Dr. Marilyn Jones, Clinical Service Chief at Rady Children's Hospital and a pediatrics expert at UCSD, dives deep into dysmorphology and genetic disorders in psychiatry. She discusses the prevalence and diagnosis of conditions like 22Q and Fragile X, emphasizing the critical role of early identification and genetic testing. The conversation also highlights the connection between congenital disorders and mental health challenges, alongside advancements in prenatal screening, while navigating the complex ethical landscape of genetic testing.

Recent research reveals the risks of discontinuing benzodiazepines, highlighting higher mortality rates in older patients. Lithium showcases its surprising health benefits, enhancing bone density in bipolar disorder. Innovative therapies, including ECT, show promise for PTSD and schizophrenia. A controlled trial suggests structured sleep and daily activities can significantly boost recovery from major depression. Exciting developments in psychotherapy offer hope for those battling multi-trauma PTSD, showcasing effective treatment options.

Beverly Stoute, MD, a medical doctor focused on racial and social biases in psychoanalysis, joins Kellie Newsome, PMHNP, to delve into critical issues. They discuss systemic racism in psychoanalytic training heightened by recent societal events. The conversation addresses the struggles BIPOC candidates face, including financial obstacles and inadequate support. Stoute emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in treatment, urging for updated training practices to foster inclusivity and better support for diverse patients in psychoanalysis.

Beverly Stoute, MD, shares research on the origins of unconscious racial bias. Topics include how racial bias evolves from childhood experiences, systemic racism, racial fantasies, implicit bias in psychiatric diagnoses, and healthcare disparities for black individuals.

Beverly Stoute, MD, a physician dedicated to exploring unconscious racial biases in therapy, shares profound insights. She delves into how these biases can disrupt the therapist-patient relationship and hinder effective treatment. The discussion highlights the necessity of recognizing racial dynamics in psychoanalysis and the influence of societal narratives on personal experiences. Real-world examples, such as microaggressions in therapeutic settings, illustrate how language and awareness can foster a more inclusive environment for patients of color.

Kyle Greenway, who developed the Montreal Model for ketamine and psychotherapy, discusses setting personalized therapeutic goals, exploring thought diffusion, the relationship between values and behavior in therapy, setting goals for ketamine treatment, and the therapeutic power of music in therapy.

Kyle Greenway, developer of the Montreal Model for ketamine therapy, discusses the essential steps in preparing for ketamine-assisted therapy, rationalizing medication regimens, building a collaborative relationship, creating a supportive environment, and integrating music and personal items in psychedelic therapy.

Dr. Kyle Greenway discusses his Montreal Model for ketamine-assisted therapy, highlighting the need for active therapy alongside ketamine. The podcast explores diverse effects of ketamine, differences between ketamine and esketamine, contraindications with GABA agonists, and tapering off benzodiazepines during therapy.

Psychiatrist Chris Aiken and PMHNP Kellie Newsome discuss the recent FDA rejection of MDMA therapy for PTSD, exploring issues like boundary violations and functional unblinding. They analyze biases in medication trials, potential risks of MDMA, and the advocacy for its medical use in treating PTSD. The podcast also explores cardiovascular risks of MDMA, therapist influence on patient outcomes, and the need for standardized evaluation methods.

Chris Aiken, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in psychedelic therapy, discusses the FDA panel's rejection of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and the challenges in accessing such therapy in the United States. The podcast explores contrasting experiences in MDMA therapy, origins of MDMA in therapy, the role of therapists in maintaining boundaries, and the positive effects of MDMA on PTSD symptoms.