Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

In this episode, we explore stimulant medications for adult ADHD with Dr. Oscar Bukstein. Why have amphetamines overtaken methylphenidate as the most prescribed option? Discover how to match formulation duration to patient needs, navigate cardiovascular risks, and monitor treatment effectively for optimal outcomes in adult ADHD management. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H. Host: Richard See...

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking COaST trial examining semaglutide for clozapine-induced weight gain in schizophrenia patients. Could GLP-1 agonists finally offer a real solution to one of psychiatry's most frustrating paradoxes—when the medication that saves lives simultaneously shortens them? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our members...

In this episode, we explore the treatment algorithm for adult ADHD with Dr. Oscar Bukstein from Harvard Medical School. Should you start with stimulants or non-stimulants when substance use disorder complicates the picture? Discover how comorbidities like depression and anxiety reshape your medication selection strategy for optimal patient outcomes. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H Host: Ri...

In this episode, we explore pramipexole—a Parkinson's medication—as a promising add-on treatment for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Could a dopamine agonist be the unexpected solution when standard mood stabilizers and antipsychotics fail? We examine the PAX-BD trial's findings, safety concerns, and practical clinical applications. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Lea...

In this episode, we explore the controversial role of SERT gene testing in predicting SSRI response with Dr. Chris Aiken. Can genetic testing really tell us which patients will respond to antidepressants, or are we putting too much faith in pharmacogenetic promises that lack solid evidence? Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: T...

In this episode, we explore a critical drug interaction: SSRIs combined with anticoagulants increase major bleeding risk by 35-47%. Should age and sex change our prescribing decisions? We break down the evidence from nearly 100,000 patients and discuss safer antidepressant alternatives for high-risk individuals. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membersh...

In this episode, we explore the paradox of pharmacogenetic testing with Dr. Chris Aiken: why do these tests consistently fail in clinical trials despite showing promise in understanding drug metabolism? Could industry bias and statistical noise be masking the truth about personalized psychiatric medicine? Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here E...

In this episode, we explore how Lurasidone at lower doses (20-60 mg/day) effectively treats both depression and anxiety in bipolar I disorder. Why does the lower dose range outperform higher doses for patients with severe anxiety? Discover the surprising dose-dependent effects and metabolic advantages that make this a game-changer. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more a...

In this episode, we explore how GLP-1 agonists—the weight loss medications making headlines everywhere—could revolutionize management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Can these drugs help patients lose weight while maintaining psychiatric stability? We examine the latest evidence and discuss practical implementation strategies for your practice. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richar...

In this episode, we explore pharmacogenetics-guided dosing strategies with Dr. Chris Aiken. What if your patient's treatment failure isn't about the wrong medication, but the wrong dose? Discover how genetic testing reveals whether patients are poor or rapid metabolizers and learn the specific dosing adjustments that can transform outcomes. Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Lea...

In this episode, we explore the newly published INTEGRATE guidelines—the first truly international algorithm for schizophrenia treatment. Should clozapine be started after just 12 weeks? When are long-acting injectables appropriate for first-episode patients? Discover how these guidelines aim to standardize quality care worldwide. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn...

In this episode, we explore the practical role of genetic testing in psychiatry with Dr. Chris Aiken. Which genetic tests actually matter in clinical practice? We cut through the marketing hype to reveal the three essential pharmacokinetic tests and FDA requirements that can prevent serious adverse events in your patients. Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our...

In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of lithium versus quetiapine augmentation for treatment-resistant depression. When patients have failed multiple antidepressants, which augmentation strategy offers the best balance of efficacy and tolerability? We examine real-world data tracking symptom burden and side effects over an entire year. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard S...

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic strategies for postpartum psychosis with insights from Dr. Lauren Osborne, focusing on a critical clinical question: Can we safely use mood stabilizers like lithium in breastfeeding mothers with bipolar disorder? Discover evidence-based guidance for navigating this high-stakes decision when maternal mental health hangs in the balance. Faculty: Lauren Osbor...

In this episode, we explore brexanolone and zuranolone—the first FDA-approved medications specifically for postpartum depression. How do these neurosteroid-based treatments work differently than traditional antidepressants, and could they offer relief in just days rather than weeks? Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Unders...

In this episode, we explore lumateperone for treating major depressive episodes with mixed features – that challenging presentation where patients experience depression alongside racing thoughts and restlessness. Can we effectively treat both the despair and the activation without triggering mania? Dr. Kristin Raj examines the evidence and clinical implications for this understudied population. Fa...

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic treatment for postpartum depression in breastfeeding mothers. Can psychiatric medications be safely used while nursing? Dr. Lauren Osborne explains how nearly all antidepressants are compatible with breastfeeding, why postpartum women may respond faster to treatment, and how to choose the right medication. Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber...

In this episode, we explore a new study examining whether antidepressants and antipsychotics truly increase the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. What does the evidence say about using multiple psychiatric medications together, and when should we actually be concerned? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn...

In this episode, we explore the critical distinction between postpartum OCD and postpartum psychosis. Dr. Lauren Osborne reveals why accurate diagnosis matters for treatment and safety. Did you know intrusive thoughts about infant harm don't actually indicate elevated risk in OCD, but do in psychosis? Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Ea...

In this episode, we examine groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread clinical belief that SSRI side effects improve with time. Using data from the landmark STAR*D trial, we explore which patients actually experience side effect resolution and which face worsening symptoms. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Qui...

In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for augmenting lithium when monotherapy fails in acute mania. Why is quetiapine the preferred add-on to valproate, despite decades of clinical tradition favoring anticonvulsants? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Augmenting With SGAs Af...

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic algorithm that revolutionizes antipsychotic selection for first-episode psychosis. Should the presence of violence completely change your medication choice strategy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 75 Schizophrenia Algorithm: Selecting an Antips...

In this episode, we challenge conventional prescribing by exploring why lithium should be the first-line treatment for acute classic mania, despite widespread use of antipsychotics. Dr. David Osser presents evidence-based arguments for lithium's unique neuroprotective benefits and long-term efficacy. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1...

In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Ta...

In this episode, we explore the critical decision of when to add lithium or valproate to second-generation antipsychotics in mixed manic episodes. Should you rush to combination therapy under managed care pressure, or does patience with strategic benzodiazepine bridging lead to better outcomes? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CM...