Public discussion often links psychiatric medications with violence, suicide, or even mass shootings—but what does the evidence actually say? In this episode, Drs. Rakesh Jain and Craig Chepke are joined by Dr. Ragy Gurgis of Columbia University to examine the data. They explore the small but important nuances around antidepressants, black box warnings, suicidality, and violence risk in untreated psychosis, while debunking common myths perpetuated in the media. This conversation equips clinicians with the knowledge and language they need to engage patients, families, and society with clarity and confidence.

Sleep–wake disorders are common, clinically significant, and too often overlooked in psychiatric practice. In this episode, Drs. Rakesh Jain and Craig Chepke share practical strategies for recognizing and treating conditions such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea. They review key screening tools, pharmacologic options, and emerging therapeutics like orexin agonists, while underscoring why psychiatrists must take an active role in managing sleep. This is a clinically rich discussion that connects evidence-based knowledge with day-to-day patient care.

Fibromyalgia is more than widespread pain—it’s a condition that blurs the lines between psychiatry, medicine, and the human experience. In this episode, Drs. Rakesh Jain and Craig Chepke discuss a newly approved treatment, explore why fibromyalgia belongs in psychiatry’s wheelhouse, and address the stigma patients face every day. They also share practical strategies for supporting patients through psychoeducation, lifestyle interventions, and exercise. This is a conversation about science, compassion, and redefining how we care for people living with fibromyalgia.

Drs Rakesh Jain and Craig Chepke reflect on how the words we use—and the habits we form—shape the way we practice. The pair also take a fresh look at the serotonin story, talk through new ways of understanding depression, and share why long-acting treatments might be a better fit for bipolar care than we think.

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

In this episode, Dr Rakesh Jain and Dr Craig Chepke start off with breaking news, both the "good and the challenging," in schizophrenia treatment before diving into the real-world difficulties of weight management for their patients. They explore antipsychotic-induced weight gain, offering empowering, evidence-based insights on tools like metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists. The two also reflect together on their personal journeys with weight management and the unexpected life lessons they've learned along the way. With their signature warmth, wit, and wisdom, Rakesh and Craig break down how clinicians can help patients take control of their own health, mind, and body. Whether a decades-long veteran MD or advanced practice provider early in your career, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and empowered to improve your patients' outcomes.

To read more about the study referenced in the podcast, visit this link: https://bit.ly/pcffmetformin

Nausea—it's more than just a frustrating side effect; it’s a top reason patients abandon psychiatric treatment. But what if we told you that with the right strategies, you could dramatically reduce medication dropouts? In this episode, Dr Craig Chepke and Dr Rakesh Jain break down the science of nausea, share real-world clinical insights, and offer actionable solutions to keep your patients feeling well. Tune in to learn how to outsmart nausea and keep your treatments on track!

To read the study mentioned in the podcast, visit this link: https://bit.ly/5stepsnausea

For the latest insights, news, and resources on schizophrenia treatment, check out the Psych Congress Network's Schizophrenia Excellence Forum (https://bit.ly/schizinsights) and the Schizophrenia Topic Center (https://bit.ly/schiztopic).

Join Dr Rakesh Jain and Dr Craig Chepke for an insightful and heartfelt conversation in the inaugural Psych Congress Family & Friends Podcast. A discussion of feelings surrounding the recent passing of Dr Vladimir Maletic leads to an exploration of a topic near and dear to Dr. Maletic's heart—the role of norepinephrine in clinical practice. From its impact on mood and cognition to its underappreciated role in psychiatric care, hear personal stories, practical tips, and reflections on the legacy of a cherished friend and mentor. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge knowledge or a reminder of the human side of psychiatry, this episode offers something for every clinician.

To read the study mentioned in the podcast, visit this link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39514646/

Introducing our new psychiatry and psychopharmacology podcast aimed at enhancing your clinical practice in an approachable and heartfelt way, hosted by Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, and Craig Chepke, MD, DFAPA. Subscribe now!