
PsychEd: educational psychiatry podcast
This podcast is written and produced by psychiatry residents at the University of Toronto and is aimed at medical students and residents. Listeners will learn about fundamental and more advanced topics in psychiatry as our resident team explore these topics with world-class psychiatrists at U of T and abroad.
Latest episodes

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
PsychEd Episode 67: Catatonia with Dr. Patricia Rosebush
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This episode covers catatonia with Dr. Patricia Rosebush. Dr. Rosebush is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. She is the distinguished author of numerous articles on clinical neuroscience, including considerable work on mitochondrial disorders in mental illness and over 30 papers on catatonia, and practices consultation-liaison psychiatry at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.The learning objectives for this episode are as follows:By the end of this episode, the listener will be able to…Develop a conceptual understanding of catatoniaHave an approach for diagnosing catatoniaHave an approach for treating catatoniaGuest: Dr. Patricia RosebushHosts: Dr. Alastair Morrison (PGY1), Dr. Angad Singh (PGY1)Audio editing: Dr. Angad SinghShow notes: Dr. Alastair MorrisonInterview content:(01:20) Clinical features of catatonia (high level overview)(04:15) Clinical anecdote - an index case of catatonia(06:00) History of approaches to catatonia(10:00) Approach to different catatonia phenotypes(15:00) Categorization and ideas of mechanism(18:00) Assessing clinical signs of catatonia (24:00) Preserved awareness in catatonia(27:00) Investigations and differential diagnosis(30:00) First interventions: benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine withdrawal(41:30) Managing medical considerations in catatonia(45:00) Treating other psychiatric illnesses in the catatonic patient(49:00) Acute, chronic, and refractory treatmentsReferences:Barnes MP, Saunders M, Walls TJ, Saunders I, Kirk CA. The syndrome of Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1986 Sep;49(9):991-6. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.49.9.991Bush G, Fink M, Petrides G, Dowling F, Francis A. Catatonia. I. Rating scale and standardized examination. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1996 Feb;93(2):129-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1996.tb09814.xPsychDB. (2023, November 23). Catatonia. https://www.psychdb.com/cl/0-catatoniaRosebush PI, Mazurek MF. Catatonia and its treatment. Schizophr Bull. 2010 Mar;36(2):239-42. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbp141For more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), Facebook (PsychEd Podcast), X (@psychedpodcast), and Bluesky (@psychedpodcast.bsky.social). You can email us at psychedpodcast@gmail.com and visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

May 1, 2025 • 16min
PsychEd Shorts 2: Antidepressant Counselling
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This short episode is about counselling patients on antidepressant medications.Hosts: Matthew Cho and Angad SinghAudio editing: Angad SinghTime stamps:(02:03) Steps to antidepressant counselling(07:31) Frequently asked questions about antidepressantsRelated episodes:PsychEd Episode 1: Diagnosis of Depression with Dr. Ilana ShawnPsychEd Episode 2: Treatment of Depression with Dr. Sidney KennedyPsychEd Episode 58: Depression in Children and Adolescents with Dr. Darren CourtneyPatient education:UpToDate resource on ‘Medicines for Depression’: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/medicines-for-depression-the-basicsCAMH resource on ‘Antidepressant Medications’:https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/antidepressant-medicationsKelty Mental Health resource on ‘Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors’: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/sites/default/files/resources/SSRI_MedicationSheet2022.pdf, References:PsychDB. (2024, January 11). Introduction to Antidepressants. https://www.psychdb.com/meds/antidepressants/homeLam RW, Kennedy SH, Adams C, Bahji A, Beaulieu S, Bhat V, Blier P, Blumberger DM, Brietzke E, Chakrabarty T, Do A. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2023 Update on Clinical Guidelines for Management of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: Réseau canadien pour les traitements de l'humeur et de l'anxiété (CANMAT) 2023: Mise à jour des lignes directrices cliniques pour la prise en charge du trouble dépressif majeur chez les adultes. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2024 Sep;69(9):641-87.Contact:For more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), Facebook (PsychEd Podcast), and X (@psychedpodcast). You can email us at psychedpodcast@gmail.com and visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 4min
PsychEd Book Club 1: Mind Fixers
