Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

In this episode, Dr. David Puder and the Tuesday 2025–2026 Psychotherapy Cohort explore mature and neurotic defense mechanisms through the lens of Nancy McWilliams' influential framework. Building upon the previous discussion on primitive defenses, they provide an in-depth look at how higher-level defenses such as regression, repression, compartmentalization, isolation of affect, intellectualization, rationalization, moralization, undoing, displacement, reaction formation, and sublimation operate in both everyday life and clinical practice. Filled with rich clinical examples drawn from outpatient psychiatry, emergency settings, trauma work, grief, OCD, and private practice, the cohort discusses the adaptive value as well as the potential costs of these defenses, offering practical insights for recognizing and working with them effectively in psychotherapy.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder and his talented Cohort deliver a comprehensive exploration of primitive defense mechanisms, which are the earliest, most fundamental ways the mind protects us from overwhelming anxiety, trauma, and threats to the self. Drawing directly from Nancy McWilliams' Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, they break down key primitive defenses.    You'll hear clear definitions, developmental origins, clinical presentations, countertransference implications, literary examples, and real-world clinical vignettes, plus a rich group discussion on when these defenses are adaptive versus maladaptive.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with Dr. Fredric N. Busch, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and clinical professor at Cornell and Columbia, to explore Problem-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which is a practical, targeted approach that integrates psychodynamic principles with clear symptom relief, relationship repair, trauma processing, and behavioral change. Dr. Busch explains how to identify core problems in the very first session, build a focused psychodynamic formulation, and track progress on symptoms like anxiety, depression, panic disorder, disavowed anger, and over-responsibility rooted in trauma.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder sits down with Franciska de Beer, MSc, first author of landmark HAMLETT-OPHELIA Consortium papers in JAMA Psychiatry, World Psychiatry, and Psychological Medicine. They dive deep into the psychiatrist effect in first-episode psychosis, revealing that individual psychiatrists explain approximately 10% of variance in positive symptom improvement and daily functioning, even after controlling for medication dose. The conversation explores groundbreaking HAMLETT findings on early antipsychotic tapering versus maintenance, dopamine supersensitivity after high-affinity D2 blockers, sex differences in treatment outcomes and clozapine levels during menopause, and why shared decision-making and reflective functioning matter more than ever in psychosis care.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode of the Psychiatry Podcast, Harvard experts from McLean Hospital: Dr. Melissa Kaufman, Dr. Matthew Robinson, and cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Lauren Lebois. Join Dr. David Puder to deliver the clearest, most evidence-based explanation of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) available today. Discover how DID is a developmental post-traumatic adaptation rooted in repeated childhood maltreatment, explore the neuroscience behind hyperarousal versus shutdown states (including groundbreaking Reinders studies), debunk persistent media myths like Sybil, and navigate long-standing controversies around validity, Freud versus Janet, false memories, and DID versus BPD. Dr. Kaufman shares her own courageous personal journey from living with DID and PTSD to full integration and recovery, offering real hope that this condition is treatable. Whether you're a clinician, someone with lived experience, or simply seeking the truth about dissociation, trauma, and identity fragmentation, this conversation will transform how you understand one of the most misunderstood psychiatric disorders. Presenters' conflicts of interest: Dr. Lauren Lebois reports unpaid membership on the Scientific Committee for the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), spousal IP payments from Vanderbilt University for technology licensed to Acadia Pharmaceuticals and spousal private equity in Violet Therapeutics unrelated to the present work. Dr. Melissa Kaufman reports Member, DSM Review Committee, Internalizing Disorders (unpaid); Primary Investigator, National Institute of Mental Health; Board of Directors (unpaid), International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Dr. Matthew Robinson and Dr. David Puder do not have any conflicts to report By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to Blog  Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Cummings, who has spent his career at the world's largest forensic state hospital, and child psychiatrist Dr. Blaire Heath, to examine how fixed false beliefs, or delusions, can lead to aggression and violence. Each guest brings their expertise to discuss the major delusion types most associated with harm in forensic settings, including persecutory, Capgras (impostor syndrome involving loved ones), Cotard's ("I am dead"), erotomanic, jealous (Othello syndrome), somatic, and referential delusions.  The episode covers practical clinical tools, including the Simple Delusional Syndrome Scale and Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale, the role of clozapine in reducing violence risk, and the use of cognitive behavioral therapy to create psychological "escape routes" by treating delusions as testable hypotheses. Modern risks are also addressed, including how AI chatbots and algorithms can reinforce and amplify delusional thinking and contribute to emerging cases of AI-related psychosis.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder hosts a conversation with Dr. Miriam Steele, a leading expert in reflective functioning (RF), mentalization, and attachment theory. They explore the origins of RF from the pioneering work of Peter Fonagy and John Bowlby in the London Parent-Child Project, its role in predicting secure attachments and sensitive parenting, and distinctions from empathy. Conversation topics include cutting-edge research on mentalization-based treatment (MBT) and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders, therapist RF's impact on patient outcomes, body image representations, and smartphone effects on parent-child bonds. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video Main Attachment

