Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

By Psychopharmacology Institute

Science & Medicine Medicine

What's Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates about?

Practical psychopharmacology updates for mental health clinicians. Useful for psychiatry / mental health professionals. Expert interviews and soundbites from CME presentations. Practical and free of commercial bias. Not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company.

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Use of Metformin to Prevent...

02.06.2023

Should we start prescribing metformin to our patients on clozapine? In this episode, we discuss several articles on the efficacy of clozapine in preventing clozapine-induced weight gain, including some evidence on when metformin is more effective. Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. ...

Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates episodes:

02.06.2023 Use of Metformin to Prevent Clozapine-Induced Weight Gain Should we start prescribing metformin to our patients on clozapine? In this episode, we discuss several articles on the efficacy of clozapine in preventing clozapine-induced weight gain, including some evidence on when metformin is more effective. Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. ...
02.01.2023 Managing Acute Aggression in Children and Adolescents In this episode, we discuss the management of acute aggression in children and adolescents, including therapeutic support for explosive behavior, psychosocial crisis management techniques, and the medications used for acute aggression. Faculty: Carrie Vaudreuil, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn ...
01.27.2023 Early Antipsychotic Nonresponse as a Predictor of Nonresponse In this episode, we discuss whether early nonresponse in adolescents with first-episode psychosis predicts longer-term nonresponse and nonremission. We also explain when it is most likely that symptom improvement occurs and some other considerations when there is nonresponse. Faculty: David ...
01.22.2023 Differential Diagnosis of Explosive Behavior In this episode, we discuss the differential diagnosis of explosive behavior in children and adolescents, including the differences in these behaviors when they are associated with mood or anxiety disorders and disruptive behavior disorders. Faculty: Carrie Vaudreuil, M.D. Host: Richard ...
01.17.2023 Long-Term Follow-Up of Schizophrenia in Youth In this episode, we discuss the long-term follow-up of psychosis and schizophrenia in children and adolescents, including predictors of poor long-term outcomes and the comorbidities associated with schizophrenia in adults. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more ...
01.12.2023 The Serotonin Theory of Depression In this episode, we discuss a recent systematic umbrella review of the evidence behind the serotonin theory of depression and the controversy this review has generated. We explore the evidence presented regarding the interplay between serotonin and depression and present ...
01.07.2023 SSRIs and Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Is there an association between SSRIs and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents? In this episode, we discuss whether there is an association. We also explain whether there is an intraclass risk among different SSRIs. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. ...
01.02.2023 Tips for Treating Schizophrenia in Children and Adolescents In this episode, we discuss additional clinical tips for treating schizophrenia in children and adolescents, including the considerations for selecting antipsychotics, recommendations for nonresponse, and when to use clozapine. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about ...
12.28.2022 Physical Activity to Prevent Depression In this episode, we review the current literature on the association between exercise and the risk for depression. Specifically, how much physical activity is associated with a lower risk for depression? We also discuss the World Health Organization recommendations for ...
12.23.2022 Use of Antipsychotics for Treating Psychosis in Children and Adolescents In this episode, we discuss treatment options for managing psychosis and schizophrenia in children and adolescents, including the FDA-approved antipsychotics for this population. We also explain medication dosing guidelines and monitoring recommendations. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. ...
12.18.2022 Depression in Adolescents Are antidepressants in adolescent depression associated with an increased risk for suicidality? In this episode, we discuss the particularities of adolescent depression, including some statistics and the risk of suicide when using antidepressants in this population. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. ...
12.13.2022 Diagnostic Evaluation of Psychotic Symptoms in Children and Adolescents In this episode, we discuss the diagnosis of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents, including the differences between primary and secondary psychosis and the rating scales for assessing these symptoms. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more ...
12.08.2022 Use of Folate and Its Derivatives in Depression Can L-methylfolate help in depression treatment? Should we indicate it to all patients with depression? In this episode, we discuss the metabolic pathways for folic acid, when to indicate L-methylfolate, and when to perform genetic testing for methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTFR) ...
12.03.2022 Antipsychotics and Cholinesterase Inhibitors for BPSD Antipsychotics or cholinesterase inhibitors for BPSD? This episode discusses the evidence of antipsychotics and cholinesterase inhibitors for BPSD, including the risks of using antipsychotics in elderly patients. We also provide recommendations for treating patients with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body ...
