The Medical Mind

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Nina Kraguljac, M.D., about what resilience really means through a mental health lens. Dr. Kraguljac discusses why resilience is not a fixed character trait, how it can be strengthened over time, and why meaning, hope, agency, and social connection play such an important role in helping people navigate adversity. She also shares insights from the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience Study, a first-in-the-nation effort to better understand the psychological, social, environmental, and biological factors that shape resilience and mental health.  

This month on Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza is joined by clinical psychologists Dr. Erin Cassidy-Eagle and Dr. Janie Hong to discuss the "lifelong psychotherapy patient," a group that is common in practice but rarely examined directly. Drawing on their work at Stanford and their recent article in Psychiatric News, they explore why some patients need ongoing psychotherapy support, how short-term care models can fall short, and what it means to meet patients where they are rather than forcing treatment into rigid timelines. The conversation also looks at the pressure clinicians face inside modern health care systems, from insurance limits and measurement-based care to access bottlenecks and burnout. Along the way, the episode considers what meaningful progress can look like when symptom reduction is not the whole story, why long-term therapeutic relationships can be both demanding and deeply valuable, and how clinicians and systems can think more creatively about continuity of care. PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn  

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza speaks with Dr. Alexander Niculescu about pain as more than a physical symptom alone. Their conversation explores the overlap between chronic pain and psychiatric conditions, the promise of precision psychiatry, and how biomarkers may help clinicians better assess risk, guide treatment, and rethink refractory pain. They also discuss the limitations of current approaches, the role of non-opioid interventions, and why psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to treat the whole person. Read this special report here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.03.3.28 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Nancy Byatt about women's mental health and the growing importance of reproductive psychiatry. Their conversation explores how mental health needs can arise across the lifespan, from menstruation and pregnancy to postpartum and menopause, and why prioritizing emotional well-being is essential for both women and their families. Dr. Byatt also addresses common concerns about antidepressant use and pain treatment during pregnancy, while highlighting the importance of trusted medical guidance, early support, and greater awareness of maternal mental health.

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza is joined by Dr. James Bourgeois, Vice Chair of Hospital Psychiatry Services at UC Davis and Psychiatric News' consultation liaison section editor, for a practical conversation on what happens after medical discharge for patients living with serious mental illness. Using the February Special Report on post discharge rehabilitation barriers as a springboard, they break down why "medically ready" can still mean "psychiatrically at risk," and how mobility limits, nursing capacity, and safety rules can block transfers to inpatient psychiatry. The discussion highlights proactive consultation models, stronger handoffs to outpatient care, and how primary care based psychiatric support can reduce repeat hospital use while keeping patients safer in the community. Read this special report here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.02.2.4 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn

On this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Maria Oquendo, Dr. Jonathan Alpert, and Dr. Nitin Gogtay about how a roadmap is taking shape for the future of the DSM. They break down how the work builds on DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR, and what it could look like to broaden diagnosis beyond symptom checklists to include functioning, quality of life, and social and cultural context. The conversation explores where biomarkers may eventually fit, why the DSM may evolve into a more frequently updated digital-first "living" manual, and how feedback from clinicians, people with lived experience, and caregivers is being built into the process.

On this episode of Mental Health Innovation Zone, Dr. Stephen Chan sits down with child psychiatrist and entrepreneur Dr. Monika Roots to unpack her path from clinical practice to building and scaling mental health tech companies. Dr. Roots shares the origin story behind early innovations like CogCubed, lessons learned about designing for real end users, and how measurement became a key lever as telehealth expanded. The conversation also explores leadership frameworks that embrace learning through mistakes, the value of mentorship, and why understanding the business of medicine matters for every clinician.

On this episode of PsychNews Special Report, host Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza sits down with psychiatrist and author Dr. Paul Putman to explore how cognitive errors show up in everyday clinical work. They talk through fast versus slow thinking, why our brains default to shortcuts, and how time pressure, isolation, and copy forward documentation can quietly amplify mistakes. Dr. Putman makes the case for practical guardrails like semi structured interview templates, deliberate differential diagnoses, and a habit of revising your model when treatments stall. The conversation also challenges the label of treatment resistance, highlights the value of second opinions and true peer consultation, and closes with strategies for protecting clinician wellbeing. Read this special report here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.01.1.7 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn 

On this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with Dr. Petros Levounis to unpack the appeal of Dry January and what people can realistically gain from a month off alcohol. They talk through why a time-limited goal can be easier to stick with, how to handle social situations without making it a public announcement, and what benefits people often notice physically and psychologically when they take a break. The conversation also covers practical strategies for anxiety in the moment (including hydration, cutting back on caffeine, and finding a supportive ally), the rise of mocktails, what to know about medications that can help reduce cravings, and how to reintroduce alcohol more safely if you choose to drink again after a month off.  

In this holiday-season conversation, host Erin Connors sits down with APA CEO and Medical Director Dr. Marketa Wills to reflect on the year and look ahead to what is next for psychiatry and the Association. Dr. Wills shares why APA's new strategic plan is the right roadmap for a fast-changing landscape, with a sharper focus on measurable progress for members and patients. They discuss what she heard from psychiatrists across the U.S. and globally, the strongest advocacy priorities from parity to reimbursement, and how APA is strengthening partnerships and infrastructure to support the field. Dr. Wills also talks candidly about mental fitness and self-care during a demanding season.

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Adrian Preda talks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Chloe Page about what modern brain science really tells us about major depressive disorder. Drawing on the December 2025 Special Report, they walk through the rise and limits of the "chemical imbalance" story, how media coverage of the Moncrieff serotonin review fueled public mistrust, and why a neuroplasticity framework offers a richer and more accurate way to understand depression. Along the way, they explore how stress, genetics, inflammation and brain circuits converge on reduced plasticity, why antidepressants can help even when serotonin is not the whole story, and how psychotherapy, exercise, neuromodulation and medication can work together to get a "stuck" brain moving again. The conversation highlights the power of metaphors, honest communication and shared decision making to rebuild trust and help patients make sense of both the science and their own experience of depression. Read the full Special Report here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.12.12.2  PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn 

En este episodio de Mente Sana, Gente Sana, el Dr. Héctor Colón-Rivera se sienta con el psiquiatra e investigador en salud mental global Dr. Víctor Pereira-Sánchez para explorar cómo la fe, la migración y la comunidad se entrecruzan en la salud mental de los latinos e hispanos. Basándose en su experiencia en Washington Heights y en su propia formación espiritual en España, el Dr. Pereira-Sánchez describe el papel central que desempeñan las iglesias en la vida de los inmigrantes, desde el apoyo social y el sentido de pertenencia hasta el arraigo espiritual en momentos de crisis. Hablan de cómo los sacerdotes y los líderes religiosos suelen convertirse en el primer punto de contacto para las personas que sufren depresión, ansiedad o pensamientos suicidas, y de lo que puede suceder cuando el estigma, la culpa o la desinformación alejan a las personas de la atención sanitaria. La conversación destaca formas concretas en que las parroquias pueden convertirse en espacios más saludables desde el punto de vista mental, incluyendo la alfabetización en salud mental, los ministerios de presencia y la colaboración con los médicos. El episodio también analiza cómo la tecnología y los servicios transmitidos en vivo están remodelando la vida religiosa, las señales de alerta que las familias deben observar en los niños y adolescentes, y consejos prácticos para quienes buscan una nueva comunidad religiosa o desean ser voluntarios en una.

In this episode of Breaking the Silence from APA's More Equity in Mental Health series, Dr. Laika Rose Simeon-Thompson sits down with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Anjali Gupta to explore how depression affects teen girls and young women. Dr. Gupta explains what is happening in the adolescent brain, how social media and generational trauma shape risk, and why supportive schools, families, and mentors can be lifesaving. They also discuss barriers to care, what emergency departments are seeing on the front lines, and practical messages for parents, educators, and communities that want to show up for girls in crisis. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of both the vulnerabilities and the strengths of this generation of young women.

On this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, Editor in Chief Dr. Adrian Preda sits down with Dr. Joshua Brown, a leading expert in neuromodulation and Medical Director of the TMS Service at McLean Hospital, to explore how transcranial magnetic stimulation is reshaping the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Dr. Brown shares the clinical stories that drew him to TMS, explains how this "electric brain" approach drives synaptic plasticity, and walks through what actually happens at the level of NMDA and AMPA receptors. The conversation covers how TMS compares with medications and ECT, why it should not be viewed as a last resort, and how emerging strategies like accelerated protocols and pharmacologic augmentation could boost response and remission. Looking ahead, they discuss new indications, evolving training pathways, and why TMS is moving from niche tool to foundational treatment option in modern psychiatry. Read the full Special Report on TMS here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.11.11.4  PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn. 

Psychiatrist and author Dr. Drew Ramsey joins host Erin Connors to explore practical ways to protect mental fitness during the holidays, from setting boundaries at the table to rethinking alcohol. They dig into nutrient-dense eating, hydration, and simple swaps that lift mood, plus why dark chocolate can fit a healthy plan. Dr. Ramsey shares strategies for easing loneliness, taking a digital detox, and prioritizing sleep, including a plain-English tour of the brain's glymphatic cleanup system. Listeners leave with doable steps to feel more present, connected, and resilient through the season.

This episode of PsychNews Special Report unpacks emerging evidence around AI-induced psychosis, drawing on the October issue's analysis by Dr. Adrian Preda. Guided by two virtual hosts, the episode explains how mirroring, flattery, and persistent memory in companion chatbots can reinforce fragile ideas into fixed beliefs, then maps the observable red flags across thought, mood, behavior, and sleep. Listeners get a concise first-response framework focused on safety, clinical assessment, and pausing harmful AI exposure, along with clear takeaways for developer safeguards and professional guidance. Acknowledgement: Host Dr. Adrian Preda used Google NotebookLM to create the dialogue that makes up this episode of "PsychNews Special Report." The voices you hear do not come from a human voice box, and the words they speak did not originate in a human brain. Instead, to discuss his Special Report on conversational AI and mental health, Dr. Preda curated a conversation using AI. PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn. 

En este episodio de Breaking the Silence, la Dra. Ruby Castilla-Puentes y la Dra. Tatiana Falcone hablan sobre la prevención del suicidio entre los jóvenes hispanos. Basándose en investigaciones clínicas y en años de experiencia, la Dra. Falcone destaca las primeras señales de alerta, el estigma cultural, las barreras para recibir atención médica y los tratamientos emergentes, como la terapia CAMS y la terapia con ketamina. Juntas, enfatizan el poder de la educación familiar, la atención médica adaptada a la cultura y el diálogo abierto para reducir el riesgo y fomentar la esperanza dentro de las comunidades latinas.

In this episode of Psychiatric News Special Report, host Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Bryan Shapiro of UC Irvine about the often-overlooked issue of antidepressant withdrawal. They discuss the prevalence of withdrawal symptoms, why tapering is so challenging, risk factors that increase vulnerability, and the gaps in current clinical guidance. Drawing on research, patient experiences, and case studies, the conversation highlights the urgent need for clearer strategies and better resources to help patients safely discontinue antidepressants. You can read the full special report on Psychiatric News here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.09.9.1 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with award-winning journalist Lisa Ling and psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Scott Brown about the mental health challenges facing students as they head back to school. The discussion explores how social media, AI-generated content, climate anxiety, and misinformation are shaping youth mental health, while also highlighting the critical roles of parents, teachers, and schools in providing support. Together, they unpack how families can notice the first signs of trouble, keep communication doors open, and make sure kids get the help they need without delay.

En este primer episodio de Mente Sana, Gente Sana, los presentadores Dra. Amalia y Dr. Héctor conversan con la Dra. Lisa Fortuna sobre los retos de salud mental a los que se enfrentan las comunidades de inmigrantes, especialmente entre las poblaciones hispanas y latinas. Exploran el impacto del estigma cultural, el papel de la religión y la importancia de la sensibilidad cultural en la atención de la salud mental. La conversación hace hincapié en la necesidad de educación y de mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental, al tiempo que destaca los factores protectores que supone mantener las tradiciones culturales. Para obtener más información sobre salud mental, visite LaSaludMental.org.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Jacob Lee, chair of the APA's Committee on Climate Change and Mental Health, about the growing intersection between environmental crises and mental well-being. They discuss the mental health impacts of climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, forced migration, and community displacement, as well as the toll on healthcare providers themselves. Dr. Lee shares the committee's advocacy priorities, including the push for a diagnostic code for climate-related distress and support for the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act. He offers practical steps for psychiatrists to raise awareness, prepare for increased mental health demands, and engage with their communities, all while working toward more sustainable healthcare practices.

In this episode of APA's Breaking the Silence series, Dr. Pratik Bahekar and Dr. Melvin Oatis delve into the complex and urgent issue of suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. Drawing from their clinical experience, they explore the impact of stigma, bullying, and systemic barriers, while also highlighting protective factors like community support, affirming clinical care, and chosen family. The conversation offers practical insights for parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and reducing suicide risk.

In this episode of the Psychiatric News Special Report podcast, Dr. Adrian Preda is joined by Dr. Lisa Fortuna, chair of the APA Council on Children, Adolescents and Families, to explore the profound mental health impact of U.S. immigration policy on children and families. Drawing from the August 2025 Special Report, they discuss how policy-driven fear, trauma, and instability affect not only undocumented immigrants, but also U.S.-born children in mixed-status households. Dr. Fortuna underscores the urgent need for psychiatry to move beyond the clinic, recognize immigration enforcement as a public health issue, and provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded care. The conversation highlights structural trauma, intergenerational stress, and the importance of community-based mental health responses. You can read the Special Report here:  https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.08.8.19  PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this episode of Breaking the Silence, Dr. Raman Marwaha—chair of the APA's International Medical Graduate (IMG) Caucus, is joined by Dr. Rama Rao for a thought-provoking conversation about youth suicide, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Dr. Rao shares his personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of intergenerational trauma, acculturation stress, and the importance of humility and humanity in clinical care. Drawing from history, psychoanalysis, and lived experience, he emphasizes the role of empathy, cultural understanding, and community in suicide prevention, particularly among immigrant youth and families.

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr. Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta will interview women psychiatrists across the country who lead in a variety of ways. These conversations will uncover insights from guests' journeys in psychiatry on a range of topics, including work-life integration, mentorship, gender equity, and more.   In this episode, Dr. Gupta is joined by Carol A. Bernstein, MD, Dr. Bernstein is Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Wellbeing in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She is also a consultant and Senior Scholar for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). She was previously Vice Chair for Education and Director of Residency Training in Psychiatry at NYU. From 2001-2011, Dr. Bernstein also served as the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for ACGME accredited training programs at NYU. Dr. Bernstein is a Past-President of the American Psychiatric Association and served the Association as Vice-President, Treasurer and Trustee-at-Large and as the chair of multiple committees. She has served as a spokesperson for the American Psychiatric Association on many occasions and received the 1997 exemplary psychiatrist award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She is the recipient of the APA/NIMH Vestermark Award in Psychiatric Education and the APA Alexandra Symonds Award for contributions to the advancement of women in leadership and in women's health. In 2018, Dr. Bernstein received a special Presidential commendation from the APA for her work in educating the public about mental illness through her role on Sirius/XM Doctor Radio. In 2019, she received the John Gienapp Award for notable contributions to Graduate Medical Education from the ACGME and the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Psychiatrists.

This episode of Breaking the Silence examines the youth suicide crisis with a focus on Hispanic communities. Dr. Ruby Castilla-Puentes and Dr. Tatiana Falcone discuss cultural stigma, barriers to care, and how depression is often misunderstood or dismissed. They explore the role of social media, trauma, and chronic illness in suicidality, along with Dr. Falcone's research on biological markers like serotonin and inflammatory proteins. The conversation highlights evidence-based treatments such as CAMS and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, family engagement, and fostering hope for recovery.

In this episode of APA Innovation Hour, host Dr. Manu Sarma welcomes Dr. Ethan Goh, physician-scientist at Stanford and leading voice in AI and medicine, for a deep dive into how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are reshaping the future of psychiatric practice. From groundbreaking diagnostic reasoning studies to the ethics of AI collaboration in clinical settings, Dr. Goh shares findings, challenges, and exciting possibilities ahead. The conversation explores real-world use cases, bias and accuracy in AI-generated clinical guidance, the promise of ambient documentation, and the evolving role of physicians in the AI age. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or curious observer, this episode offers timely insights at the intersection of innovation and mental health.

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Jonathan Shepherd sits down with Dr. Michele Reid, a seasoned community psychiatrist and advocate, to explore youth suicide prevention through the lens of community mental health. Dr. Reid shares insights from decades of work in Michigan's public mental health system, emphasizing the importance of the Zero Suicide framework, early screening, culturally responsive care, and outreach to Black communities through schools, churches, and barbershops. She also highlights barriers to care—like stigma, transportation, and insurance—and champions the role of peer support specialists in reaching underserved youth. This conversation offers a roadmap for real, community-rooted solutions.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with former NFL first-round pick Marcus Smith II, whose powerful story of anxiety, depression, and recovery is helping reshape how athletes and the broader public view mental health. From battling silent struggles throughout his football career to launching his nonprofit, Circle of M, Marcus opens up about healing, vulnerability, and purpose. He shares how a life-threatening moment led to a new mission: creating space for others to unmask their pain and access real support. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or advocate, this episode offers vital insights on how we can all be part of changing the culture around mental health. Learn more about Marcus' work at: https://www.thecircleofm.com

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Krysti Vo is joined by Dr. Poojajeet Khaira, a psychiatry resident and APA Foundation Leadership Fellow, for a powerful discussion on the rising suicide rates among Asian American youth. Together, they explore the systemic and cultural factors behind this alarming trend, the role of stigma and intergenerational dynamics, and how mental health professionals—especially trainees and early career psychiatrists—can be agents of change. They emphasize culturally responsive care, community engagement, and the importance of meeting youth and families where they are. This episode offers both insight and inspiration for those looking to make a meaningful impact.

In this Psychiatric News Special Report episode, host Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Frederick Busch about how psychodynamic therapy can be adapted to address problematic behaviors directly and effectively. Traditionally seen as an insight-focused, long-term approach, psychodynamic therapy is increasingly being recognized for its potential to support behavioral change by exploring developmental history, unconscious motivations, emotional triggers, and transference dynamics. Dr. Busch outlines a structured, collaborative framework for behavioral change grounded in psychodynamic principles—offering a compelling alternative to more directive behavioral therapies. This conversation bridges the gap between classic psychoanalysis and modern clinical needs. You can read Dr. Busch's Special Report here:  https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.07.7.7 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this premiere episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, part of the APA's More Equity in Mental Health podcast series, host Dr. Helen Blaisdell Brennan speaks with Dr. Dale Walker, a Cherokee psychiatrist and Director of the One Sky Center. Together, they explore the deeply rooted factors contributing to elevated suicide rates among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth—including historical trauma, limited access to care, and systemic inequities. Dr. Walker emphasizes the importance of cultural continuity, community connection, and empowering Indigenous youth by drawing on their traditions, languages, and ancestral strength. The conversation highlights promising prevention strategies, including school and family-based programs, and calls on psychiatrists to step beyond the clinic and work in partnership with tribal communities. With cultural humility, advocacy, and a commitment to holistic care, mental health professionals can help shape a future where Indigenous youth thrive.    

In this episode, Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. S. Nassir Ghaemi about the limitations of the DSM framework in diagnosing mood disorders and explores the case for returning to more valid, clinically grounded approaches. They discuss the historical context of manic-depressive illness, the role of mixed states and mood temperaments, and how reframing diagnoses can lead to more effective treatment. Read Dr. Ghaemi's full report in Psychiatric News: Validity in Psychiatric Diagnosis: DSM and Mood Conditions PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, APA President Dr. Teresa Miskimen Rivera discusses the outlook for her presidential year, and her focus on addressing the workforce crisis in psychiatry. She highlights the increasing demand for mental health services, the shortage of psychiatrists, and the administrative burdens faced by practitioners. Dr. Miskimen Rivera emphasizes the importance of advocacy, strategic planning, and member engagement to address these challenges and improve mental health outcomes across the nation.

In this episode of PsychNews Special Report, we explore the evolving landscape of clozapine therapy, reaffirming its role as the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and examining its unique benefits in reducing suicidality. We examine key insights from the Psychiatric News article by Gemma Espejo, M.D., and Farah Khorassani, Pharm.D., which highlights challenges in clozapine utilization—including blood monitoring requirements and clinician hesitancy—alongside updates to monitoring protocols and side effect management. The episode also touches on augmentation strategies, the potential of pharmacogenomics, and promising innovations in psychiatric treatment. Read the full article in Psychiatric News here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.05.5.10 Listen and Subscribe: Find this episode and more on the APA Medical Mind Podcast Channel or wherever you get your podcasts. PsychNews Special Report" is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.        

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr.Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta will interview women psychiatrists across the country who lead in a variety of ways. These conversations will uncover insights from guests' journeys in psychiatry on a range of topics, including work-life integration, mentorship, gender equity, and more. In this episode, Dr. Gupta is joined by Rashi Aggarwal, MD. Dr. Rashi Aggarwal is the Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Northwell's Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). Before joining SIUH, Dr. Aggarwal was Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where she served as Director of Residency Training and Vice-Chair of Education. She has held numerous leadership positions, including  Deputy Editor for Academic Psychiatry, Chair of APA's Council on Medical Education and Lifelong Learning, and Secretary of AADPRT.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Grosjean shares her powerful journey of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life—an experience that reshaped her understanding of herself, her patients, and the field of psychiatry. Dr. Grosjean explores the stigma surrounding neurodivergence in medicine, the emotional impact of late diagnosis, and the unique strengths autistic clinicians bring to patient care. Her story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant, offering a compelling call to build a more inclusive, informed, and empathetic mental health workforce. Listen and subscribe to Mental Health Pathfinders on APA's Medical Mind podcast channel, available on all major platforms.

In this episode, Psychiatric News Editor-in-Chief Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Anna Westermair, a psychiatrist and researcher whose work focuses on the emerging field of palliative psychiatry. Drawing on her recent Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Westermair offers a compelling case for considering quality of life—not just symptom remission—as a meaningful goal in treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Dr. Westermair emphasizes that palliative psychiatry is not about abandoning care—but about reframing goals to improve life meaningfully for patients often left behind by the traditional system. Read the Full Report: 👉 Palliative Psychiatry: An Innovative Approach to Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Listen and Subscribe: Find this episode and more on the APA Medical Mind Podcast Channel or wherever you get your podcasts. PsychNews Special Report" is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

This episode of Psych News Special Report delves into the complexities of prescribing psychotropic medications for medically ill patients. Dr. Adrian Preda and Dr. Jim Levinson discuss the challenges faced by psychiatrists, including pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and the importance of collaboration with other healthcare providers. They emphasize the need for careful medication management, especially in patients with complex medical histories, and highlight the risks of not addressing psychiatric symptoms in these individuals. "PsychNews Special Report" is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn."

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr.Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta will interview women psychiatrists across the country who lead in a variety of ways. These conversations will uncover insights from guests' journeys in psychiatry on a range of topics, including work-life integration, mentorship, gender equity, and more. In this episode, Dr. Gupta is joined by Dr. Laura Roberts, who serves as Chairman and the Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She has written hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and has written or edited many books in the areas of professionalism and ethics in medicine, professional development for physicians, and major texts in clinical psychiatry. Dr. Roberts is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Academic Medicine and has served as Editor-in-Chief of Books for the American Psychiatric Association since 2016. 

Dr. James Sherer joins us to break down the sharp rise in gambling addiction fueled by online platforms and sports betting. From the mental health fallout to the addictive design of gambling apps, he unpacks what's driving this crisis—and what can be done to stop it. Hear about the brain science behind the behavior, its impact on relationships, and where people can turn for real help.

This episode of Psych News Special Report delves into the emerging field of psychodermatology, exploring the intricate relationship between skin conditions and mental health. Dr. Mohammad Jafferany, an expert in the field, discusses his journey into psychodermatology, the psychological impacts of various skin conditions, and the importance of understanding the NICE model. The conversation also covers the classification of psychodermatological disorders, specific conditions like alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis, and effective treatment approaches.  You can read this month's Special Report on Psychodermatology here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.03.3.2  "PsychNews Special Report" is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn."

In this episode, Dr. Manu Sharma speaks with Dr. Peter Yellowlees about the transformative potential of asynchronous telepsychiatry. They explore how technology, particularly AI, can enhance psychiatric practice by improving data collection, patient access, and overall care efficiency. Dr. Yellowlees shares insights from his extensive experience, discussing the benefits and challenges of integrating asynchronous methods into psychiatric care, the importance of maintaining the patient-doctor relationship, and the need for regulatory adaptations to support these innovations. The conversation emphasizes the future of psychiatry as a hybrid model that combines traditional and asynchronous approaches to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, Erin Connors speaks with Dr. King Davis about the historical significance of Central State Hospital, the first institution in the U.S. dedicated to the care of black patients. Dr. Davis discusses the challenges faced in preserving the hospital's history, the impact of racial segregation on mental health care, and the evolving understanding of race and mental illness. He emphasizes the need for continued research and preservation efforts to better understand the intersection of race and mental health care in America.

In this episode of the Mental Health Pathfinders podcast, Host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. George Keepers about the recent updates to the practice guidelines for borderline personality disorder (BPD). The conversation covers the importance of regular updates to guidelines, the impact of telehealth and AI on psychiatric practice, and the future directions for practice guidelines, including a focus on treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Keepers emphasizes the need for a broader range of effective psychotherapeutic treatments for BPD and the limited role of medications in treating its core features.

In the inaugural episode of PsychNews Special Report, Dr. Adrian Preda interviews Dr. Marta Mudd, author of the Special Report featured in the January 2025 issue of Psychiatric News, discussing the intersection of nutrition and mental health. They explore Dr. Mudd's journey into psychiatry, the importance of nutrition in psychiatric care, and the gaps in education regarding nutritional interventions. The conversation highlights common nutritional deficiencies in psychiatric patients, the challenges of integrating nutrition into practice, and practical strategies for psychiatrists to engage patients in dietary changes. Dr. Mudd emphasizes the significance of overall diet quality and the potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatrists and dietitians. "PsychNews Special Report" is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn."

In this episode of the Mental Health Pathfinders podcast, Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.P.A., FAPA discusses her transition from Johns Hopkins to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as CEO and Medical Director. Dr. Wills shares her experiences connecting with members, establishing a culture of trust and transparency, and the importance of advocacy in mental health. Dr. Wills emphasizes the need for collaboration and strategic decision-making within the APA to better serve its members and patients.  

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Mary Hasbah Roessel joins us to discuss her experiences and insights into the mental health care needs of Indigenous communities, particularly focusing on the Navajo culture. She emphasizes the importance of holistic healing that addresses the body, mind, and spirit, and highlights the historical trauma that affects mental health in these populations. Dr. