes to be released under this theme include: Part 1: Treatment Resistant Depression and Suicide Prevention: Hot Off the Press Ketamine Guidelines with Dr. Roger McIntyre Part 2: Shelter-In-Place During the Storm: Mental Health Consequences and Suicide Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic with Dr. Roger McIntyre Part 3: Beyond the Storm: An Update on Suicide Prevention and The Suicide Prevention Handbook with Dr. Christine Moutier Subscribe to the NEI Podcast, so that you don’t miss another episode!

What are some mental health challenges for Asian Americans today? Can you share your thoughts on the most recent acts of violence against Asian Americans and where it comes from? In this timely and important episode, we interview Dr. Rona Hu on mental health in the Asian American community. Dr. Hu is Medical Director of the Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at Stanford Hospital, specializing in the care of those with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar and depression. She completed medical school and residency in psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, and fellowships in Pharmacology and Schizophrenia Research through the National Institutes of Health. She is also active in  minority issues and cultural psychiatry, and has received regional and national recognition for her clinical care, research and teaching. Dr. Rona J. Hu received her medical degree in 1990 from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, and completed her residency at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center in 1994. She received her board certification in psychiatry in 1995 from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Hu completed two fellowships while at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1994-1998. She completed the PRAT (Pharmacology Research Associate Training) program from 1994-1996, and a schizophrenia research fellowship from 1996-1998. Dr. Hu received the 2016 APA Nancy Roeske award for Excellence in Medical Student Education, the 2017 Faculty Award from Stanford University's Asian American Activities Center, and the 2017 Community Engagement Award from Stanford Department of Psychiatry.

What is the evidence that obesity leaves one vulnerable to bipolar disorder? Which of your patients with bipolar disorder would you refer for TMS and what has been the outcome in your experience? Have you seen development of mania with this treatment? What impact or changes have you seen in your bipolar patients who have suffered with COVID? In this Bonus episode of the NEI Podcast, Dr. Roger McIntyre addresses these questions and more unanswered questions from the Q&A session for our NEI Synapse Half-Day on The Cutting-Edge of Mood Disorders. Dr. Roger S. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre is also Executive Director of the Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation in Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre is involved in multiple research endeavors which primarily aim to characterize the association between mood disorders, notably cognitive function and medical comorbidity. His works broadly aims to characterize the underlying causes of cognitive impairment in individuals with mood disorders and their impact on workplace functioning. This body of work has provided a platform for identifying novel molecular targets to treat and prevent mood disorders and accompanying cognitive impairment. Dr. McIntyre is a contributor to the “Florida Medicaid Drug Therapy Management Program for Behavioral Health: Guidelines for the treatment of adults with Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder”. Dr. McIntyre is also the co-chair of the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force on the Treatment of Comorbidity in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder and as well a contributor to the “CANMAT Guidelines for the Treatment of Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorders”. Dr. McIntyre has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and has edited and/or co-edited several textbooks on mood disorders. To register for Synapse Half-Days go to: https://www.neiglobal.com/Synapse/SynOverview/tabid/468/Default.aspx

What do clinicians need to know about the pharmacokinetics of ketamine, especially when it comes to drug-drug interactions? What is the abuse potential for ketamine and for esketamine? What are some ways that clinicians can mitigate the risk of abuse? At this time, what is the consensus, in comparing the efficacy of ketamine and esketamine for treatment resistant depression? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Cutler interviews Dr. Roger McIntyre and Dr. Stephen Stahl on their recent publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry. To access the article click on the link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33726522/ Dr. Roger S. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre is also Executive Director of the Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation in Toronto, Canada. Dr. McIntyre was named by Thomson Reuters in 2014 and 2015, as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds”. This distinction is given by publishing the largest number of articles that rank among those most frequently cited by researchers globally in 21 broad fields of science and social science during the previous decade. Dr. McIntyre is involved in multiple research endeavors which primarily aim to characterize the association between mood disorders, notably cognitive function and medical comorbidity. His works broadly aims to characterize the underlying causes of cognitive impairment in individuals with mood disorders and their impact on workplace functioning. This body of work has provided a platform for identifying novel molecular targets to treat and prevent mood disorders and accompanying cognitive impairment. With this special series, brought to you by the NEI Podcast we will address a different theme in psychopharmacology every 3 months. Each theme is split into 3 parts, with one part released each month. The second theme is treatment-resistant depression and suicide prevention. Episodes to be released under this theme include: Part 1: Treatment Resistant Depression and Suicide Prevention: Hot Off the Press Ketamine Guidelines with Dr. Roger McIntyre Part 2: Shelter-In-Place During the Storm: Mental Health Consequences and Suicide Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic with Dr. Roger McIntyre Part 3: Beyond the Storm: An Update on Suicide Prevention and The Suicide Prevention Handbook with Dr. Christine Moutier Subscribe to the NEI Podcast, so that you don’t miss another episode!