In this compelling episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with New York Times bestselling author and psychotherapist Daniel Smith to explore his latest book, Hard Feelings: Finding the Wisdom in Our Darkest Emotions. They dive deep into the often-avoided world of "negative" emotions like shame, envy, and annoyance, revealing how these hard feelings carry profound wisdom rather than being obstacles to banish. Drawing from Smith's personal experiences, they discuss double binds, screen memories, dissociation, and the freezing response that shame can trigger. The conversation also covers annoyance as a temperament trait tied to highly sensitive, hyperpermeable nervous systems, noise sensitivity struggles, links to traits like idealization/devaluation in borderline patterns, and much more. Listen now for raw, insightful reflections on emotional authenticity and mental health.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Douglas Flemons, a seasoned marriage and family therapist and author of the newly released Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice. Drawing from over 30 years of supervising family therapists, Dr. Flemons redefines empathy as an active, pursued skill rather than a passive feeling, distinguishing it sharply from sympathy. Explore common misconceptions, the pitfalls of sympathetic responses, debates on cognitive versus affective empathy, the role of microexpressions and universal affective states, and practical strategies for building genuine therapeutic connections without imposing interpretations or judgment.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, we welcome psychiatrists Dr. Jennifer Reid (author of Guilt Free: Reclaiming Your Life from Unreasonable Expectations) who explores why guilt feels so overwhelming amid post-COVID pressures, perfectionism, and endless roles. Dr. Reid and Dr. Puder differentiate guilt from shame, highlighting adaptive healthy guilt for repairing relationships versus maladaptive generalized guilt tied to depression, anxiety, burnout, and cognitive distortions. The discussion covers childhood roots like parentification and socialization, narcissism's reduced guilt, therapist/doctor identity struggles with moral injury, and practical strategies like boundary-setting, reframing expectations, and safely referring unsafe patients without guilt. Ideal for anyone battling unreasonable self-expectations, mental health providers seeking tools to manage guilt in patients and themselves, or listeners wanting to break free and reclaim emotional freedom through self-compassion and realistic accountability.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.0 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder hosts a discussion on schizoid personality dynamics through the lens of Franz Kafka's life and writings. Discover why the DSM-5's surface-level criteria for schizoid personality disorder falls short, often missing the intense inner conflict between a profound yearning for connection and a paralyzing fear of engulfment. Drawing on the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM), Nancy McWilliams' insightful perspectives, and Kafka's unsent "Letter to His Father" plus classics like "The Metamorphosis," the group explores how schizoid traits differ from autism, involve hypersensitivity rather than social cue deficits, and manifest in creative, introspective individuals. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, renowned psychologist Paul Wachtel, PhD, returns to explore disavowed anger and disavowed positive emotions in psychotherapy. Discover how anger differs from simple repression, its roots in childhood and preverbal experiences, its positive functions (like self-protection, boundaries, and drive), and the vicious cycles of over-niceness that can lead to frustration, psychosomatic symptoms, or explosive outbursts. Dr. Wachtel also contrasts collaborative, integrative approaches with more adversarial models, emphasizing how therapists can help patients reclaim disallowed emotions for a fuller, healthier sense of self. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video  

Join Dr. David Puder and renowned psychodynamic expert Dr. Frank Yeomans in this Q&A episode on countertransference, transference, and projective identification in psychotherapy. Drawing from object relations theory and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), Dr. Yeomans illustrates these concepts with real clinical examples. Explore how therapists can harness countertransference to deepen empathy, how this differs from DBT, the challenges of training, and the limitations of AI in therapy.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

Prolonged conversations with ChatGPT and other LLM chatbots have created rapid developments of severe delusions, paranoia, and even death by suicide in some cases. In this episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with Columbia researchers Dr. Amandeep Jutla and Dr. Ragy Girgis to unpack five shocking real-world cases, explain why large language models are dangerously sycophantic, trained to agree, mirror, and amplify any idea instead of challenging it.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder is joined by Dr. Liam Browning and Dr. Nicholas Fabiano to explore the complex genetic and environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia. They unpack how heritability is measured, what twin and genome-wide association studies reveal, and why the "missing heritability" problem matters for our understanding of mental illness. The discussion also covers how prenatal factors, childhood trauma, cannabis use, and social adversity increase risk and how modern neuroscience reframes schizophrenia as a disorder of brain connectivity rather than a single genetic disease.

