The Medical Mind

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza welcomes back Dr. Rajesh Tampi for a broader look at how the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease are evolving. Building on their previous discussion of behavioral symptoms, they explore modifiable risk factors, emerging blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and newer disease-modifying therapies, including lecanemab and donanemab.

The conversation also examines challenges related to access and health equity, the continuing role of established Alzheimer's medications, and the importance of social connection, psychotherapy, and meaningful activity as people age. Mirza and Tampi discuss why...

Natural disasters can leave psychological effects that last long after the immediate crisis has passed. Host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Andrew McLean, chair of the APA Committee on the Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster, about how disasters affect individuals, families, and communities, and the role psychiatrists can play in supporting recovery.

Dr. McLean discusses warning signs that someone may be struggling, how children can respond differently to traumatic events, the risks of repeated exposure to disaster coverage, and the growing impact of climate anxiety. He also shares practical strategies for coping, including his three R's: rest, routine...

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Rajesh Tampi about evidence-based approaches to managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Their conversation explores comprehensive assessment, caregiver burden, nonpharmacological interventions, medication strategies, and emerging treatments, with an emphasis on treating the whole patient and adapting care to individual needs.

PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments...

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with Dr. Sarah El Halabi and Dr. Stephen J. Ferrando about why lithium remains underused despite its established role in treating bipolar disorder. They explore how specialized lithium clinics and standardized monitoring can support safer prescribing for pregnant and postpartum patients, older adults, and people with renal disease. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about lithium toxicity, the challenges of managing complex medications, and the importance of coordinated, team-based care.

PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving...

In this episode Dr. Gupta is joined  by Theresa Miskimen Rivera, MD, DLFAPA.  Dr. Miskimen Rivera is the former President of the American Psychiatric Association; a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA); a member of the American College of Psychiatrists, and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She most recently served as the Medical Quality and Clinical Effectiveness Officer for Behavioral Health in the Department of Psychiatry at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, New Jersey. Dr. Miskimen centered her public-sector clinical practice on improving access to and delivery of psychiatric care fo...

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, Dr. John Torous, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's Council on Digital Health, Innovation, and Technology, explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in mental health care. He discusses the opportunities and limitations of AI-supported care, the risks of long-term chatbot use, privacy concerns, and the importance of maintaining human connection. The conversation also highlights the council's work to educate clinicians, shape responsible policy, and develop practical frameworks for evaluating new technologies.

In this June episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with Dr. Heather Murray of the University of Colorado about clinical considerations for cannabis use in inpatient medical settings. The conversation examines how high-potency cannabis and concentrates have changed the clinical picture, including intoxication, withdrawal, hyperemesis, psychosis risk, delirium, catatonia, medication interactions, and self-directed discharge. Dr. Murray also emphasizes balanced, stigma-free assessment and the importance of asking about formulation, potency, route, frequency, and last use when caring for patients across medical and psychiatric settings.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with APA President Mark H. Rapaport, M.D., about his vision for the year ahead and the role members can play in advancing psychiatry. Dr. Rapaport discusses APA's strategic priorities, the future of the DSM, and the importance of medical leadership, member engagement, and stronger communication throughout the organization. The conversation also examines urgent challenges facing psychiatrists and their patients, including scope creep, ghost panels, mental health parity, stigma, misinformation, and the effects of social media. Drawing on examples from crisis care and health economics, Dr. Rapaport explains...

In this episode of Women Leaders in Psychiatry, Dr. Anjali Gupta speaks with Dr. Marketa M. Wills, CEO and medical director of the American Psychiatric Association, during a live meeting of the Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr. Wills reflects on her path into psychiatry, the mentors who shaped her career, and how her medical, business, and consulting background informs her leadership. She also discusses her vision for APA, the most pressing challenges facing psychiatry today, the importance of integrity in leadership, and the role psychiatrists must play in shaping technology, AI, access to care, and the future of the field.<...

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with Dr. Sophia Matta about the May Psychiatric News article "Conflict, Disaster, and the Psychiatry of Displacement." Dr. Matta discusses how modern conflict, disaster, social media, drone warfare, environmental exposures, and displacement are reshaping the way psychiatrists understand trauma. The conversation explores continuous traumatic stress, the limits of traditional PTSD frameworks, emerging treatments such as neuromodulation and psychedelic-assisted therapy, the role of hope and resilience, and why psychiatry must take a broader, whole-person view of mental and physical health in a rapidly changing world.
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In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Nina Kraguljac, M.D., about what resilience really means through a mental health lens. Dr. Kraguljac discusses why resilience is not a fixed character trait, how it can be strengthened over time, and why meaning, hope, agency, and social connection play such an important role in helping people navigate adversity. She also shares insights from the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience Study, a first-in-the-nation effort to better understand the psychological, social, environmental, and biological factors that shape resilience and mental health.

This month on Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza is joined by clinical psychologists Dr. Erin Cassidy-Eagle and Dr. Janie Hong to discuss the "lifelong psychotherapy patient," a group that is common in practice but rarely examined directly. Drawing on their work at Stanford and their recent article in Psychiatric News, they explore why some patients need ongoing psychotherapy support, how short-term care models can fall short, and what it means to meet patients where they are rather than forcing treatment into rigid timelines.

The conversation also looks at the pressure clinicians face inside modern...

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with Dr. Alexander Niculescu about pain as more than a physical symptom alone. Their conversation explores the overlap between chronic pain and psychiatric conditions, the promise of precision psychiatry, and how biomarkers may help clinicians better assess risk, guide treatment, and rethink refractory pain. They also discuss the limitations of current approaches, the role of non-opioid interventions, and why psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to treat the whole person.

Read this special report here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.03.3.28

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In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Nancy Byatt about women's mental health and the growing importance of reproductive psychiatry. Their conversation explores how mental health needs can arise across the lifespan, from menstruation and pregnancy to postpartum and menopause, and why prioritizing emotional well-being is essential for both women and their families. Dr. Byatt also addresses common concerns about antidepressant use and pain treatment during pregnancy, while highlighting the importance of trusted medical guidance, early support, and greater awareness of maternal mental health.

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza is joined by Dr. James Bourgeois, Vice Chair of Hospital Psychiatry Services at UC Davis and Psychiatric News' consultation liaison section editor, for a practical conversation on what happens after medical discharge for patients living with serious mental illness. Using the February Special Report on post discharge rehabilitation barriers as a springboard, they break down why "medically ready" can still mean "psychiatrically at risk," and how mobility limits, nursing capacity, and safety rules can block transfers to inpatient psychiatry. The discussion highlights proactive consultation models, stronger...

On this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Maria Oquendo, Dr. Jonathan Alpert, and Dr. Nitin Gogtay about how a roadmap is taking shape for the future of the DSM. They break down how the work builds on DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR, and what it could look like to broaden diagnosis beyond symptom checklists to include functioning, quality of life, and social and cultural context. The conversation explores where biomarkers may eventually fit, why the DSM may evolve into a more frequently updated digital-first "living" manual, and how feedback from clinicians, people with lived...

On this episode of Mental Health Innovation Zone, Dr. Stephen Chan sits down with child psychiatrist and entrepreneur Dr. Monika Roots to unpack her path from clinical practice to building and scaling mental health tech companies. Dr. Roots shares the origin story behind early innovations like CogCubed, lessons learned about designing for real end users, and how measurement became a key lever as telehealth expanded. The conversation also explores leadership frameworks that embrace learning through mistakes, the value of mentorship, and why understanding the business of medicine matters for every clinician.

On this episode of PsychNews Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza sits down with psychiatrist and author Dr. Paul Putman to explore how cognitive errors show up in everyday clinical work. They talk through fast versus slow thinking, why our brains default to shortcuts, and how time pressure, isolation, and copy forward documentation can quietly amplify mistakes. Dr. Putman makes the case for practical guardrails like semi structured interview templates, deliberate differential diagnoses, and a habit of revising your model when treatments stall. The conversation also challenges the label of treatment resistance, highlights the value of second opinions...

On this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with Dr. Petros Levounis to unpack the appeal of Dry January and what people can realistically gain from a month off alcohol. They talk through why a time-limited goal can be easier to stick with, how to handle social situations without making it a public announcement, and what benefits people often notice physically and psychologically when they take a break. The conversation also covers practical strategies for anxiety in the moment (including hydration, cutting back on caffeine, and finding a supportive ally), the rise of mocktails, what...

In this holiday-season conversation, host Erin Connors sits down with APA CEO and Medical Director Dr. Marketa Wills to reflect on the year and look ahead to what is next for psychiatry and the Association. Dr. Wills shares why APA's new strategic plan is the right roadmap for a fast-changing landscape, with a sharper focus on measurable progress for members and patients. They discuss what she heard from psychiatrists across the U.S. and globally, the strongest advocacy priorities from parity to reimbursement, and how APA is strengthening partnerships and infrastructure to support the field. Dr. Wills also talks...

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Adrian Preda talks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Chloe Page about what modern brain science really tells us about major depressive disorder. Drawing on the December 2025 Special Report, they walk through the rise and limits of the "chemical imbalance" story, how media coverage of the Moncrieff serotonin review fueled public mistrust, and why a neuroplasticity framework offers a richer and more accurate way to understand depression. Along the way, they explore how stress, genetics, inflammation and brain circuits converge on reduced plasticity, why antidepressants can help even when serotonin...

En este episodio de Mente Sana, Gente Sana, el Dr. Héctor Colón-Rivera se sienta con el psiquiatra e investigador en salud mental global Dr. Víctor Pereira-Sánchez para explorar cómo la fe, la migración y la comunidad se entrecruzan en la salud mental de los latinos e hispanos. Basándose en su experiencia en Washington Heights y en su propia formación espiritual en España, el Dr. Pereira-Sánchez describe el papel central que desempeñan las iglesias en la vida de los inmigrantes, desde el apoyo social y el sentido de pertenencia hasta el ar...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence from APA's More Equity in Mental Health series, Dr. Laika Rose Simeon-Thompson sits down with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Anjali Gupta to explore how depression affects teen girls and young women. Dr. Gupta explains what is happening in the adolescent brain, how social media and generational trauma shape risk, and why supportive schools, families, and mentors can be lifesaving. They also discuss barriers to care, what emergency departments are seeing on the front lines, and practical messages for parents, educators, and communities that want to show up for girls in crisis...

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, Editor in Chief Dr. Adrian Preda sits down with Dr. Joshua Brown, a leading expert in neuromodulation and Medical Director of the TMS Service at McLean Hospital, to explore how transcranial magnetic stimulation is reshaping the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Dr. Brown shares the clinical stories that drew him to TMS, explains how this "electric brain" approach drives synaptic plasticity, and walks through what actually happens at the level of NMDA and AMPA receptors. The conversation covers how TMS compares with medications and ECT, why it should not...

Psychiatrist and author Dr. Drew Ramsey joins host Erin Connors to explore practical ways to protect mental fitness during the holidays, from setting boundaries at the table to rethinking alcohol. They dig into nutrient-dense eating, hydration, and simple swaps that lift mood, plus why dark chocolate can fit a healthy plan. Dr. Ramsey shares strategies for easing loneliness, taking a digital detox, and prioritizing sleep, including a plain-English tour of the brain's glymphatic cleanup system. Listeners leave with doable steps to feel more present, connected, and resilient through the season.

This episode of PsychNews Special Report unpacks emerging evidence around AI-induced psychosis, drawing on the October issue's analysis by Dr. Adrian Preda. Guided by two virtual hosts, the episode explains how mirroring, flattery, and persistent memory in companion chatbots can reinforce fragile ideas into fixed beliefs, then maps the observable red flags across thought, mood, behavior, and sleep. Listeners get a concise first-response framework focused on safety, clinical assessment, and pausing harmful AI exposure, along with clear takeaways for developer safeguards and professional guidance.

Acknowledgement: Host Dr. Adrian Preda used Google NotebookLM to create the dialogue that...

En este episodio de Breaking the Silence, la Dra. Ruby Castilla-Puentes y la Dra. Tatiana Falcone hablan sobre la prevención del suicidio entre los jóvenes hispanos. Basándose en investigaciones clínicas y en años de experiencia, la Dra. Falcone destaca las primeras señales de alerta, el estigma cultural, las barreras para recibir atención médica y los tratamientos emergentes, como la terapia CAMS y la terapia con ketamina. Juntas, enfatizan el poder de la educación familiar, la atención médica adaptada a la cultura y el diálogo abierto para reducir el riesgo y...

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Bryan Shapiro of UC Irvine about the often-overlooked issue of antidepressant withdrawal. They discuss the prevalence of withdrawal symptoms, why tapering is so challenging, risk factors that increase vulnerability, and the gaps in current clinical guidance. Drawing on research, patient experiences, and case studies, the conversation highlights the urgent need for clearer strategies and better resources to help patients safely discontinue antidepressants.

You can read the full special report on Psychiatric News here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.09.9.1

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In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with award-winning journalist Lisa Ling and psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Scott Brown about the mental health challenges facing students as they head back to school. The discussion explores how social media, AI-generated content, climate anxiety, and misinformation are shaping youth mental health, while also highlighting the critical roles of parents, teachers, and schools in providing support. Together, they unpack how families can notice the first signs of trouble, keep communication doors open, and make sure kids get the help they need without delay.

En este primer episodio de Mente Sana, Gente Sana, los presentadores Dra. Amalia y Dr. Héctor conversan con la Dra. Lisa Fortuna sobre los retos de salud mental a los que se enfrentan las comunidades de inmigrantes, especialmente entre las poblaciones hispanas y latinas. Exploran el impacto del estigma cultural, el papel de la religión y la importancia de la sensibilidad cultural en la atención de la salud mental. La conversación hace hincapié en la necesidad de educación y de mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental, al tiempo que destaca los factor...

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Jacob Lee, chair of the APA's Committee on Climate Change and Mental Health, about the growing intersection between environmental crises and mental well-being. They discuss the mental health impacts of climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, forced migration, and community displacement, as well as the toll on healthcare providers themselves. Dr. Lee shares the committee's advocacy priorities, including the push for a diagnostic code for climate-related distress and support for the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act. He offers practical steps for psychiatrists to raise awareness, prepare...

In this episode of APA's Breaking the Silence series, Dr. Pratik Bahekar and Dr. Melvin Oatis delve into the complex and urgent issue of suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. Drawing from their clinical experience, they explore the impact of stigma, bullying, and systemic barriers, while also highlighting protective factors like community support, affirming clinical care, and chosen family. The conversation offers practical insights for parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and reducing suicide risk.

In this episode of the Psychiatric News Special Report podcast, Dr. Adrian Preda is joined by Dr. Lisa Fortuna, chair of the APA Council on Children, Adolescents and Families, to explore the profound mental health impact of U.S. immigration policy on children and families. Drawing from the August 2025 Special Report, they discuss how policy-driven fear, trauma, and instability affect not only undocumented immigrants, but also U.S.-born children in mixed-status households. Dr. Fortuna underscores the urgent need for psychiatry to move beyond the clinic, recognize immigration enforcement as a public health issue, and provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence, Dr. Raman Marwaha—chair of the APA's International Medical Graduate (IMG) Caucus, is joined by Dr. Rama Rao for a thought-provoking conversation about youth suicide, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Dr. Rao shares his personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of intergenerational trauma, acculturation stress, and the importance of humility and humanity in clinical care. Drawing from history, psychoanalysis, and lived experience, he emphasizes the role of empathy, cultural understanding, and community in suicide prevention, particularly among immigrant youth and families.

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr. Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta...

This episode of Breaking the Silence examines the youth suicide crisis with a focus on Hispanic communities. Dr. Ruby Castilla-Puentes and Dr. Tatiana Falcone discuss cultural stigma, barriers to care, and how depression is often misunderstood or dismissed. They explore the role of social media, trauma, and chronic illness in suicidality, along with Dr. Falcone's research on biological markers like serotonin and inflammatory proteins. The conversation highlights evidence-based treatments such as CAMS and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, family engagement, and fostering hope for recovery.

In this episode of APA Innovation Hour, host Dr. Manu Sarma welcomes Dr. Ethan Goh, physician-scientist at Stanford and leading voice in AI and medicine, for a deep dive into how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are reshaping the future of psychiatric practice. From groundbreaking diagnostic reasoning studies to the ethics of AI collaboration in clinical settings, Dr. Goh shares findings, challenges, and exciting possibilities ahead. The conversation explores real-world use cases, bias and accuracy in AI-generated clinical guidance, the promise of ambient documentation, and the evolving role of physicians in the AI age. Whether you're a clinician...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Jonathan Shepherd sits down with Dr. Michele Reid, a seasoned community psychiatrist and advocate, to explore youth suicide prevention through the lens of community mental health. Dr. Reid shares insights from decades of work in Michigan's public mental health system, emphasizing the importance of the Zero Suicide framework, early screening, culturally responsive care, and outreach to Black communities through schools, churches, and barbershops. She also highlights barriers to care—like stigma, transportation, and insurance—and champions the role of peer support specialists in reaching underserved youth. This conversation offe...

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with former NFL first-round pick Marcus Smith II, whose powerful story of anxiety, depression, and recovery is helping reshape how athletes and the broader public view mental health. From battling silent struggles throughout his football career to launching his nonprofit, Circle of M, Marcus opens up about healing, vulnerability, and purpose. He shares how a life-threatening moment led to a new mission: creating space for others to unmask their pain and access real support. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or advocate, this episode offers vital insights...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Krysti Vo is joined by Dr. Poojajeet Khaira, a psychiatry resident and APA Foundation Leadership Fellow, for a powerful discussion on the rising suicide rates among Asian American youth. Together, they explore the systemic and cultural factors behind this alarming trend, the role of stigma and intergenerational dynamics, and how mental health professionals—especially trainees and early career psychiatrists—can be agents of change. They emphasize culturally responsive care, community engagement, and the importance of meeting youth and families where they are. This episode offers both insight and insp...