Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

Delve into the lasting effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on the brain and body, from impacting the HPA axis to inflammation and neurobiology. Explore how childhood trauma can lead to changes in cortisol response, brain regions like the hippocampus and amygdala, and inflammatory cytokines. Understand the link between FKBP5 protein, cortisol regulation, and mental health disorders, and discover the importance of therapeutic interventions in mitigating the negative impacts of early life stress on mental health.

The podcast delves into the disturbing dynamics of manipulation and boundary violations in therapy sessions. It explores the importance of accurate mental health portrayals in media, inter-generational dynamics in therapy, and the significance of maintaining professional boundaries. The episodes cover themes of abusive behavior, inappropriate therapeutic actions, and the value of sharing positive and negative experiences in the field.

Dr. Adam Borecky, a psychiatrist specializing in complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder, discusses the distinctions between C-PTSD, PTSD, and BPD, emphasizing trauma history and affective dysregulation. The podcast explores intersections of BPD and C-PTSD, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. It delves into trauma symptoms, mental illness severity indicators, and the value of reflective functioning in therapy for BPD and C-PTSD.

Dr. Michael Cummings discusses various topics including the effects of Valproic Acid in men during pregnancy, differences between lithium and Depakote as mood stabilizers, sustainability of Electroconvulsive Therapy for chronic catatonia, early signs of psychopathy in children, restless leg syndrome, timing for checking lithium levels, treatment of dementia patients, and innovative treatments in psychiatry. He also shares his personal journey from losing sight in the Navy to becoming a psychiatrist.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Howard Steele, a leading expert in attachment theory, unpacks the concept of reflective functioning—a key element in understanding emotional and relational dynamics. He explains how this scale measures our ability to articulate our internal states and those of others. Topics include the role of reflective functioning in treatment outcomes, its implications in parenting, particularly among mothers facing adversity, and its connection to mental health issues like borderline personality disorder. Steele highlights how improving reflective capacities can lead to healthier attachments and deeper emotional insights.

Dr. Bruce Perry discusses trauma, resilience, and healing with a focus on the impact of early developmental experiences on adult functioning. Topics include understanding neurobiological responses, heart rate monitoring in medical students, the influence of early trauma on personality development, the importance of human connection for children, and advocating for parents to engage in therapeutic activities for adopted children.

Experts discuss early psychosis treatment, interventions, screening tools, family support, psychopharmacology considerations, detection biomarkers, clinical high-risk programs, patient testimonials, recovery empowerment, and community support in addressing psychosis.

Dr. Michael Cummings, an expert in Psychiatry and Schizophrenia, answers listener questions on topics like treating Schizophrenia with long-acting injectables, the effectiveness of clozapine in treatment-resistant cases, and the debate on psychiatric medications' limitations. He also discusses managing breakthrough psychosis, treatment algorithms for depression, and the FDA-approved drug Karaprazine's efficacy in depression treatment.

Dr. Patricia Resick discusses Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, challenging negative beliefs and emotions, freeze responses in trauma, writing therapy for dissociative clients, comparing CPT and Prolonged Exposure, revisiting traumatic events to correct perceptions, therapist reflective function, and the importance of supervision in trauma therapy.

Exploring the public's desires for therapy, the discrepancies in therapy preferences between industries and the public, the importance of aligning treatment with public preferences, the role of physicians in therapy referrals, challenges individuals face in accessing therapy, and the significance of therapist fit for effective outcomes.