Catatonia in children and teens is underdiagnosed, frequently misunderstood, and potentially fatal if left untreated. In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Dr. Annabel Kuhn interview Dr. Joshua Ryan Smith—child and adolescent psychiatrist and division director at Vanderbilt University—to explore the essential clinical skills and medical knowledge needed to identify and treat pediatric catatonia. You'll learn how to differentiate catatonia from other neuropsychiatric conditions in both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, how to apply tools like the Bush-Francis and Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scales. This episode also unpacks common misdiagnoses in cases involving autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and autoimmune or metabolic conditions. Finally, it offers practical, evidence-based guidance for both inpatient stabilization and outpatient follow-up care. Whether you're a psychiatrist, pediatrician, therapist, or student, this episode offers life-saving insights into one of the most overlooked syndromes in child psychiatry. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.0 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Eric Bender to explore the psychological depth of the Emmy Award-winning show, The Bear (FX). Through a psychodynamic lens, they examine Carmy's character—his trauma, complex PTSD, obsessive-compulsive personality traits, and avoidant attachment style. They also break down the borderline dynamics in his family, especially his mother's primitive defenses, identity diffusion, and projective identification. The discussion covers dissociation, personality styles, sibling roles, and emotional neglect, drawing connections to clinical work and real-life therapy. This episode gives both clinicians and fans of the show a nuanced understanding of how early attachment, trauma, and family dynamics shape adult behavior. Whether you're a therapist, student, or simply a fan of the show, you'll gain insight into how The Bear reflects complex inner worlds. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. David Puder and psychologist Dr. Jonathan Shedler explore depressive personality style—how it differs from clinical depression and why it often goes unrecognized. Through a detailed role play, they demonstrate how self-criticism, unconscious guilt, emotional deprivation, and suppressed anger emerge in therapy. They discuss: How depressive personalities form in childhood The role of introjection, self-blame, and gentle idealization Why therapists may miss key dynamics if therapy feels "too good" How to help patients access their real needs and frustrations This episode is ideal for clinicians and anyone interested in deep psychodynamic work. Shedler draws from the work of Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg while offering his own insights on personality, countertransference, and therapeutic technique.   Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. By listening to this episode, you can earn 2 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Dive deep into the connection between cannabis (THC) and psychosis in this enlightening episode with Dr. David Puder. Explore cutting-edge research on how cannabis impacts neurodevelopment, particularly during adolescence, and discover genetic and environmental factors that can amplify psychosis risk. This episode provides valuable insights into recognizing cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, understanding the importance of early intervention, and implementing effective strategies for treatment and prevention. Essential listening for mental health professionals, educators, parents, and anyone interested in the nuanced relationship between cannabis use and mental health.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. Otto Kernberg, a pioneer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), discusses personality disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. Explore key insights into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), identity diffusion, primitive defense mechanisms such as splitting and projective identification, and the complexities of narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, and histrionic personalities. Dr. Kernberg also shares reflections on sexuality, aggression, reflective functioning, and why therapists choose to help others. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Dr. David Puder hosts a deep dive with experts Nicholas Fabiano, MD, Brandon Luu, MD, Joshua Mangunsong, MS3, and Liam Browning, MS4 into the exciting potential of creatine supplementation for mental health and cognitive enhancement. They explore cutting-edge research on how creatine can improve mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning, and support brain metabolism through its role in ATP regeneration. The episode also reviews clinical trials demonstrating creatine's effectiveness in psychiatric disorders, optimal dosing strategies, and its safety profile. Listen to learn how creatine may revolutionize treatment options in psychiatry. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Explore the transformative potential of the ketogenic diet for mental health with expert Dr. Matt Bernstein, a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. Learn how targeting metabolic dysfunction can profoundly improve psychiatric outcomes in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy, with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Discover actionable insights on diet, metabolism, and brain health backed by the latest scientific research. Tune in to revolutionize your understanding of nutrition's role in mental wellness! By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Join Dr. David Puder and expert psychopharmacologist Dr. Michael Cummings in a detailed discussion on Clozapine, the gold standard medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. They explore recent significant updates, including the removal of the Clozapine REMS program, which simplifies patient care and medication management. This episode covers optimal dosing practices, managing side effects, crucial drug interactions, and approaches to related conditions such as catatonia. An essential resource for psychiatrists and mental health professionals seeking updated clinical insights. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Is depression really caused by low serotonin? Dr. Awais Aftab joins Dr. David Puder to explore the serotonin hypothesis, antidepressant efficacy, and the controversies surrounding SSRIs. They dive into the history of the serotonin deficiency theory, key research on antidepressants vs. placebo, and how neuroplasticity, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes factor into depression treatment. The episode also examines differences between major treatment guidelines, including RANZCP and NICE, and what the latest evidence suggests about the future of mental health care. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. Links for Dr. Awais Aftab: Substack World Psychiatry Conversations in Critical Psychiatry

