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In this episode, we explore the complexities of pediatric chronic pain with Dr. William Frye, a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Dr. Frye discusses the extended journeys families often undertake before reaching specialized care, the prevalence and challenges of polypharmacy, and the significant role non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches play in managing pediatric chronic pain. The episode also delves into the importance of mental health, comprehensive patient assessment, and individualized treatment strategies. Dr. Frye emphasizes the need for holistic care, citing high rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among patients, and sheds light on the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face. Stay tuned for part two, where practical strategies for managing chronic pain will be discussed.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. William Frye
01:27 Dr. Frye's Background and Journey into Pain Psychology
02:24 Overview of the Headache Study
03:33 Key Findings and Surprising Results
05:41 Challenges in the Healthcare Journey
08:05 Balancing Medication and Non-Medication Treatments
14:47 Mental Health's Role in Chronic Headaches
20:16 Unique Challenges for Neurodevelopmental Conditions
24:11 Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care
26:19 Conclusion and Preview of Part Two

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

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Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical Tips

In this special fourth anniversary episode of the podcast, we reflect on four years of sharing expert interviews, insights, and listener stories. Join us as we celebrate this milestone with a scenic walk around Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, discussing the importance of movement and environment for those living with chronic pain. The episode delves into the science and personal stories behind fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other invisible illnesses, exploring common misconceptions and frequently asked questions. We also provide practical tips for managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain, discuss the overlaps with ADHD and autism, and highlight the journey of understanding these complex conditions. Whether you're listening or watching on YouTube, this episode offers a blend of personal reflection, medical education, and encouragement from our growing community.

00:00 Welcome to Our Fourth Anniversary Celebration!
00:22 Reflecting on Our Journey and Future Plans
00:34 Practical Tips for Managing Chronic Pain
01:00 The Importance of Movement and Environment
01:11 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Invisible Illnesses
01:20 Personal Stories and Medical Insights
09:42 Exploring Nociplastic Pain Syndromes
25:04 The Role of Environment in Managing Fibromyalgia
27:58 Conclusion and Gratitude

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

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Navigating ADHD in a Complex World: A Deep Dive with Dr. Emily Wood

In the final episode of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a pediatric and adult psychiatrist with a focus on neurodivergent individuals, discusses pressing issues in ADHD care. Topics include the potential over-diagnosis and over-prescription of ADHD, the impact of stimulant shortages, and the repercussions of outdated policies and stigma. Dr. Wood highlights how modern societal pressures may amplify ADHD symptoms and advocates for medications as vital support rather than a last resort. The conversation spans the implications of legislation, stimulant classification, and the broader societal impact of untreated ADHD. The episode provides crucial insights for individuals with ADHD, their families, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Wood also shares her experiences and the importance of adapting treatment to meet current needs, emphasizing the significance of recognizing neurodiversity and providing comprehensive care.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:10 Are We Overdiagnosing ADHD?
01:27 The Impact of Modern Life on ADHD
02:36 Medication and Safety Concerns
04:15 Stimulant Shortages and Policy Issues
09:25 Reclassifying Stimulants: Pros and Cons
15:16 Personal Stories and Broader Implications
17:56 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
23:57 Connecting with Dr. Emily Wood
26:19 Conclusion 

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

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In part two of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a certified psychiatrist at SpectrumPsych, delves into the complexities of ADHD, autism, and their intersections with chronic pain syndromes. The episode covers the science behind stimulant medications, how they impact the brain, and their efficacy in treating core ADHD symptoms, improving emotional regulation, relationships, and long-term health outcomes. Dr. Wood also shares a compelling case study of a late-diagnosed autistic adult with ADHD. The conversation addresses public misconceptions about addiction, over-prescribing, and the erroneous links between vaccines and autism, while discussing the challenges posed by medication shortages.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:33 Understanding Stimulant Medications for ADHD
06:14 Real-Life Impact of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
11:16 Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
15:09 Genetics and Multifactorial Nature of Autism
19:25 Concerns About Stimulant Addiction
27:07 Comprehensive Treatment and Patient Stories
33:11 Conclusion 

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

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In the first of a three-part interview, Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified psychiatrist and PhD neuroscientist, discusses the complex links between neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Wood, who heads Spectrum Psych LA, sheds light on why these conditions are often overlooked in high-masking individuals and women and explains the sensory processing differences that contribute to chronic pain. The conversation touches on the shortcomings in traditional psychiatric training and the importance of reevaluating medical education to better serve neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Wood also shares insights from her unique training path and discusses the broader implications of misdiagnosis and lack of understanding in the medical community.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Emily Wood and Her Unique Expertise
01:11 Exploring Overlooked Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Women
01:55 The Intersection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Chronic Pain
02:52 Dr. Wood's Journey and Insights into Psychiatry
06:27 Challenges in Medical Training and Diagnosis
15:54 Implications of Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Listening
26:11 Concluding Thoughts 

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

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In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of 'You, Me, and Our ADHD Family,' shares valuable insights on managing life with ADHD. She discusses emotional regulation, self-awareness, and strategic support, highlighting the pitfalls of following every emotion. She also explores the complexities of romantic relationships involving ADHD, focusing on the importance of personal growth and setting boundaries. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of ADHD coaching, emphasizing its forward-focused and practical problem-solving approach. Listeners are left with a message of hope and the importance of becoming a safe person for others.

00:00 Introduction 
00:29 The Scorpion and the Skunk Analogy
01:21 Emotional Errors and Big Emotions
06:02 Navigating Romantic Relationships with ADHD
07:52 Misguided Empathy in Relationships
09:15 Advice for Those in Challenging Relationships
19:04 ADHD Coaching and Therapy
25:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

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In this podcast episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, a renowned ADHD coach and author, discusses her experiences and insights on managing ADHD within families.  She highlights the importance of understanding ADHD symptoms as neurological challenges rather than character flaws. Dr. Rosier shares personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of ADHD on her upbringing and family dynamics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. She introduces the 'window of tolerance' concept to help manage emotional regulation, discusses the significance of building healthy familial relationships despite executive function challenges, and underscores the transformative role of medication in widening the window of tolerance. This episode provides valuable strategies for fostering better relationships in ADHD-affected families.

Checkout the first of a 3 part interview I did with her 2 years ago.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tamara Rosier
01:31 Personal Stories and Family Dynamics
03:44 Challenges and Compassion in ADHD Families
06:16 Parenting with ADHD: Real-Life Examples
10:48 The Window of Tolerance Explained
25:21 Medication and Managing ADHD
25:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

This episode delves into the intersections of ADHD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia (FM), drawing on clinical observations and research findings. It explores how ADHD traits can overlap with symptoms of CFS and FM, particularly focusing on non-restorative sleep and exertional fatigue. The discussion highlights the struggles patients face, the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach, and the need for better education and understanding among healthcare providers. The episode also touches on co-occurring conditions like restless leg syndrome and the treatment. Practical advice is shared for both patients and clinicians on recognizing and managing these interconnected disorders.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Observations
00:37 The Impact of ADHD on Chronic Pain
01:23 Public Health Implications of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
02:46 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
04:06 Understanding Fatigue and Its Different Forms
06:54 Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD
09:10 The Role of Exercise in Managing ADHD and Fatigue
18:49 The Overlap Between ADHD and Autism
25:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this episode, Dr. Michael, a pediatrician and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia,' discusses the connections between ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia with Dr. Joel Young, a psychiatrist and head of the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine. The conversation delves into their shared experiences and research on treating these overlapping conditions, highlighting findings from clinical trials on LDX (Vyvanse) and Sorial (Armodafinil) as treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. They explore the prevalence of ADHD in patients with chronic fatigue and discuss the limitations of traditional neuropsychological testing in diagnosing ADHD. Dr. Young shares insights on the effectiveness of targeted interventions and presents his clinic's innovative diagnostic tool, Mind Metrics, which aids in identifying psychiatric disorders in patients.

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:17 Guest Introduction: Dr. Joel Young
02:02 Dr. Young's Journey and ADHD Focus
04:03 Exploring ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
07:00 Clinical Trials and Findings
09:47 Patient Experiences and Qualitative Insights
10:11 Ongoing Research and Future Directions
17:05 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
24:16 Discussion on Neuropsychological Testing

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

...

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This detailed podcast episode delves into the findings of a study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) using functional MRI and immune system analysis. The speaker explains the technology behind functional MRI and what it revealed about brain activity, specifically in the parietal temporal junction, which showed hypoactivity in CFS patients. The discussion extends to immune abnormalities, highlighting immune cell exhaustion, and hypothesizing links to persistent infections. The episode emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary, evidence-based approaches to treating these 'invisible' illnesses and calls for more integrated, patient-centric research. Other discussed topics include the limitations of current medical specialization and the need for generalist knowledge, the role of gut microbiome, and potential lessons from oncology on immune checkpoints.

00:00 Introduction to Functional MRI
01:48 Understanding Functional MRI Findings
04:08 Immune System Insights
04:54 Cancer Research and Immune Exhaustion
09:01 Genetic Susceptibility and Long COVID
10:33 Holistic Approach to Medicine
13:34 Challenges in Treating CFS and Fibromyalgia
15:38 Future Directions in Research
22:40 Gut Microbiome and Immune Response
25:41 Neurodivergence and Immune System
29:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

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