NEI Podcast

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating disorder that creates a substantial burden not only for patients but also for their families. The high rates of treatment resistance, relapse rates, and incidence of adverse side effects in patients with schizophrenia suggest that a major treatment gap continues to exist. Given the high rates of treatment resistance, novel strategies and therapeutic approaches beyond D2 receptor blockade are being intensively studied. What are some of these novel approaches? How effective are they in the treatment of schizophrenia? What medications are available, or emerging that target neurotransmitters systems beyond dopamine? In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan Meyer and Dr. Leslie Citrome discuss some of the ground-breaking work in this field, and how you can better treat patients with schizophrenia. Optional CME Credits / Certificate Instructions: After listening to the podcast, to take the optional posttest and receive CME credit, click HERE. Learning Objectives: After completing this educational activity, you should be better able to: Describe clinical advances in our understanding of schizophrenia Describe novel treatments for schizophrenia Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements: The Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NEI designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. A posttest score of 70% or higher is required to receive CME credit.  Nurses and Physician Assistants: for your CE requirements, the ANCC and NCCPA will accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME. The content in this activity pertains to pharmacology and is worth 0.75 continuing education hour of pharmacotherapeutics. Peer Review: The content was peer-reviewed by an MD specializing in psychiatry to ensure the scientific accuracy and medical relevance of information presented and its independence from bias. NEI takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity. Disclosures: All individuals in a position to influence or control content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships. Although potential conflicts of interest are identified and resolved prior to the activity being presented, it remains for the participant to determine whether outside interests reflect a possible bias in either the exposition or the conclusions presented. Interviewer / Author Andrew J. Cutler, MD Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Grant/Research: Acadia, Aevi Genomics/Cerecor, Alder/Lundbeck, Akili Interactive, Alkermes, Allergan, Axsome, Biohaven, Daiichi Sankyo, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lilly, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Tris Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, Adlon, AiCure, Akili Interactive, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Cognitive Research, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, MedAvante-ProPhase, Neurocrine, Novartis, Noven, Otsuka, Purdue, Sage, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Teva Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Arbor, Avanir, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Teva, Tris Interviewee / Author Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, BioXcel, Eisai, Impel, Indivior, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Janssen, Lundbeck, Luye, Merck, Neurocrine, Noven, Osmotica, Otsuka, Pfizer, Sage, Shire, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, Vanda Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Janssen, Lundbeck, Merck, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Pfizer, Sage, Shire, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva Stockholder: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer Interviewee / Author Jonathan M. Meyer, MD Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Neurocrine Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Janssen, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Sunovion, Teva Pre-Interview Author Sabrina K. Bradbury-Segal, PhD Medical Writer, Neuroscience Education Institute, Carlsbad, CA No financial relationships to disclose. The Planning Committee and Peer Reviewer have no financial relationships to disclose. Disclosure of Off-Label Use: This educational activity may include discussion of unlabeled and/or investigational uses of agents that are not currently labeled for such use by the FDA. Please consult the product prescribing information for full disclosure of labeled uses. Cultural and Linguistic Competency: A variety of resources addressing cultural and linguistic competency can be found in this linked handout. Support: This activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Intra-Cellular Therapies. Released: July 23, 2020          CME credit expires: July 23, 2023

What are some of the difficulties that Muslim Americans face today, and what was the reason behind the creation of the Muslim Wellness Foundation? How does stigma about mental health problems uniquely impact the Muslim American community? What are some of the psychosocial issues and challenges that Black Muslim American's experience?  In this important and timely episode, psychiatrist Dr. Mona Masood answers these questions and so much more! As a member of the Board of Directors at the Muslim Wellness Foundation, Dr. Masood offers resources, shares exciting programs and ways to get involved with this movement.    For more information on the Muslim Wellness Foundation click on the link below:  https://www.muslimwellness.com/

The years 2019-2020 brought to us coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting in an unprecedented global pandemic. Emerging data, historical studies, and expert opinion point to a tremendous impact of COVID-19 on the development and exacerbation of psychiatric issues. This issue is compounded by the fact that access to mental health care services may be limited during this time of crisis. There is a critical need for mental health care providers to be prepared and educated to best serve the psychiatric needs of patients affected, either directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are still many questions. What are the psychological consequences of so many people losing their jobs, and so many businesses shutting down? What are some healthy coping strategies for parents to model at home, to protect their children’s mental health during this pandemic? In this CME NEI podcast episode, Dr. McIntyre answers these questions, and much more.  Optional CME Credits / Certificate Instructions: After listening to the podcast, to take the optional posttest and receive CME credit, click HERE.  Learning Objectives: After completing this educational activity, you should be better able to: Discuss the psychological, economic, and sociological implications that COVID-19 has had on mental health Examine the impact of COVID-19 on a variety of mental health issues Explore existing and novel strategies for continuing mental health care during a global pandemic such as COVID-19 Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements: The Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NEI designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. A posttest score of 70% or higher is required to receive CME credit.  Nurses and Physician Assistants: for your CE requirements, the ANCC and NCCPA will accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME. Peer Review: The content was peer-reviewed by a PhD-PMHNP specializing in psychiatry to ensure the scientific accuracy and medical relevance of information presented and its independence from bias. NEI takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.  Disclosures: All individuals in a position to influence or control content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships. Although potential conflicts of interest are identified and resolved prior to the activity being presented, it remains for the participant to determine whether outside interests reflect a possible bias in either the exposition or the conclusions presented.  Faculty Interviewer / Author Andrew J. Cutler, MD Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Grant/Research: Acadia, Aevi Genomics/Cerecor, Alder/Lundbeck, Akili Interactive, Alkermes, Allergan, Axsome, Biohaven, Daiichi Sankyo, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lilly, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Tris Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, Adlon, AiCure, Akili Interactive, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Cognitive Research, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, MedAvante-ProPhase, Neurocrine, Novartis, Noven, Otsuka, Purdue, Sage, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Teva Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Arbor, Avanir, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, Teva, Tris Faculty Interviewee / Author Roger S. McIntyre, MD, FRCPC   Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and of Pharmacology; Head, Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada Grant/Research: CIHR/GACD/Chinese National Natural Research Foundation, Stanley Medical Research Institute Consultant/Advisor: Allergan, Janssen, Lundbeck, Minerva, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Pfizer, Purdue, Shire, Sunovion, Takeda Speakers Bureau: Allergan, Janssen, Lundbeck, Minerva, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Pfizer, Purdue, Shire, Sunovion, Takeda  Pre-Interview Author Sabrina K. Bradbury-Segal, PhD Medical Writer, Neuroscience Education Institute, Carlsbad, CA No financial relationships to disclose.  The Planning Committee and Peer Reviewer have no financial relationships to disclose.  Disclosure of Off-Label Use: This educational activity may include discussion of unlabeled and/or investigational uses of agents that are not currently labeled for such use by the FDA. Please consult the product prescribing information for full disclosure of labeled uses.  Cultural and Linguistic Competency: A variety of resources addressing cultural and linguistic competency can be found in this linked handout.  Support: This activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Alkermes.  Released: July 9, 2020          CME credit expires: July 9, 2023  

What exactly is brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF? What is the relationship between neuroinflammation, BDNF, and depression? What are ways that we can naturally stimulate increases in BDNF? In this exciting interview, psychiatric nurse practitioner, Michelle Novella answers all these questions and more! Michele Novella, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, is the owner and medical director of Star Psychiatric Healthcare, LLC, in Danbury, CT. She was educated at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT, and received her Master's Degree in Adult Psychiatric Nursing from Yale University, graduating with high Honors. Additionally, Ms. Novella is an inductee into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and is an active member of the ANA, APNA, and CTAPRNS. She is also a past recipient of the American Cancer Society's prestigious "Excellence in Onocology" Nursing Award for the State of CT.  She is a national speaker for several pharmaceutical companies, including Takeda and Lundbeck.

Healthcare workers on the frontline, working to save patients with the COVID-19 virus, during this pandemic have been especially vulnerable to mental health consequences and trauma. In the early stages of the global shut-down, Dr. Mona Masood launched the Physician Support Line, a volunteer hotline to support physicians and healthcare providers who were on the frontlines, battling the virus, and the traumatic consequences of doing so, simultaneously. Doctors, nurses, EMTs and other health care workers have been under extremely stressful conditions, increased patient loads without necessary staffing, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and overtime hours, placing them at high risk for contracting the virus themselves. Many have lost colleagues to the virus.  In this episode, learn what inspired her to create this hotline, what it has done for physicians, and how you can get involved. Dr. Mona Masood is board certified in general adult psychiatry and is an outpatient psychiatrist in the Ivyland, Pennsylvania area.  She is also the founder of the Physician Support Line and a Board Member of the nonprofit Muslim Wellness Foundation, which provides mental health educational services to the community. For more information on the Physician Support Line please go to: https://www.physiciansupportline.com/

Methamphetamine is an extremely serious problem in the United States, and it remains one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world. There are severe psychological, and medical consequences from methamphetamine misuse and abuse. This poses a particular challenge for clinicians treating patients for mental health conditions that are comorbid with substance use disorder (SUD). This is especially challenging when there are also interactions that can alter or influence psychiatric medications used to treat these patients. Questions such as the following arise: Given the high comorbidity of SUD with ADHD, how often should you check drug screens, and what is the threshold for discontinuing the stimulants if tests come back positive? In this podcast episode, Dr. William Sauve’ addresses these concerns, and much more. He also employs strategies to improve communication with patients about being transparent when it comes to using substances. Optional CME credits / certificate instructions: After listening to the podcast, to take the optional posttest and receive CME credit, click HERE. Learning Objectives: After completing this educational activity, you should be better able to: Manage the challenges associated with psychiatric treatment of conditions comorbid with substance use disorder Integrate psychiatric drug interactions with methamphetamine use Assess treatments approaches for conditions associated with long-term use of methamphetamines Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements: The Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NEI designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. A posttest score of 70% or higher is required to receive CME credit.  Nurses and Physician Assistants: for your CE requirements, the ANCC and NCCPA will accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME. The content in this activity pertains to pharmacology and is worth 0.50 continuing education hour of pharmacotherapeutics.  Peer Review: The content was peer-reviewed by an MD specializing in psychiatry to ensure the scientific accuracy and medical relevance of information presented and its independence from bias. NEI takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.  Disclosures: All individuals in a position to influence or control content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships. Although potential conflicts of interest are identified and resolved prior to the activity being presented, it remains for the participant to determine whether outside interests reflect a possible bias in either the exposition or the conclusions presented.  Faculty Interviewer Andrew J. Cutler, MD   Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Grant/Research: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Axsome, Biohaven, Intra-Cellular, Lundbeck, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Tris   Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, AiCure, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, MedAvante-ProPhase, Neurocrine, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, Tris Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, Tris Faculty Interviewee William M. Sauvé, MD Regional Medical Director, Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers, Virginia Speakers Bureau: Avanir  Author Sabrina K. Bradbury-Segal, PhD Medical Writer, Neuroscience Education Institute, Carlsbad, CA No financial relationships to disclose.  The Planning Committee and Peer Reviewer have no financial relationships to disclose.  Disclosure of Off-Label Use: This educational activity may include discussion of unlabeled and/or investigational uses of agents that are not currently labeled for such use by the FDA. Please consult the product prescribing information for full disclosure of labeled uses.  Cultural and Linguistic Competency: A variety of resources addressing cultural and linguistic competency can be found in this linked handout.  Support: This activity is supported solely by the provider, NEI.  Released: June 8, 2020          CME credit expires: June 8, 2023

What is the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population and does this change, depending on age? What are important tips for recognizing hypomania in children, and diagnosing children with mixed depression? In this episode, we address these questions and more with pediatric psychiatrist, Dr. Manpreet Singh.  Dr. Singh is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, and leads a program aimed to accelerate understanding and treatment in youth with or at high risk for developing lifelong mood disorders. She is the director of the Pediatric Mood Disorders Program and the Pediatric Emotion and Resilience Program at Stanford University. Dr. Singh earned her MD at Michigan State University and her MS at University of Michigan. She completed her combined residency training in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. After two years of T32 postdoctoral training at Stanford’s Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, she joined the faculty in 2009. Dr. Singh leads a multidisciplinary team that evaluates and treats youth with a spectrum of mood disorders as young as age 2 and well into their 20s. Her NIMH and industry funded studies examine mechanisms underlying mood disorders and apply cutting edge strategies to directly modulate the brain using transcranial magnetic stimulation and real time neurofeedback. She is also investigating the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies, such as family focused psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation, to reduce mood symptoms and family stress. All of these areas of research aim to elucidate core mechanisms underlying mood disorders and how treatment early in life can pave the path to more adaptive outcomes. In her spare time, Dr. Singh enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband and three children, and avidly teaches Indian classical music. Her clinical handbook for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric mood disorders can be found at the link below: https://appi.org/Products/Mood-Disorders/Clinical-Handbook-for-the-Diagnosis-and-Treatment?SearchText=clinical%20handboo&sku=37174

Healthcare disparities occur around the world, due to a complex, multifaceted situation that results from socioeconomic hardships, psychosocial stress, and cultural differences. In the United States, these disparities are often seen in minority communities, such as Hispanics and Black Americans. When a pandemic, such as COVID-19 occurs, it can expose these disparities in the most tragic ways. Current statistics surrounding healthcare disparities during the pandemic are staggering, suggesting that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the Black American community. In this important and timely interview with Dr. Napoleon Higgins, we address your most pressing questions on why this is occurring, and how awareness can improve this situation for future generations. Dr. Napoleon Higgins, Jr., is a psychiatrist in the Houston/Clear Lake City Area. He currently serves as Owner, CEO and President of Bay Pointe Behavioral Health Service, Inc., and South East Houston Research Group, Inc. He also practices as the Medical Director of Hold My Hand Residential Treatment Center. Dr. Higgins specializes in treating mental health disorders through medication management, psychotherapy and behavioral training.