11.28.2022 SGAs in Youth With Bipolar Depression What are the safest and most effective medications for depression in youth with bipolar disorder? In this episode, we compare the response rates of quetiapine, olanzapine, and lurasidone for bipolar depression in youth. This episode also explains the differences in ...
11.23.2022 Pharmacologic Treatments for BPSD This episode discusses the pharmacologic treatments for BPSD, including the indications for using psychotropic medications as first-line treatment. It also explains when medications are ineffective and when to use them as a temporary measure. Faculty: Lauren Gerlach, D.O. Host: Richard ...
11.18.2022 Association Between FIASMA Psychotropics and COVID-19 What are FIASMA psychotropics? What do they have to do with COVID-19? In this episode, we discuss a recent study that compared rates of severe illness among patients who, when admitted for COVID-19, were or were not taking a FIASMA—a ...
11.13.2022 Treatment Approaches for BPSD Are antipsychotics the answer to the chaos of dementia? In this episode, we discuss the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches to address BPSD, including the risks of using antipsychotics and the causes of death related to their use. Faculty: Lauren ...
11.08.2022 Brexpiprazole for Borderline Personality Disorder In this episode, we discuss a recent RCT on using brexpiprazole to treat borderline personality disorder. Is it safe and effective? Could brexpiprazole be the magic bullet we were waiting for? Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn ...
11.03.2022 Patient, Caregiver, and Environmental Factors Underlying BPSD This episode discusses the patient factors underlying BPSD, such as neurodegeneration, acute medical issues, medication changes, pain, and psychiatric diagnoses. It also explains caregiver and environmental factors and the concept of the “broken brain.” Faculty: Lauren Gerlach, D.O. Host: Richard ...
10.29.2022 Long-Term Treatment With Methylphenidate in Preschool Children Is it safe to use stimulants in preschool children with ADHD? In this episode, we discuss the long-term symptom control and safety of an ER methylphenidate compound in preschool children 4 to <6 years. Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard ...
10.24.2022 Use of Psychotropics in Patients With Hepatic Issues How to determine whether hepatic impairment can affect drug metabolism? This episode discusses practical considerations when prescribing psychotropic medications for patients with hepatic issues. It also clarifies dosing considerations for specific medications, such as clozapine and valproate, in the context ...
10.19.2022 Important Considerations for Switching to Clozapine How to titrate clozapine in inpatients and outpatients? In this episode, we discuss important considerations for switching to clozapine, including the indications and clinical scenarios for using it. This episode also explains precautions while titrating clozapine and how to reduce ...
10.14.2022 Pharmacologic and Psychosocial Interventions for Reducing Irritability in Youth With ADHD In this episode, we discuss the interventions found to be efficacious in youth with ADHD. Specifically, would treatment with stimulants be effective at reducing irritability in youth with ADHD? Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about ...
10.09.2022 Switching From Oral Antipsychotics to LAIs This episode discusses antipsychotic switching from oral antipsychotics to LAIs, including the factors to consider when titrating antipsychotics and establishing PO tolerability before switching to an LAI. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships ...
10.04.2022 Medications for Rapid Tranquilization of Agitated Patients In this episode, we discuss a systematic review and network analysis that compares 11 medications for treating severe agitation in the emergency department. Which medications have been shown to work best? Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn ...
09.29.2022 Strategies for Antipsychotic Switching Which is the preferred strategy for switching from one antipsychotic to another? This episode discusses strategies for antipsychotic switching: Abrupt, cross-taper, taper, and plateau cross-taper switch. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D. Hosts: Jessica Diaz, M.D., Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about ...
09.24.2022 The Psychopharmacology of Eating Disorders Are there FDA-approved medications for eating disorders? In this episode, we discuss management strategies for eating disorders, including the use of FDA-approved medications, the importance of cognitive–behavioral interventions, and the need to reduce stigma in these disorders. Guest: Timothy Brewerton, ...
09.19.2022 Relative Contraindications to Antipsychotic Switching What are the contraindications to antipsychotic switching? This episode discusses the relative contraindications of antipsychotic switching, including recent recovery from an acute psychotic episode, current stability on an LAI, and history of violence or severe symptoms. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D. ...
09.14.2022 Reasons for Stopping Clozapine Why do patients stop clozapine? This episode discusses clozapine discontinuation rates and reasons for doing so among patients who later recommenced clozapine therapy. Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.5 CMEs: ...
09.09.2022 Assessing and Treating an Adolescent With OCD Sharpen your clinical skills with a clinical case of an adolescent girl with OCD. This episode also reviews the progression and consequences of the patient’s symptoms, the diagnosis, and the best treatment options for improving her symptoms. Faculty: David Rosenberg, ...
09.04.2022 Mirtazapine for Agitated Behaviors in Dementia In this episode, Dr. Phelps discusses a study on the efficacy and safety of mirtazapine for treating agitation in patients with dementia. Would prescribing mirtazapine be worth the risk? Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about ...
