NEI Podcast

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

What is the evidence that exercise is at least as effective as medications for the treatment of mental health disorders, such as depression? Can you share any research findings on the effects of exercise for patients with traumatic brain injury?  If you have questions like these, you won't want to miss this episode with psychiatrist and renowed author, Dr. John Ratey! Best selling author, John J. Ratey, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 11 books published in 17 languages, including the groundbreaking ADD-ADHD “Driven to Distraction” series with Ned Hallowell, MD. With the publication of  "Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," Dr. Ratey has established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection.  His most recent book, “Go Wild” explores how we can achieve optimal physical and mental health by getting in touch with our caveman roots, and how we can “re-wild” our lives.   Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America since 1997, Dr. Ratey was recently honored by the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society as "Outstanding Psychiatrist of the Year" for advancing the field. Dr. Ratey and his work are frequently profiled in the media, where he’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and NPR, as well as in The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, US News and World Report, Men’s Health, and other national publications.

Given the recent COVID-19 virus pandemic, how is pediatric anxiety influenced by things like the media, parental attitudes, and the family environment? How effective is telepsychiatry for pediatric patients? If you have these types of questions you won't want to miss this timely and important interview with psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Strawn! In this episode, we discuss issues like effective communication strategies for parents during this time, and how to best meet the needs of pediatric patients with anxiety. Dr. Strawn is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati and at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He directs the University of Cincinnati Anxiety Disorders Research Program. His ongoing research explores the pathophysiology and psychopharmacology of anxiety disorders, using functional neuroimaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. His research further aims to identify early predictors of treatment response in anxiety and to identify which patients may respond best to which specific treatments. In his clinical practice, he works with youth with anxiety disorders and with their parents and families. 

What is our current understanding of the gut-brain connection? What is the difference between the microbiome and microbiota? How is dysbyosis of the gut associated with certain psychiatric disorders? In this CME podcast, we address these questions and more in this captivating interview between Dr. Andrew J. Cutler and Dr. Roger S. McIntyre! 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: Explore the relationship between the brain-gut-microbiome axis and chronic inflammation Discuss current evidence of the brain-gut connection’s impact on mental health Consider potential implications of the gut-brain connection for the treatment of various mental illnesses 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 1.0 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 1.0 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 / 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 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 solely by the provider, NEI. Released: April 13, 2020          CME credit expires: April 13, 2023

How do you manage billing and insurance for telepsychiatry? What are some challenges to treating patients who may not be tech saavy? In part 2 of this episode, we address these questions and more, providing you with the most current information on the practical implications of telepsychiatry in our interview with psychiatric nurse practitioner, Michele Novella.  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. Additional Resources:  Telepsychiatry Applications/Programs: Kareo: https://www.kareo.com/ Doxy.Me: https://doxy.me/ Zoom: https://zoom.us/ ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/ICD-10-CM-Official-Coding-Gudance-Interim-Advice-coronavirus-feb-20-2020.pdf 

In this episode, we discuss the importance and practical implications of telepsychiatry in the field of mental health, with psychiatric nurse practioner, Michele Novella. Has your practice been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? In part 1 of this episode, Michele takes you step-by-step through the process of implementing telepsychiatry into your practice. Learn about the "do's" and "don'ts", and important information that you will need to know to better treat your patients during this challenging time!  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. Additional Resources:  Telepsychiatry Applications/Programs: Kareo: https://www.kareo.com/ Doxy.Me: https://doxy.me/ Zoom: https://zoom.us/ ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/ICD-10-CM-Official-Coding-Gudance-Interim-Advice-coronavirus-feb-20-2020.pdf 

In this episode, we raise awareness about a forgotten, yet extremely vulnerable population at high risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). What are ways that we can better screen for patients who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV)? How are types of brain injuries unique in this population? Are there neuroimaging techniques that can more accurately detect IPV-related TBIs?  Deb York is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Colorado Springs, CO.  She completed her research certification as a Certified Clinical Research Associate at the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Deb has a clinical focus in endocrine psychiatry for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric illnesses with specialized expertise in treatments for mood disorders involving menopause, andropause, PMS, PMDD and post-partum depression.  Her research focuses on conducting clinical trials to identify and evaluate novel psychopharmacological and neuroradiological interventions for traumatic brain injury, mood disorders, and pediatric psychiatric illnesses. Additionally, Deb is certified in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy through the Academy for Preventive and Innovative Medicine by WorldLink Medical. Deb has over 25 years in the clinical trials industry conducting clinical research in pharmaceuticals & biologics, with a specialty in Women’s Health, CNS & psychiatric clinical trials. Deb completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Barnes College of Nursing-Washington University.  She completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Cincinnati in Nurse Midwifery and her Post-Master’s Certification from the University of Cincinnati in Psychiatry-Mental Health. Additionally, Deb is an Adjunct Professor at the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati and Director of Clinical Research at Mountain Mind.  

What are ketones and how are they related to mental health? What is the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and the ketogenic diet? What is the carnivore diet? If these are some of your questions when it comes to nutrition and mental health, you won't want to miss Part II of this exciting interview with Dr. William Sauve'!