In this episode, Dr. David Puder interviews Dr. Frank Yeomans, a leading expert in Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and personality disorders, to explore the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They discuss object relations theory, identity diffusion, splitting, and the therapeutic relationship in TFP. Dr. Yeomans shares clinical insights on working with paranoid, devaluing, and omnipotent transferences, highlighting how therapists can navigate idealization, devaluation, and therapeutic neutrality. They also compare TFP with other psychodynamic approaches and discuss the role of aggression in mentalization and personality integration. Learn how TFP helps patients develop a stable identity Understand the differences between BPD and NPD treatment Explore the role of transference in psychotherapy Tune in for a deep dive into psychodynamic therapy with one of the field's top experts! By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog Link to YouTube video

How do we navigate therapy termination as a transition rather than a loss? In this episode, Dr. John Tarr explores the emotions, challenges, and growth opportunities that come with ending therapy. We discuss how termination triggers past attachment wounds, the psychological impact of separation, and how therapists can guide patients through this process. Learn how reframing 'goodbye' can lead to lasting transformation, self-reflection, and autonomy. Whether you're a therapist or someone in therapy, this episode provides deep insights into the complexities of closure, loss, and resilience in psychotherapy. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.    

Can cold exposure improve your mental health? In this episode, we explore the science behind cold therapy methods like ice baths, cryotherapy, cold-water swimming, and cold showers. Backed by research, we dive into the physiological and psychological effects of cold exposure, including its impact on mood, anxiety, dopamine, norepinephrine, and stress resilience. We discuss historical practices, benefits for mental and physical health, and common misconceptions around claims like immune boosting and inflammation reduction. Learn practical tips, safety precautions, and how cold immersion could fit into your mental health or wellness routine. Whether you're curious about the Wim Hof Method, the dopamine-boosting effects of cold plunges, or the latest studies on cold exposure's antidepressant potential, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of the Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast, Dr. David Puder is joined by Mark Ruffalo to dive deep into the complexities of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Together, they unpack Donald Burnham's influential 1966 paper on splitting and identity diffusion, exploring themes of self-concept, relational dynamics, and the therapeutic challenges posed by BPD patients. Learn how splitting impacts interpersonal relationships and therapeutic teams, the historical evolution of BPD from "pseudoneurotic schizophrenia" to a recognized DSM diagnosis, and the significance of psychodynamic and mentalization-based therapies in treatment. Key topics include: The history of BPD diagnosis and theory Splitting and its effects on therapy teams and relationships Identity diffusion and its manifestations in gender, sexuality, and self-worth The role of childhood trauma, attachment, and genetic factors in BPD Practical insights for clinicians working with complex personality dynamics Whether you're a mental health professional, a student of psychiatry, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of BPD, this episode offers rich insights and evidence-based approaches for navigating this challenging and often misunderstood condition. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.  Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Can exercise truly rival medications and therapy for treating depression? In this episode, Dr. David Puder, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, and Dr. Brendon Stubbs dive deep into the science of physical activity as a treatment for mental health. Discover the unique antidepressant mechanisms of exercise, how it compares to traditional treatments, and practical tips for prescribing it to patients. Learn about the optimal types, doses, and benefits of exercise, including its impact on mood, resilience, and cognitive health. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with Dr. Stijn Vanheule, professor of clinical psychology and psychoanalysis, to challenge misconceptions about psychosis and explore paths to understanding and recovery. They discuss psychosis as more than a clinical label, delving into its connection to existential struggles and creative expression. Dr. Vanheule explains primary-process thinking, how traumatic events can disrupt the mind's coherence, and the importance of empathic listening in therapy. Drawing on examples like Carl Jung's Red Book and Annie Rogers' creative processes, the conversation highlights the therapeutic potential of integrating psychoanalysis, creativity, and supportive environments. Whether you're a mental health professional, caregiver, or curious listener, this episode provides insights into how psychotic experiences can be understood, respected, and addressed through innovative approaches. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder dives deep into the world of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with renowned expert Dr. Fred Penzel, who brings over 43 years of experience to the table. Together, they explore groundbreaking approaches to treating OCD, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), cognitive restructuring, and embracing uncertainty. Dr. Penzel shares fascinating insights into the neurobiology of OCD, the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, and effective strategies for lasting recovery. Whether you're a clinician seeking best practices or someone navigating OCD, this episode offers a wealth of practical tools, compelling stories, and hope. Uncover why OCD is called the "doubting disease" and how evidence-based methods can break its grip. This is more than a podcast—it's a roadmap to understanding and overcoming one of the most challenging mental health conditions. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.  

