Let's Get Psyched

In this episode we share our most challenging clinical experiences with people who don’t have a house. Dr. Matt Perry, who has spent his career devoted to social justice and helping those at the margins of our society, weighs in on our cases with his advice. We also invite as a guest co-host, Dr. Ruqayyah Malik, to share in this discussion of what works and what doesn't.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guests: Matt Perry, MD and Ruqayyah Malik, MD

What does a doctor who works with the unhoused have to say about what helps the most? Join our discussion with third year resident from Brown University, Dr. Matt Perry, who works with folks at the social margins.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Matt Perry, MD

The Neurodiversity Movement is gaining momentum from academics and those suffering from the stigma of being diagnosed as different and disabled. Is there another way that society can view individuals with different styles of attention and communication that will foster awareness, inclusion, and appreciation of those differences? Psychologist Dr. Emma Girard joins our exploration of this topic and the practical considerations of a more accommodating society.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Emma Girard, PsyD

References:

Bailin, A. (2019, June 6). Clearing Up Some Misconceptions about  Neurodiversity. Retrieved from Scientific American Blog Network website:   https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/clearing-up-some-misconceptions-about-neurodiversity/

Baron-Cohen, S. (2019, April 30). The Concept of Neurodiversity Is  Dividing the Autism Community. Retrieved from  https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/the-concept-of-neurodiversity-is-dividing-the-autism-community/

‌Prizant, B. M., & Fields-Meyer, T. (2019). Uniquely human : a different way of seeing autism. London: Souvenir Press.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) helps parents develop a balanced parenting approach with their child, starting with a warm relationship between parent and child. It is one of the most effective therapies for disruptive behaviors in children. Our guest, Dr. Emma Girard, developed the toddler version of PCIT. Join our discussion as we explore what parents can do to move out of the "coercive cycle" to develop leadership skills and the ability to manage emotions well.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Emma Girard, PsyD

Has the American Psychiatric Association's "Goldwater Rule," which prohibits public comment and education on the psychology of elected officials by psychiatrists, helped or hurt our society? Listen to our interview with Dr. Bandy X. Lee on how she ultimately concluded the Goldwater Rule was not in the public's best interest. Dr. Lee is the author of "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 37 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President." (This episode was originally recorded as part 2 of a two-part interview with Dr. Lee. Part 1 has been published as episode #117.)

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Bandy X. Lee, MD, MDiv

American society has a long history of prejudice and discrimination against the LBGBTQ+ community--as does the field of psychiatry. In this episode with psychiatrist Marshall Forstein, former training director of Harvard's Cambridge Health Alliance Psychiatry Residency Program and former acting chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, we discuss how things have changed as well as the work that needs to be done as we move to a more just and egalitarian nation.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Marshall Forstein, MD

Bipolar disorder is often a poorly understood and debilitating mental health condition. Most are aware that medication is crucial, but few fully appreciate the role of behavioral therapy more than psychiatrist and author Dr. Chris Aiken. This episode's discussion sheds light on effective and underutilized ways of managing and supporting people with bipolar disorder.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Chris Aiken, MD

We invite the editor-in-chief of the Carlat Report and co-host of the Carlat Psychiatry Podcast, psychiatrist Dr. Chris Aiken, to share his thoughts on the 3 most underprescribed medications in psychiatric practice. We weigh in on why this is and how the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression can be improved upon.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Chris Aiken, MD

In this episode, we discuss the discrepancy between the reputation and the reality of the Disney theme parks and the company itself. What is Disney's responsibility as the foremost culture creator of children? Toshia and Alan are joined by Professor Dundes of McDaniel College, who writes psychosocial critiques of Disney movies, and Michelle, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at UCR.

Hosts: Toshia, Alan

Guests: Lauren Dundes, ScD, MHS and Michelle Tom, MD

References:

Desta, Y. (2017, November 22). Pixar's Had a Problem with Women for  Decades. Retrieved from  https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/pixar-john-lasseter-boys-club

https://www.disneyinstitute.com/disneys-approach-employee-engagement-online/

https://thesociologicalcinema.tumblr.com/post/180534550650/the-cultural-iceberg

Are you a fan of all things Disney and Pixar? Toshia is too, but she can't help but wonder why Black leads in their movies turn into animals and why Elsa has to diminish her powers to be accepted into society. She turns to an expert on the psychosocial critique of Disney, Professor Lauren Dundes, for her insights on "Frozen" and "Soul." Professor Dundes taught the course "Decoding Disney" at McDaniel College. Dr. Tom, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at UCR, returns as a guest.

Hosts: Toshia, Alan

Guests: Lauren Dundes, ScD, MHS and Michelle Tom, MD

References:

Desta, Y. (2017, November 22). Pixar's Had a Problem with Women for  Decades. Retrieved from  https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/pixar-john-lasseter-boys-club

Woodford, R. (2003, September). Lemming Suicide Myth. Retrieved from  https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=56