Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

In today’s episode of the podcast, we are joined by neuroscientist and primatologist, Dr. Robert Sapolsky, to discuss his work with baboons, stress, and his own mental health journey. Dr. Sapolsky is professor of biology, neurology, and neuroscience at Stanford University, as well as an author of several books including, A Primate's Memoir: A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, and Determined. He has spent extensive time studying baboons in Kenya over the course of his career, a passion he attributes to his extensive time spent in the American Natural History Museum in New York. Joining our conversation is Alexander Horwitz, M.D., a 4th-year psychiatry resident who previously enlightened us on serotonin syndrome in an earlier episode.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. Sue Johnson, founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy, discusses topics such as breaking the pursue-withdraw cycle in relationships, the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection, the role of sex in relationships, the impact of pornography on relationships and brain function, understanding disorganized attachment and EFT for complex PTSD, and the importance of psychotherapy and attachment.

We are joined again by Dr. Neal Christopher, who is currently the Vice Chair and Associate Medical Director of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the Psychiatry and Addiction Consultant for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. Dr. Christopher has previously appeared on the Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast in episode 063, “Interviewing Well For Psychiatry Residency & Beyond,” and episode 103, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Steven Hayes.”  In this week’s episode, Dr. Puder and Dr. Christopher discuss the recent elimination of the X-Waiver and what it means for providers, the mechanism and efficacy of buprenorphine, and practical tips for prescribing buprenorphine and supporting patients on their road to recovery from opioid use disorder. This episode continues our podcast series on addiction, designed to meet the one-time, 8-hour training requirement introduced by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This mandate applies to all providers registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and our series primarily focuses on the treatment and management of patients with substance use disorders. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this podcast, Dr. Bender shares his journey in child and adolescent psychiatry. Topics include a narrative-driven approach, managing patient load, understanding adolescent patients, power struggles in children, connecting with patients and families, the role of temperament, and dealing with powerlessness.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) remains one of the most intriguing yet under-acknowledged psychiatric conditions of our time. Characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws or defects, often invisible to others, this disorder manifests in ways that can profoundly affect an individual's daily life, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Through an exploration of its origins, symptoms, and prevalent treatments, this article aims to equip mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of BDD. We also shed light on the invaluable contributions of renowned experts in the field, most notably Dr. Katharine Phillips, whose pioneering research and clinical practices have transformed the way we approach, diagnose, and treat this complex condition. As the quest for insight and effective interventions continues, understanding BDD becomes pivotal for therapists and clinicians dedicated to holistic patient care. Financial Disclosure for Katharine A. Phillips, M.D. Fabday LLC (presentation for providers of aesthetic treatment, honorarium) CeraVe/Roxane S. Chabot DBA RBC Consultants (psychodermatology advisory board, honorarium) By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

John M. Kane, MD. is Professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine at The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Kane earned his medical degree from New York University in New York, New York, and completed his internship and residency in Psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kane is the recipient of many awards, including the Lieber Prize, The APA’s Kempf Award and Foundations Prize, the New York State Office of Mental Health Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Dean Award from the American College of Psychiatrists. He has served as President of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, the Psychiatry Research Society and the Schizophrenia International Research Society. Dr. Kane has been the principal investigator on 23 NIH grants focusing on schizophrenia, psychobiology and treatment, recovery, and improving the quality and cost of care. He is the author of over 900 peer-reviewed papers and serves on the editorial boards of numerous journals.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. Matthew Lederman, a board-certified internal medicine physician and CNVC Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, discusses transformative communication methods. He shares his journey connecting emotional well-being with physical health, emphasizing empathy in both parenting and therapy. Dr. Lederman explores the importance of understanding deeper emotional needs, the complex nature of shame, and the significance of fostering authentic relationships amid societal polarization. He also highlights the balance between medication and therapy in mental health, advocating for collaborative and compassionate care.

Paul Molyneux, a registered mental health nurse and an author, shares his inspiring journey through depersonalization/derealization disorder. He discusses the often misunderstood nature of these experiences and their links to stress and trauma. Paul highlights effective coping strategies, including therapy and physical activity, while also addressing challenges faced during the recovery process. The conversation sheds light on the importance of holistic treatment approaches and the power of self-reflection in overcoming mental health struggles.

Austin Coleman, a fourth-year medical student at Western University, passionately discusses the profound link between diet and mental health. He reveals how ultra-processed foods can heighten depression and anxiety risks. The conversation also highlights the Mediterranean diet's mood-boosting benefits and the significance of mindful eating. Austin touches on the surprising impacts of fermented foods and dark chocolate on emotional well-being, blending humor with insightful research to illustrate how small dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in mental health.

Dr. Scott Miller discusses deliberate practice in psychotherapy, emphasizing stepping out of comfort zones for improvement. The conversation explores mindset impact, measuring clinician deficits, predicting therapist effectiveness, and shaping therapists' dynamics. Highlights include therapist improvement studies, importance of feedback, and debunking EMDR superiority in trauma therapy.