Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

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.

As the economy continues to shut down during COVID-19, people are growing more concerned about work and finances. Even if the virus is miraculously contained in the next few months, the economy will still be reeling from the damage of the lockdown.  As psychiatrists, we are concerned about the increases in mental illness from the lack of employment and a potential increase in suicides. In this episode, we begin to look at past studies on the links between economic disaster and the subsequent rates of depression and suicide, and what we might be able to do to help. By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

On this week’s episode of the Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast, I interview Dr. Daved Van-Stralen. During this season of COVID-19, Van-Stralen is focusing on the unique stresses on the healthcare system. How can the healthcare system improve the way that things are currently being done? How can people handle stress and the stress of seeing multiple deaths, exposure to the disease, and increased hours? By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In the US, people do not talk about death often or even acknowledge their own mortality. Instead, we act as if we just work hard enough we can do anything, even refuse the grim reaper. In this episode, we wrestle with the current issues created by COVID-19. Join us as we think more about death and the necessity to have conversations around it.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In a previous episode, we covered COVID-19 and its effect on mental health. In today’s episode of the podcast, we will be covering COVID-19 from the medical perspective with regards to its effect on the brain as well as treatment options, their side effects and special considerations. By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Scott D. Miller and Daryl Chow, both seasoned researchers and authors of 'Better Results', dive into the world of psychotherapy, examining how clinicians can enhance patient outcomes. They discuss the stagnation in therapy's effectiveness and the need for a stronger therapeutic alliance over methodologies. The importance of therapist responsiveness and the role of deliberate practice in developing unique therapeutic styles are highlighted. Insights on clinical supervision reveal its inefficacy, urging a reevaluation of traditional models for better results.