What has the research shown in terms of the relationship between THC and sleep and nightmares in patients with PTSD? What are your thoughts on the recent study by LaFrance et al. that claimed that PTSD symptoms were reduced by more than 50% after cannabis use? In this fascinating interview with Dr. Kari Franson, we discuss the evidence for and against the use of cannabis to treat PTSD. Kari L. Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP joined the University of Southern California in 2020 as the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Dr. Franson received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco, trained at the University of Illinois, Chicago Hospital and Clinics as a resident in adult internal medicine and a fellow in clinical research/drug development, and received her PhD in Medical Education from Leiden University, the Netherlands. Dr. Franson is an educator with more than 25 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has focused on two areas: health professions education/workforce development and psychopharmacology. She is an international leader in interprofessional practice, education and advocacy and workforce development to address health disparities in both the US and abroad. Dr. Franson has experience in campus and distance-based curriculum development and assessment, technology-enhanced assessment/learning, experiential education, and continuing professional education and development. Dr. Franson is also a US Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist and Dutch-Certified Clinical Pharmacologist. She worked with geriatric psychiatric patients for 10 years and has performed a variety of clinical studies spanning those in early-phase clinical pharmacology to post-marketing clinical efficacy studies. She is interested in cannabinoid clinical pharmacologic effects and cannabis user safety. She has guided national and international professional, legislative, media and commercial groups on the wise study and use of cannabis.  

What exactly is reconsolidation? How does disrupting this process work to neutralize fear conditioning? How has hallucinogen-assisted psychotherapy been implemented as an attempt to block reconsolidation of activated memories during psychotherapy sessions In this episode, as part of our special series, the PsychopharmaStahlogy Show, Dr. Andrew Cutler asks Dr. Stephen Stahl these questions, and so much more! Don’t miss Part 3 of this interview.  With this special series, brought to you by the NEI Podcast we will address a different theme in psychopharmacology every 3 months. Each theme is split into 3 parts, with one part released each month. The first theme is on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy as a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Episodes to be released under this theme include: Part 1: Now You See It, Now You Don’t: The Power of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Part 2: Forgetting to Be Addicted: Altering Compulsivity in the Addiction Process Part 3: Forgetting Your PTSD: Using Reconsolidation to Forget Traumatic Memories Subscribe to the NEI Podcast, so that you don’t miss another episode!

What are the risk factors for pediatric anxiety, and how might those be altered by the pandemic? How can emotional intelligence and emotion regulation play a role in managing anxiety? What is self-efficacy, and why is it so important for managing pediatric anxiety? In this timely episode, we discuss how to manage pediatric anxiety with Dr. Krystal Lewis. Dr. Lewis is clinical psychologist with the Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience (SDAN) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She is also a member of the Stigma Scientific Interest Group (SIG), and the NIMH Anti-Racism Task Force at the National Institute of Health (NIH). She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating pediatric anxiety, and her research has focused on identifying mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of CBT. Dr. Lewis has extensive clinical experience treating anxious children and adolescents. She is also an advocate for early intervention, prevention and evidence-based treatments. She is currently a member of the Board for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and co-chairs the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Special Interest Group. Resources Research Involvement at the NIMH: www.nimh.nih.gov/research Clinical Studies at the NIMH: clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov Clinical Study on Pediatric Anxiety: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/join-a-study/trials/childrens-studies/pediatric-mood-and-anxiety-research.shtml Call: (301) 827-1340 /Email: kidswithworries@mail.nih.gov Websites My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? (NIMH) 5 Things You Should Know About Stress (NIMH) COVID-19: Stress and Coping (CDC) Anxiety and Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/ Books for children/adolescents Outsmarting Worry: The Older Kids’ Guide to Managing Anxiety: https://www.amazon.com/Outsmarting-Worry-Older-Managing-Anxiety/dp/1785927825/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=outsmarting+worry&qid=1613673934&s=books&sr=1-1 Rewire Your Anxious Brain For Teens: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Anxious-Brain-Teens/dp/1684033764/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=rewire+your+anxious+brain+for+teens&qid=1613674062&s=books&sr=1-3 https://www.amazon.com/Teen-Girls-Anxiety-Survival-Guide/dp/1684035848/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+teens+girls+anxiety+survival+guide&qid=1613677471&s=books&sr=1-3#customerReviews Books for Parents : https://www.amazon.com/Helping-Anxious-Child-Step-Step/dp/1572245751/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=helping+your+anxious+child&qid=1613674245&s=books&sr=1-1 https://www.amazon.com/You-Your-Anxious-Child-Worries/dp/1583334955/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=anne+marie+albano&qid=1613677395&s=books&sr=1-1 https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Kids-Parents-Courageous-Independent/dp/0757317626/ref=sr_1_3?crid=VR7NZWB285S2&dchild=1&keywords=anxious+parents+anxious+kids&qid=1613677372&s=books&sprefix=anxious+parents+%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-3