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This is our inaugural book club episode centred around the book Mind Fixers by Anne Harrington. Mind Fixers is by the Harvard historian Anne Harrington, and came out from Norton in 2022. It reframes the “biological turn” in later twentieth century psychiatry with a history of the discipline from the later nineteenth century forward. Harrington argues that the biological turn had relatively little to do with new scientific advances, and came instead from a need to separate psychiatry from the increasingly unpopular public image of the discipline’s previous, “Freudian” age. To make this argument, she starts with the anatomic research of turn-of-the-century figures like Kraepelin, and how this generally failed to explain important mental illnesses. She traces the emergence of “Freudian” or psychological approaches to mental illness to the high point of their dominance in the mid twentieth century, and then their decline, as their inadequacy with respect to things like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia became increasingly clear, and their emphasis on childhood experience stigmatized families. Biological psychiatry is then a way to restore the fields’s respectability as as branch of medicine, but according to Harrington, there is not much transformative innovation to go along with this rebrand; and she emphasizes that the psychopharmacology revolution which gave us the first antipsychotics, MAOIS, tricyclics, and the receptor model of mental illness, actually happened during the heyday of psychoanalysis.The members of our team involved in this discussion are:Sara Abrahamson - MS2 at the University of TorontoDr. Kate Braithwaite - medical doctor from South AfricaDr. Wendy MacMillan-Wang - PGY4 psychiatry resident at the University of ManitobaDr. Alastair Morrison - PGY1 psychiatry resident at McMaster UniversityDr. Gaurav Sharma - staff psychiatrist working in Nunavut, CanadaAudio editing by:Dr. Angad Singh - PGY1 psychiatry resident at the University of TorontoOur discussion was structured around four themes:(03:15) - Psychiatry and Economic Incentives(19:33) - Psychiatry and Parenting(28:40) - Biological Psychiatry and its Alternatives(52:05) - Psychiatry and Social ControlIf you enjoyed this episode, consider listening to our episodes about:History of Psychiatry with Dr. David CastleCritical Psychiatry with Dr. Elia Abi-Jaoude and Lucy CostaFor more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), X (@psychedpodcast), and Facebook (PsychEd Podcast). You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Jan 31, 2025 • 11min
PsychEd Shorts 1: Differential Diagnosis of Dementia
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This primer covers the differential diagnosis of dementia.Hosts: Dr. Alastair Morrison (PGY-1) and Dr. Angad Singh (PGY-1)Audio editing by: Dr. Angad Singh (PGY-1)Resources:MoCA: https://dementia.talkbank.org/protocol/materials/MOCA.pdfMMSE: https://meded.temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/sites/default/files/assets/resource/document/mini-mental-state-examinationmmse.pdfBeers Criteria: American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adultsPsychEd Episode 49: Dementia Assessment with Dr. Lesley WiesenfeldReferences:American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Francis, J. & Young, B. (2022). Diagnosis of delirium and confusional states. UpToDate. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/delirium-and-acute-confusional-states-prevention-treatment-and-prognosisLarson, E. B. (2022). Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. UpToDate. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-cognitive-impairment-and-dementiaPsychDB. (2022, Oct 3). Introduction to Dementia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/homePsychDB. (2024, Feb 1). Delirium. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/cl/1-deliriumPsychDB. (2024, Feb 9). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/alzheimersPsychDB. (2023, Oct 12). Vascular Dementia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/vascularPsychDB. (2024, Jan 23). Frontotemporal Dementia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/frontotemporalPsychDB. (2024, Feb 5). Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/lewy-bodyFor more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), Facebook (PsychEd Podcast), and X (@psychedpodcast). You can email us at psychedpodcast@gmail.com and visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 13min
PsychEd Episode 66: ADHD in Youth with Dr. Daniel Gorman
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This episode covers ADHD in youth with Dr. Daniel Gorman, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and a Staff Psychiatrist at The Hospital for Sick Children. Dr Gorman’s clinical and academic interests include ADHD, Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, child psychopharmacology, psychiatric education, and narrative medicine. He is highly involved in resident teaching and clinical supervision, and from 2014 to 2022 he was the Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry subspecialty program at the University of Toronto.Dr. Gorman has given over 85 invited presentations and authored or co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, mainly related to childhood neuropsychiatric disorders and their pharmacological management. He also contributed to several Canadian guidelines, including guidelines on cardiac risk assessment before the use of stimulants, management of tic disorders, pharmacotherapy for childhood disruptive and aggressive behaviour, and pharmacogenetic testing for children treated with psychiatric medications.The learning objectives for this episode are as follows:By the end of this episode, the listener will be able to…Review diagnostic criteria for ADHDDescribe important considerations in making the diagnosis of ADHDDescribe psychosocial aspects of management of ADHDOutline the pharmacological management of ADHDGuest: Dr. Daniel GormanHosts: Dr. Kate Braithwaite, Dr. Shaoyuan Wang (PGY-4), Matthew Cho (MS-4) Audio editing by: Dr. Angad Singh (PGY-1)Resources:CADDRA - Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance: Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, 4.1 Edition, Toronto ON; CADDRA, 2020. References:American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Biederman, J., DiSalvo, M., Fried, R., Woodworth, K. Y., Biederman, I., & Faraone, S. V. (2019). Quantifying the protective effects of stimulants on functional outcomes in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A focus on number needed to treat statistic and sex effects. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(6), 784–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.06.016Peterson, B. S., Trampush, J., Brown, M., Maglione, M., Bolshakova, M., Rozelle, M., Miles, J., Pakdaman, S., Yagyu, S., Motala, A., & Hempel, S. (2024). Tools for the diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 153(4), e2024065854. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-065854Fedder, D., Patel, H., & Saadabadi, A. (2018). Atomoxetine. StatPearls. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493234/Canadian Pediatric Society. (2022). Mental health: Screening tools and rating scales. Canadian Pediatric Society. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://cps.ca/mental-health-screening-toolsFor more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), X (@psychedpodcast), and Facebook (PsychEd Podcast). You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 18min
PsychEd Episode 65: Psychotherapy in Youth with Dr. Laurence Katz
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This episode covers psychotherapy in youth with Dr. Laurence Katz, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Katz received his medical and adult psychiatric training at the University of Manitoba and his child and adolescent psychiatry training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx N.Y. He is an adjunct scientist at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and has published numerous papers using the population health administrative database in mental health outcomes. He has held and been part of numerous grants funded by CIHR, PHAC, and other national funding agencies related to work with First Nations communities. Dr. Katz is widely published in particular in the areas of suicide and suicidal behaviour. His other research interests include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, pharmacoepidemiology, and implementation of complex interventions.The learning objectives for this episode are as follows:By the end of this episode, the listener will be able to…Outline which psychotherapeutic modalities are commonly used in youthIdentify which youth may benefit/should be referred for psychotherapyDiscuss important considerations in delivering psychotherapy to youthGuest: Dr. Laurence KatzHosts: Wendy MacMillan-Wang, Shaoyuan Wang, Kate Braithwaite, and Sara AbrahamsonAudio editing by: Angad SinghShow notes by: Kate BraithwaiteInterview content:(00:04) Introduction(00:44) Guest introduction(05:25) Learning objectives(06:00) Definitions(07:44) Types of psychotherapy in youth(13:10) Evolution of psychotherapy in youth over time(16:24) Psychotherapy in suicide prevention/risk mitigation(18:32) Challenges in research: decrease in effect sizes over time(22:01) Conditions responding best to psychotherapy(26:44) Youth specific modalities(29:49) Summary of learning objective 1(30:23) Indications and contraindications(37:31) Consent(39:31) Group therapy(46:27) Summary of learning objective 2(47:10) Differences in psychotherapy in youth compared to adults in practice(53:32) Techniques for engagement of youth(58:21) Family involvement(01:02:39) Confidentiality(01:07:20) Use of mobile apps/internet-based therapies(01:11:17) Summary of learning objective 3(01:12:35) Other considerations(01:16:52) End creditsReferences:Please visit the episode's page on our website to view the full list of references: https://www.psychedpodcast.org/blog/youth-psychotherapyFor more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), X (@psychedpodcast), and Facebook (PsychEd Podcast). You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Nov 2, 2024 • 8min
Upcoming Book Club: Mind Fixers
Dive into the intriguing world of psychiatry through a new book club focusing on accessible and engaging literature. Discover the historical journey of psychiatry and the biological perspectives outlined in Anne Harrington's 'Mind Fixers.' The discussion spotlights key figures and transformative moments in mental healthcare, sparking lively debates. Listeners are invited to join the conversation, share insights, and reflect on the impact of historical biases in the field.

Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 15min
PsychEd Episode 64: Introduction to Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry with Dr. Raed Hawa and Dr. Alan Wai
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.This episode covers Introduction to Consultation Liaison Psychiatry with Dr. Raed Hawa and Dr. Alan Wai, both from the University of Toronto.Dr. Raed Hawa is an esteemed CL psychiatrist and educator with interests in undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education. He also practices general sleep medicine with particular clinical interest in insomnia, comorbid psychiatric and medical illnesses, and sleep-related movement disorders. He currently serves as the President of the Canadian Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Hawa is also Deputy Psychiatrist-in-Chief at University Health Network. Dr. Hawa has earned American Board Certification in Psychiatry with subspecialty certifications in Sleep Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine (Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry). His expertise and contributions to the field have been recognized through his designation as a Distinguished Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and Canadian Psychiatric Association.Dr. Alan Wai is a Psychiatrist at University Health Network in Toronto and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He provides inpatient CL psychiatry care and mental health and psychiatric care embedded in the Immunodeficiency Clinic at Toronto General Hospital, where he sees both persons living with and at risk of HIV. He received his medical degree from the University of British Columbia and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Toronto.The learning objectives for this episode are as follows: By the end of this episode, you should be able to…Outline the history and evolution of CL Psychiatry.Define the role and scope of CL Psychiatrists in diverse medical settings.Identify and assess common psychiatric disorders in CL settings.Provide differential diagnoses and a general approach to a CL patient through a sample case.Guest: Dr. Raed Hawa, Dr. Alan WaiHosts: Annie Yu (PGY3), Sena Gok (MD), Matthew Cho (CC3)Audio editing by: Sena GokShow notes by: Sena GokInterview content:(00:13) Introduction(01:09) Learning Objectives(01:36) First Guest Introduction(03:18) History of CL Psychiatry(10:33) Subspecialties within CL Psychiatry(14:00) Collaborative Care of CL Psychiatry(20:03) Preparation for CL Rotation(22:32) Bariatric Clinic and CL Psychiatry(27:45) Future of CL Psychiatry, AFC Certification(33:29) Second Guest Introduction(34:18) Role and Scope of CL Psychiatry(39:32) A Day in CL Psychiatry(44:08) Cultural Competence in CL Psychiatry(47:53) Introduction to Patients in CL Clinics(50:14) Resources for CL Psychiatry Rotation(53:08) Clinical Vignette(01:00:25) CL Psychiatric Assessment Approach(01:09:24) Agitation Management in CL Psychiatry(01:13:51) Closing(01:15:05) End CreditsResources:Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry Academy of CL Psychiatry (ACLP) Educational ResourcesAFC (Area of Focused Competence) in CL PsychiatryCanadian Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry WebsitePsychEd Episode 22: Psycho-Oncology Assessments with Dr. Elie Isenberg-GrzedaPsychEd Episode 35: Pain Psychiatry with Dr. Leon TourianPsychEd Episode 36: Understanding Eating Disorders with Dr. Randy StaabPsychEd Episode 37: Treating Eating Disorders with Dr. Randy StaabPsychEd Episode 57: HIV Psychiatry with Dr. Adriana Carvalhal and Dr. Leigh van den HeuvelReferences:Please visit the episode's page on our website for the full list of references: https://www.psychedpodcast.org/blog/clpsychFor more PsychEd, follow us on Twitter (@psychedpodcast), Facebook (PsychEd Podcast), and Instagram (@psyched.podcast). You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.

Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 45min
PsychEd Episode 63: Balancing Perspectives on Safety and Involuntary Hospitalization with Jesse Mangan and Dr. Jim McQuaid
Join Jesse Mangan, the producer of "Committable," who has firsthand experience with involuntary hospitalization, and Dr. Jim McQuaid, a sociology expert, as they delve into the complex issues surrounding involuntary commitment. They navigate the ethical dilemmas healthcare professionals face and the profound emotional impacts on patients. The duo shares insights on the stigma attached to mental health, the importance of patient rights, and advocates for understanding through storytelling to reshape the narrative of mental health care.

Jun 29, 2024 • 59min
PsychEd Episode 62: Antipsychotic Side Effects with Dr. Alex Raben
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners. This episode covers Antipsychotic Side Effects with our very own expert Dr Alex Raben, a staff psychiatrist in chronic care at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Dr. Raben graduated from medical school and completed residency at the University of Toronto. His academic interests include teaching and medical education scholarship with a particular interest in novel modalities of knowledge translation within the field of psychiatry. He is a founding member and Executive Director of PsychEd, this educational psychiatry podcast which aims to empower medical learners to seek out current knowledge from mental health experts to share with their colleagues around the world. The learning objectives for this episode are as follows: By the end of this episode, the listener will be able to… Outline the side effects of antipsychotics and their known/potential mechanisms Discuss management options for the different side effects Identify which antipsychotics are more likely to cause certain side effects Guest: Dr Alex Raben Hosts: Angad Singh and Kate Braithwaite Audio editing by: Angad Singh Show notes by: Angad Singh and Kate Braithwaite Interview Content: Introduction - 0:00 Primer on antipsychotics - 1:54 Anti-dopamine side effects - 5:04 Drug potency as it relates to side effects - 38:46 Anticholinergic side effects - 41:37 Antiadrenergic side effects - 47:30 Metabolic side effects - 50:29 Sedation - 56:46 Please note that this episode does not include a discussion of the life threatening side effects of antipsychotics. These include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, torsades de pointes, laryngospasm, and seizure. Resources: PsychEd Episode 10: Treatment of Schizophrenia Part II with Dr. Albert Wong — PsychEd Podcast PsychEd Episode 60: Metabolic Psychiatry with Dr. Cindy Calkin – Psyched Podcast AIMSExtendedSample - YouTube Anticholinergic Mnemonics: Toxicology Mnemonic Challenge • LITFL • Toxicology Conundrum References: de Silva VA, Suraweera C, Ratnatunga SS, Dayabandara M, Wanniarachchi N, Hanwella R. Metformin in prevention and treatment of antipsychotic induced weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry. 2016;16:1-0. Migirov A, Datta AR. Physiology, Anticholinergic Reaction. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546589/ Miller DD. Atypical antipsychotics: sleep, sedation, and efficacy. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;6(Suppl 2):3-7. PMID: 16001094; PMCID: PMC487011. Roerig JL, Steffen KJ, Mitchell JE. Atypical antipsychotic-induced weight gain: insights into mechanisms of action. CNS drugs. 2011;25:1035-59. Stahl SM. Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Cambridge university press; 2021. Stroup TS, Gray N. Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications. World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-56. For more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), Twitter (@psychedpodcast), and Facebook (PsychEd Podcast). You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.