Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

Liam Browning, a returning guest known for his insights on patient perspectives regarding cannabis, and Danielle Lu, a medical student engrossed in mental health, dive deep into the latest research on cannabis and its effects. They discuss its complex relationships with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the risk factors of high potency cannabis. Their conversation navigates the challenges of PTSD recovery, balancing relief with potential addiction risks, and the importance of recognizing emotions rather than numbing them. A thought-provoking discussion on cannabis' role in mental health!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Alissa Jerud, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Emotion Savvy Parenting, shares valuable insights on navigating parenting's emotional challenges. She introduces the ART framework to help parents accept, regulate, and tolerate their feelings. Dr. Jerud emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, compassionate responses to children's behaviors, and practical strategies for managing bedtime struggles and youth sports pressures. Her evidence-based tools aim to foster resilience and deepen connections between parents and children.

Dr. David Mintz, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 30 years at the Austen Riggs Center, delves into psychodynamic psychopharmacology. He discusses how medication isn't just biomedical but intricately tied to meaning and patient dynamics. Mintz emphasizes the role of patient expectations and identity in treatment responses. He highlights the critical nature of the therapeutic alliance in recovery, advocating for a personalized, holistic approach to psychiatric care that considers both psychological and physical health.

Dr. Joshua Ryan Smith, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in catatonia and autism at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on the often-overlooked condition of catatonia in youth. He discusses its misdiagnosis and the critical need for accurate identification, especially in neurodivergent children. The conversation delves into effective assessment tools, including the Bush-Francis scale, and highlights the importance of distinguishing catatonia from typical behaviors associated with autism. Practical treatment strategies, including medication and ECT, are also explored.

Dr. Eric Bender, a child and adolescent psychiatrist known for his insightful YouTube breakdowns, joins Dr. David Puder to dive into the psychological depths of 'The Bear.' They explore Carmy's traumas and complex PTSD, examining family dynamics and attachment styles. The conversation touches on emotional neglect, personality traits, and the role of kindness in overcoming chaos. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how trauma and early relationships shape behaviors, making connections between fiction and real-life therapeutic practices.

Dr. Jonathan Shedler, a psychologist known for his work on depressive personality styles, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about how these styles differ from clinical depression. He emphasizes the role of childhood experiences in shaping self-criticism and emotional struggles. Through role play, they illustrate how dynamics like self-blame and guilt manifest in therapy. Shedler also shares insights on addressing suppressed emotions and creating an inclusive environment for healing, highlighting the subtle yet powerful role of micro-expressions in therapeutic settings.

Liam Browning, a clinician from Detroit with a focus on cannabis use, and Daniel Suevas, a Loma Linda MS4 exploring cannabis-induced psychosis, join Christopher Campbell, who discusses cannabis accessibility. They tackle the alarming rise of psychotic episodes linked to high-THC strains and the neurodevelopmental risks for adolescents. The trio emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and exploring genetic factors that heighten risks, making it a vital conversation for anyone interested in mental health.

In this episode, Dr. Otto Kernberg, a pioneer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), discusses personality disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. Explore key insights into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), identity diffusion, primitive defense mechanisms such as splitting and projective identification, and the complexities of narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, and histrionic personalities. Dr. Kernberg also shares reflections on sexuality, aggression, reflective functioning, and why therapists choose to help others. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Dr. David Puder hosts a deep dive with experts Nicholas Fabiano, MD, Brandon Luu, MD, Joshua Mangunsong, MS3, and Liam Browning, MS4 into the exciting potential of creatine supplementation for mental health and cognitive enhancement. They explore cutting-edge research on how creatine can improve mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning, and support brain metabolism through its role in ATP regeneration. The episode also reviews clinical trials demonstrating creatine’s effectiveness in psychiatric disorders, optimal dosing strategies, and its safety profile. Listen to learn how creatine may revolutionize treatment options in psychiatry. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Join Dr. Matt Bernstein, a psychiatrist and metabolic psychiatry pioneer, as he unveils the life-changing potential of the ketogenic diet for mental health. Discover how this diet positively impacts severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Delve into the fascinating links between metabolic health and mental well-being, with actionable insights on improving treatment outcomes. Dr. Bernstein also shares innovative strategies for patient adherence and the significant benefits of tracking ketone levels for mental wellness.