In this episode, Dr. David Puder, alongside experts Anthony Bateman, Dr. Brandon Unruh, and Robert Drozek, delves into the complexities of treating pathological narcissism with Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). They explore practical strategies to help individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships. Learn how MBT can transform the therapeutic journey for those who often feel misunderstood or resistant to change.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we explore the emotional toll of burnout on healthcare professionals with Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee System. Burnout often manifests as depersonalization—a form of emotional detachment that shields clinicians from the relentless trauma they witness. Dr. Gold delves into how this protective mechanism can lead to emotional numbness, distancing healthcare workers from their patients and even themselves. We discuss the concept of alexithymia, where prolonged detachment causes clinicians to lose touch with their own emotions, making it challenging to process trauma or empathize with patients. Dr. Gold offers practical strategies for overcoming burnout, such as early intervention, therapy, setting emotional boundaries, and advocating for systemic change within healthcare institutions. Tune in to learn how reconnecting with the meaning behind their work can help clinicians rediscover a sense of purpose and resilience in their careers. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder, alongside guests Rachel Blackston and Dr. Eric Bender, dives into the psychological insights presented in Pixar's Inside Out 2. Together, they explore the complex emotional world of adolescence, focusing on the challenges Riley faces as she navigates new emotions—like Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment—that reflect common experiences during teenage years. Through expert analysis, the conversation unpacks how these emotions influence identity formation, self-doubt, and social dynamics. The discussion also addresses the impact of childhood experiences, how adolescents process peer pressures, and the role of parental responses in supporting emotional growth. Join us as we delve into the film's depiction of teenage mental health and its psychological accuracy, providing parents, therapists, and teens themselves with valuable takeaways on emotional resilience and self-discovery. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is known for its complexity, but how should clinicians approach treatment? In this episode, Dr. Michael Cummings joins us to explore the role of medications in managing BPD, when to use them, and why psychotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. From pharmacotherapy to alternative approaches like exercise and omega-3s, we break down the latest evidence and offer practical insights for clinicians. Don't miss this deep dive into managing one of psychiatry's most challenging disorders. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Amidst the rise of dating apps and websites lurks a new form of deviance: online romance scams. In this episode, we interview Dr. Annabel Kuhn on the subject of online catfishing relationship scams. We discuss with Dr. Kuhn how to identify an online scammer, the personality types of both the scammer and the scammed, and how providers can help patients who have fallen victim to such a scam. By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

What is intelligence? Why is IQ controversial? In this week's episode Nelson Horsley (a 4th year medical student) and David Puder, M.D. discuss the IQ - if it is a predictor for a successful life, and what things can predict or influence IQ. By listening to this episode, you can earn 2 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Joaquin Phoenix stars in "Joker" which has divided critics and movie goers alike. Surprisingly, it has divided mental health professionals as well. Some say Phoenix's performance shines a light on the misunderstandings of mental illness while others believe it promotes a falsehood that mental illness is responsible for violence. In this episode, David Puder, M.D. and Hans von Walter, M.D. discuss Joker's cinematic and mental health themes. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug which has led to the deaths of countless people including several well known celebrities. Fentanyl is being used to strengthen the potency of other drugs, such as cocaine, which means that people are being exposed to it without their knowledge. In this episode, David Puder, M.D. discusses the history, impact, and statistical analysis pertaining to the dangers of Fentanyl.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Since its introduction in the early 2000's, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It influences culture, current affairs, and connects us to the world like never before. As people spend more and more of their lives online, it's important for us to consider how this new online world is changing us. After all, healthy social connection is one of the key factors in good mental health and well-being. It's time to check in and find out: how does social media affect mental health?    Link to Resource Library 