What has research shown about the effectiveness of psychedelic or dissociative agents in the treatment of addiction? What is pharmacological extinction? What types of addictions have been researched, using this method as a treatment approach? In Part II of this special series, the PsychopharmaStahlogy Show Dr. Andrew Cutler asks Dr. Stephen Stahl these questions, and so much more! Don’t miss Part III of this interview.  With this special series, brought to you by the NEI Podcast we will address a different theme in psychopharmacology every 3 months. Each theme is split into 3 parts, with one part released each month. The first theme is on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy as a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Episodes to be released under this theme include: Part I: Now You See It, Now You Don’t: The Power of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Part II: Forgetting to Be Addicted: Altering Compulsivity in the Addiction Process Part III: Forgetting Your PTSD: Using Reconsolidation to Forget Traumatic Memories Subscribe to the NEI Podcast, so that you don’t miss another episode!

What are the greatest mental health disparities in this population? What has been particularly challenging for the transgender population during the COVID-19 pandemic? How can clinicians help recognize and treat the mental health needs of patients in the LGBTQ community, if they do not have advanced or specialized training for this population? In this double-interview we had the opportunity to sit down with two experts who address these questions, and so much more! Dr. Rhonda Schwindt is an Associate Professor and Director of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at The George Washington University School of Nursing. She is a nationally certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an active clinical practice specializing in LBGTQ health, trauma, and treatment-resistant psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Schwindt’s research is focused on reducing the disproportionate impact of substance use disorders among high risk populations. She has developed an innovative online module that prepares clinicians to engage in motivational interviewing and a web-based tool to assist busy clinicians with screening and brief intervention. Dr. Schwindt is currently conducting a study exploring the barriers to, and facilitators of, smoking cessation and treatment utilization among gender diverse people. She has received international recognition as an outstanding nurse educator as well as for clinical excellence in the care of persons living with mental illness.  Dr. Stephen Forssell is the founder, director, and professor of the LGBT Health Policy & Practice Graduate Certificate Program at the George Washington University. In addition, he has been an assistant professor in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at the George Washington University since 2002 where he teaches courses in sexuality and gender, health psychology, and social psychology. He is on the faculty of the GWU Medical Center School of Medicine and Health Sciences course in Human Sexuality and Clinical Medicine. Dr. Forssell’s expertise is in sexual orientation development, same-sex romantic relationships and parenting, HIV/AIDS risk behaviors, high risk sexual behavior interventions, adolescent and young adult romantic and sexual relationships, and health psychology. Dr. Forssell also designs program evaluations for the Human Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and for private agencies including the National Minority AIDS Council and the AIDS Alliance.  Resources: LGBT Health Policy & Practice Graduate Certificate Program at the George Washington University: https://lgbt.columbian.gwu.edu/ National LGBTQIA Health Education Center:  https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/ Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/

What types of psychotherapies are typically used in conjunction with these dissociative agents? How does psilocybin differ from ketamine for the treatment of mental health conditions? What are the risks, if any associated with this type of therapeutic approach? In Part I of this special series, the PsychopharmaStahlogy Show Dr. Andrew Cutler asks Dr. Stephen Stahl these questions, and so much more! Don’t miss Part II and Part III of this interview.  With this special series, brought to you by the NEI Podcast we will address a different theme in psychopharmacology every 3 months. Each theme is split into 3 parts, with one part released each month. The first theme is on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy as a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Episodes to be released under this theme include: Part I: Now You See It, Now You Don’t: The Power of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Part II: Forgetting to Be Addicted: Altering Compulsivity in the Addiction Process Part III: Forgetting Your PTSD: Using Reconsolidation to Forget Traumatic Memories Subscribe to the NEI Podcast, so that you don’t miss another episode!