We are back for Episode 2, and were doing a quick little dive into exercise and how it can impact your mental health for the better!

Expect to learn about the evidence of exercise reducing depressive symptoms, the impact on stress and feed good hormones, along with a molecule called BDNF which will have you lacing up your running shoes and packing that gym bag!

Here are some peer reviewed journal articles to read if you're interested in the specific studies and study design!

2. Stanton R, Reaburn P. Exercise and the treatment of depression: a review of the exercise program variables. J Sci Med Sport. 2014;17:177–182.

3. Krogh J, Nordentoft M, Sterne JAC, et al. The effect of exercise in clinically depressed adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011;72:529–538

Some post recording notes/thoughts

- I'm experimenting with shorter episodes, around 5 minutes in length, so the information will be very much so surface level. I would love to do more of a deep dive in the future if there are requests for it

- I realize that many of you may be unaware of the "symptoms of depression" I mentioned in the podcast. Typically with clinically significant depression, people will experience persistent low/irritable moods coupled with some combination of the following symptoms: decreased motivation, sleep difficulties, excessive guilt, hopelessness, physical fatigue, appetite changes, and thoughts of suicide.

Calling all Psychiatry residents and med students with an interest in mental health! We are starting off this podcast with our first episode focusing on all things OCD to demystify this seemingly complicated and confusing disorder!

Specifically, we cover:

-DSM5 criteria for the diagnosis of OCD

-Which rating scales are used to help the diagnostic process

-What sort of medications and medical conditions to rule out when considering this diagnosis

-Treatment for OCD (therapy and drugs!)

-Treatment refractory OCD

Some post recording notes

-I mention that CBT (ERP) is much more effective than SSRI therapy in the podcast. In reality, there have been some head to head trials noting CBT to be more effective, but overall the evidence points them to be similarly efficacious. The difference however, is that CBT's effects can last 1-5 years after stopping therapy, whereas you can expect a quicker relapse of symptoms if coming off medication.

-I did not cover 3rd line agents or adjunctive agents in the podcast. In hindsight, I would've have liked to quickly mention that 1st line adjunctive medication treatment options include 2 atypical antipsychotics: Abilify and Risperidone!

-There are various other therapy modalities besides CBT (ERP) that show promise. Some examples include DIRT (danger ideation reduction therapy), mindfulness, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), modular cognitive therapy and organizational therapy.

-Yes I breathe heavy! Expect the listening experience to improve as I learn to optimize my microphone settings.

Lastly, thanks for checking out this podcast. As always, consult with your family doctor before starting any treatments for any physical or mental health related problem, this is meant to be an educational podcast only.