In this episode, David Puder, M.D., and Victoria Agee discuss possible links between marijuana use and psychosis. There a multiple studies which reveal links in genetics and marijuana potency that can lead to an increase in schizophrenia and psychosis.  Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

On this week's episode we will be covering a special topic-interviewing well-for psychiatry residency, and even in other interviews post residency. I am interviewing Neal Christopher, a 4th year, chief resident and the host of a podcast for the APA, The American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal Podcast.  Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. AJP Resident Podcast with Dr. Christopher

People often think of emotions as ethereal, complicated depths that are difficult to explore. They are actually adaptive physical reactions to stimuli. There are a few main categories, and as we will discover, they are concrete, identifiable, and usually in a healthy therapeutic alliance, they can be discussed and even when emotions are painful to express or come with shame or linked with traumatic memories, can be disarmed and understood.  By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

This week on the Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Mark Ard, a chief resident physician at Loma Linda University's Psychiatry program, to talk about holds and capacity evaluations as it relates to medicine and psychiatry. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In the previous episode on Suicide, we discussed epidemiology, general risk factors, and associations of suicide with various mental health disorders. Now, in this second part of this series, we will focus on genetic and environmental factors associated with suicide.  The data here might be cold and distant, and so is the nature of suicide. It cuts at the core of families that have struggled with it. I have had many patients who have had family members commit suicide, and it devastates them forever.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

On this week's episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Drew Ramsey, a nutritional psychiatrist. When I was a resident, I saw him give a lecture on diet and how it affects our mood, and I've been wanting to interview him for a long time. He is the author of several books about diet and health. By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Lithium is indicated for a number of things. Most clearly, as a mood stabilizer in bipolar spectrum disorders. It is unique among mood stabilizers in that it is very robustly anti-manic. The medication treats and prevents manic episodes from occurring, providing fairly robust prophylaxis against mood cycling. Lithium is also effective in treating bipolar depression, though not as effectively. Very few of the other mood stabilizers are effective for the depressed pole of bipolar illness. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.   Link to full article with details on up to date research and more: here Engage in the dialogue on Dr. Puder's Instagram, Facebook, Twitter    

This week the Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast is joined by Dr. Walter A. Brown, Clinical Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, author of the brand new book "Lithium: A Doctor, a Drug, and a Breakthrough".  In order to capture the full experience of this week's episode, I've posted a transcript of my interview with Dr. Brown which you can access in the article link below. By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. Engage in the dialogue on Dr. Puder's Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

One of the more controversial components of the Neuralink presentation was Musk's inclusion of his beliefs about the future of humanity and artificial intelligence. During the press release he stated one of his goals was to create the ability to achieve a "full symbiosis with artificial intelligence," essentially removing the "existential threat of AI" which he believes will one day "leave us behind" (Neuralink, 2019). This goal has been met with a bit more skepticism, especially by the national media, than the medical applications of Neuralink's BMI. Forbes describes it as "a bit more fantastical" than the company's primary goal of treating brain disorders (Knapp, 2019). Other publications have been far less kind, such as The Atlantic, which published its coverage of the Neuralink press release with the title: "Elon Musk's Next Wild Promise: If someone is going to revolutionize what it means to be human, do we want it to be a tech titan?" (Mull, 2019). Although the New York Times surmised that "one of the biggest challenges may be for his scientists to match his grand vision," (Markoff, 2019), it serves as a good example of what most major media outlets have chosen to do: stick to the facts.   By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video. Engage in the dialogue on Dr. Puder's Instagram, Facebook, Twitter  

Working with a good therapist often requires fewer sessions than other therapists to see improvement; in contrast, working with a therapist you don't connect with, or with inadequate training, may require an extended number of sessions (Okiishi et al. 2003).  People that see effective therapists are more likely to recover or partially recover, whereas those that work with a "bad" therapist are more likely to see no change or an increase in symptoms (Okiishi et al. 2006).  By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.