08.30.2022 Clinical Tips for Treating Treatment-Resistant OCD in Youth Can we use clomipramine in children? This episode discusses tips for clinicians treating pediatric OCD, follow-up on pediatric OCD symptoms into adulthood, and treatment response in OCD. It also reviews the use of clomipramine for treatment-resistant OCD and its requirements ...
08.25.2022 GAD Psychopharmacology Algorithm How should we treat patients with bipolar disorder and comorbid GAD? In this episode, Dr. David Osser discusses an evidence-based treatment algorithm for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. He also clarifies common clinical concerns, such as treating GAD in ...
08.20.2022 Guidelines for Managing Pediatric OCD What are the FDA-approved medications for pediatric OCD? This episode discusses the guidelines for the management of pediatric OCD, including the treatment for mild, moderate, and severe OCD symptoms, as well as the recommended treatment for remission and maintenance, partial ...
08.15.2022 Ketamine Plus Psychotherapy for AUD Can ketamine be an effective adjunctive treatment to sustain abstinence from alcohol? In this episode, Dr. Phelps discusses a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive ketamine with mindfulness psychotherapy for treating alcohol use disorder. Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, ...
08.10.2022 Pediatric OCD Comorbid With GAD, MDD, and ASD How to untangle pediatric OCD from ASD and GAD? This episode discusses pediatric OCD and its comorbidities: Depression, GAD, and ASD. It includes a discussion on the differences in concerns between OCD and GAD, the assessment of primary and secondary ...
08.05.2022 rTMS for Smoking Cessation Have you ever imagined using rTMS for patients who struggle to quit smoking? This episode discusses a double-blind RCT that assessed the efficacy of rTMS in patients with tobacco use disorder who had at least 1 prior failed attempt to ...
07.31.2022 Good Psychiatric Management for BPD Learn some of the recommendations from the Handbook of Good Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder. This episode addresses the clinical approach and drug management in the good psychiatric management of BPD. Faculty: Paul Links, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. ...
07.26.2022 Tips for Diagnosing and Treating OCRDs How do you distinguish obsessive-compulsive and related disorders from habits? In this episode, we discuss the varying presentations of OCRDs and challenges in their management, including practical recommendations for psychopharmacologic management. Guest: Robert Hudak, M.D. Interviewer: Wegdan Rashad, M.D. Host: ...
07.21.2022 Medications Under Investigation for BPD What other medications can we offer to our patients with BPD? This episode discusses some novel medication approaches used in borderline personality disorder, including omega-3 fatty acids, methylphenidate, clonidine, doxazosin, memantine, and oxytocin. Faculty: Paul Links, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, ...
07.16.2022 Lithium Efficacy for Preventing Suicide Is lithium really effective in patients with a high risk of suicide? In this episode, Dr. Phelps discusses a randomized clinical trial that assessed the efficacy of adding lithium to an existing medication regimen for reducing the rate of suicide-related ...
07.11.2022 Mood Stabilizers for BPD Are mood stabilizers effective for borderline personality disorder? This episode discusses the use of lamotrigine and lithium in BPD patients, including possible benefits, concerns, and recommendations regarding these medications. Faculty: Paul Links, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about ...
07.06.2022 Anxiety and Sleep Problems in Children and Adolescents Should we target anxiety disorders and sleep-related problems simultaneously? In this episode, Dr. Phelps discusses a narrative review to provide an overview of the evidence of the associations between anxiety disorders and sleep-related problems in children and adolescents. Faculty: Jim ...
07.01.2022 Antipsychotics for Borderline Personality Disorder This episode discusses the use of antipsychotics in patients with borderline personality disorder, including specific information on quetiapine and clozapine and some tips regarding the use of antipsychotics in these cases. Faculty: Paul Links, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn ...
06.26.2022 Treating Alcohol Use Disorder Which medications can we offer for alcohol use disorder? This episode will offer practical tips for selecting and initiating medications for managing patients with at-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder. Guest: Joji Suzuki, M.D. Interviewer: Wegdan Rashad, M.D. Host: Jessica ...
06.21.2022 Topiramate and Stimulant Replacement Therapy for Cocaine Use Disorder This episode discusses the evidence and benefits of topiramate and stimulant replacement therapy for cocaine use disorder. It also addresses the use of these medications when there are comorbidities, such as alcohol use disorder and ADHD. Faculty: Andrew Saxon, M.D. ...
06.16.2022 Association Between Mood Disorders and COVID-19 In this episode, we discuss the problem of pre-existing mood disorders increasing the risk of hospitalization and death among people infected with COVID-19. Why does this occur? Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about our memberships ...
06.11.2022 Antidepressants and Naltrexone for Stimulant Use Disorder This episode discusses the evidence of mirtazapine, bupropion, and naltrexone for stimulant use disorder. Are these promising treatments? Are they really effective? Faculty: Andrew Saxon, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Experimental ...
06.06.2022 CANMAT Task Force Recommendations for the Use of Ketamine Can we use ketamine as a maintenance treatment for MDD? In this episode, Dr. Phelps discusses CANMAT’s recommendations for the use of ketamine for MDD. Faculty: Jim Phelps, M.D. Host: Jessica Diaz, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn ...

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