In this episode, Drs Rakesh Jain and Craig Chepke discuss what it means to bring humanity into clinical care—from treating complex mood disorders with mixed features to carefully deprescribing benzodiazepines. Through a positive psychiatry lens, they reflect on recent research, the challenges of psychiatric diagnosis, and why every treatment decision should begin with a deep understanding of the person in front of us. Throughout the conversation, they honor the lasting influence of their late friend and mentor, Dr Vlad Maletic—a reminder that while death may end a life, it doesn’t end a relationship. His spirit of curiosity and compassion continues to inspire how we practice, teach, and care.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Reflections on the legacy and influence of Dr. Vlad Maletic and the power of community in practice

• Clinical insights on diagnosing and treating mood disorders with mixed features

• Discussion of new data on lumateperone as monotherapy for bipolar and unipolar depression with mixed features

• Why kappa opioid receptor antagonists are facing setbacks in clinical trials

• A practical, human-centered approach to prescribing and deprescribing benzodiazepines

• The importance of psychoeducation, alliance-building, and individualizing taper plans

• A call to balance pharmacology with empathy, and precision with presence