Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have seemed to foster a “sub-epidemic” of suicidality and deteriorating mental health. Suicidal thoughts have spiked across every demographic due to the loss of connection to usual psychosocial supports, normal activities, and in a lot of cases, jobs, leading to significant financial stress. These stressors compound and massively impact the mental resiliency of everyone reached by this pandemic. Link to Blog. Link to Resource Library. 

If you are a medical student or someone studying for a big exam, this episode is for you. We will first discuss the mental roadblocks that prevent students from performing at their top potential for exams. We also break down and outline some effective study strategies, and provide a sample day-by-day study plan for any 2nd year medical student preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam. Finally, we have also created a 3-step challenge all students can follow. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. Osorio, a geriatric psychiatrist, shares insights on retiring happily. Topics include emotional challenges in retirement, strategies for maintaining health, benefits of plant-based diets, importance of sleep for brain health, and mindfulness meditation for a calm mind. She also discusses setting meaningful goals for retirement, nurturing friendships, and supporting the podcast through Patreon.

In this discussion, Annabelle Kuhn, an expert in attachment theory, delves into the complexities of disorganized attachment and its psychological implications. They highlight the significance of empathy and emotional connection in effective treatment, particularly for those with trauma histories. The conversation explores how disorganized attachment can link to dissociation and even adult psychopathy. Genetic factors and maternal mental health's influence on attachment styles further enrich the dialogue, underscoring the challenges in reshaping these dynamics for better patient outcomes.

Annabelle Kuhn, a fourth-year medical student with a focus on disorganized attachment research, shares her insights on the nuances of this complex psychological phenomenon. She delves into the characteristics of disorganized attachment in children and its long-term effects, emphasizing the significance of caregiver interactions. Annabelle explores the interplay between trauma, attachment styles, and mental health, particularly how unresolved trauma can lead to social withdrawal and aggression. She also highlights the vital role of empathy and understanding in healing and therapy.

In this final part of the free will series, we take a look at the relationship between the concept of free will and mental health. Is free will altered in those suffering from schizophrenia? How is well-being related to free will? Thinking about these questions and the rise of neuroessentialism within psychiatry allows us to recognize the influence of our environment on our decision-making. The debate is far from settled, but a belief in free will clearly affects daily life and the practice of psychiatry. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

This is the second episode in our Free will series. In this episode, we will describe some definitions of free will, explore determinism (the opposite of free will), cover some quotes by famous authors on the topic, and break down some statistics, and studies about it.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Matthew Hagele, a fourth-year medical student with a master's in bioethics, dives into the fascinating world of free will. They discuss its historical roots, cultural significance, and implications for mental health. Hagele highlights how beliefs in free will can shape resilience during tough times and the potential downsides of a deterministic mindset. Additionally, the conversation touches on the insanity defense, the intersection of mental health with legal accountability, and how decision-making is influenced by both agency and external factors.

Join Dr. Danielle Hairston and Dr. Puder on a discussion of recent events. Dr. Hairston has served as the Black Psychiatrists of America Scientific Program Chair since 2016. She is also the American Psychiatric Association Black Caucus’ Early Career Representative.  She is the residency director at Howard University.  She has a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship. Dr. Hairston has also had the opportunity to speak nationally and internationally about the impact of racial trauma and culture on mental health. She is a contributing author to the recently published book, Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions. Her interests include consultation-liaison psychiatry, resident education, minority mental health, cultural psychiatry, and collaborative care.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Kasparik, a budding researcher completing his master's degree, explores the intricate relationship between mental pain and suicidality. He delves into how perceived meaning in life and a person's sense of control can significantly influence suicidal thoughts. Key topics include the importance of social support during crises, the impact of Viktor Frankl's philosophies on finding purpose through suffering, and strategies for fostering resilience in individuals facing mental health challenges.