Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

Michael Cummings, a psychopharmacologist with expertise in treating treatment-resistant patients at a state hospital, unpacks the nuances of aggression and violence in mental health care. He breaks down the three types of aggression: impulsive, predatory, and psychotic. Cummings discusses effective strategies for managing aggression using psychopharmacology, particularly the role of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. He also highlights the critical connection between sleep quality and mental health, emphasizing its importance in managing agitation.

The podcast delves into the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy, exploring severe personality problems, encounters with patients claiming to speak with God, mental health disturbances, therapist-patient relationships, envy and empathy in success sharing, and the dynamics of psychotherapy.

Inaccurate diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or missed diagnosis of affective disorders can lead to inappropriate and inadequate treatment; worsened outcomes can follow. Because schizophrenia is a complex condition with a broad range of signs and symptoms that also occur in other mental disorders, it can be difficult to differentiate it from other serious mental disorders, especially mood disorders. Notably, these other conditions should actually be ruled out before arriving at a diagnosis of schizophrenia.  In this episode, Danielle Hairston, M.D. and Chantel Fletcher join the podcast to discuss the issue of overdiagnosis of schizophrenia in Black male patients, especially. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. Link to The Next 72 Hours Podcast.

Dr. Stephen Seiler, a renowned exercise physiologist renowned for his research on endurance athletes, shares insights on how physical activity impacts mental health. He discusses the benefits of exercise in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Seiler emphasizes the power of low-intensity training in improving fitness while minimizing injury risks. He explores the physiological effects of endurance exercise on mitochondrial health and the critical relationship between lactate levels and performance. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on integrating movement for longevity and wellbeing.

Dr. Joseph F. Goldberg is a psychiatrist and clinician researcher with over 180 publications and 3 books. This article focuses on his newest book,  Practical Psychopharmacology: Translating Findings From Evidence-Based Trials into Real-World Clinical Practice. In this article, we discuss psychopharmacology and his approach to psychiatry.    By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. Robert Feinstein, an academic psychiatrist and author specializing in personality disorders, shares insights from his new book, highlighting effective treatment strategies for Borderline Personality Disorder. He reveals that six major psychotherapeutic approaches achieve about 70% effectiveness, stressing the need for flexibility and tailored care. The discussion explores trauma's impact on personality disorders, the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, and the complexities of understanding various personality types. Feinstein's expertise shines a light on navigating the therapeutic landscape with empathy and precision.

On this week’s episode, Dr. Puder interviews Francis Stevens, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of the new book, Affective Neuroscience in Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide for Working With Emotions. Dr. Stevens trained as a therapist under cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic theories, as well as completing a postdoctoral degree in neuroscience. The lack of emphasis on emotion in these two approaches led Dr. Stevens to begin research on the neurobiological basis of emotion and to ultimately compile this book. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this discussion, clinical psychologists Kenneth I. Pargament and Julie J. Exline, along with UC Irvine resident Kevin Ing, dive into the complexities of spiritual struggles within psychotherapy. They explore how religion and spirituality intersect with mental health, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' beliefs. Key topics include the emotional impact of spiritual doubt, the necessity of psychological safety, and how early attachments shape spiritual perceptions. The conversation highlights thoughtful engagement in therapy as vital for healing.

Esketamine is the first non-monoaminergic based medication which is FDA approved and indicated for treatment refractory depression. A longer duration of undertreated depression is associated with poor longitudinal functional outcomes. Instead of cycling patients through monoaminergic antidepressant trials and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, according to Dr. Kitay, providers should consider treatments like esketamine much sooner in the treatment course. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

On this week’s episode, Dr. Puder interviews Mary Lynch Barbera, Ph.D., RN, BCBA-D, creator of the approach and book titled Turn Autism Around. Dr. Barbera began her journey in the autism world over 20 years ago, when her first son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism. Dr. Barbera made the incredible transformation from a confused parent to a doctoral-level behavioral analyst, best-selling author, and a tremendous resource for health professionals and parents of children with autism all over the world. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.