Food and beverages interact with certain psychiatric medications to alter their pharmacokinetic properties, resulting in potentially unintended health outcomes. In this podcast episode, Dr. Rajnish Mago describes common food and beverages that interact with psychiatric medication and provides recommendations for avoiding unintended food-drug interactions. Optional CME credits / certificate instructions: After listening to the podcast, to take the optional posttest and receive CME credit, click HERE.  Learning Objectives: After completing this educational activity, you should be better able to: Describe the effects of food on the bioavailability of certain psychotropic medications Discuss current evidence of the brain-gut connection’s impact on mental health Describe the effects of vitamin C, caffeine, and grapefruit on the pharmacokinetics of certain psychotropic medications  Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements: The Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NEI designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. A posttest score of 70% or higher is required to receive CME credit.  Nurses and Physician Assistants: for your CE requirements, the ANCC and NCCPA will accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME. The content in this activity pertains to pharmacology and is worth 0.75 continuing education hour of pharmacotherapeutics.  Peer Review: The content was peer-reviewed by a PharmD specializing in psychiatry to ensure the scientific accuracy and medical relevance of information presented and its independence from bias. NEI takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.  Disclosures: All individuals in a position to influence or control content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships. Although potential conflicts of interest are identified and resolved prior to the activity being presented, it remains for the participant to determine whether outside interests reflect a possible bias in either the exposition or the conclusions presented.  Faculty Interviewer / Author Andrew J. Cutler, MD   Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Grant/Research: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Axsome, Biohaven, Intra-Cellular, Lundbeck, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Tris   Consultant/Advisor: Acadia, AiCure, Alfasigma, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Intra-Cellular, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, MedAvante-ProPhase, Neurocrine, Novartis, Otsuka, Sage, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, Tris Speakers Bureau: Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, Avanir, Ironshore, Janssen, Lundbeck, Neurocrine, Otsuka, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, Tris Faculty Interviewee / Author Rajnish Mago, MD Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Travel Expenses: Intas Pharmaceuticals (for Indian Psychiatric Association annual meeting) Stockholder: Johnson and Johnson  Pre-Interview Author Sabrina K. Bradbury-Segal, PhD Medical Writer, Neuroscience Education Institute, Carlsbad, CA No financial relationships to disclose.  The Planning Committee and Peer Reviewer have no financial relationships to disclose.  Disclosure of Off-Label Use: This educational activity may include discussion of unlabeled and/or investigational uses of agents that are not currently labeled for such use by the FDA. Please consult the product prescribing information for full disclosure of labeled uses.  Cultural and Linguistic Competency: A variety of resources addressing cultural and linguistic competency can be found in this linked handout.  Support: This activity is supported solely by the provider, NEI.  Released: May 11, 2020          CME credit expires: May 11, 2023    

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, mental health concerns are on the rise. What do we know about the relationship between suicide risk and previous pandemics or natural disasters? How do we distinguish between behavior that seems like appropriate coping during this time and behavior that should raise a red flag? What are some protective factors against suicide, and how can we capitalize on these, especially during this challenging time?  Join us, as we interview the Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Dr. Christine Moutier. Dr. Moutier knows the impact of suicide firsthand. After losing colleagues to suicide, she dedicated herself to fighting this leading cause of death. Throughout her career she has focused on fighting stigma related to mental health and help seeking. Training healthcare leaders, physicians, and advocacy groups, Dr. Moutier has sought to change the healthcare system’s approach to mental health, in order to optimize care for those suffering from mental health conditions. As a leader in the field of suicide prevention, Dr. Moutier joined AFSP in 2013, and has revitalized AFSP’s Education team, re-launched its Loss & Healing department, and expanded AFSP’s support to include those with lived experience of suicide. Moutier has authored articles and book chapters for publications such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, Academic Medicine, the American Journal of Psychiatry, the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Psychiatric Times, Depression and Anxiety, and Academic Psychiatry. She has testified before the U.S. Congress and spoken at the White House, she was the host of AFSP’s documentary on surviving suicide loss, The Journey, and has appeared as an expert in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time magazine, The Economist, The Atlantic, the BBC, NBC, CNN, and other print and television outlets. You can follow Dr. Moutier on Twitter at @cmoutierMD. For more information on the AFSP please visit: afsp.org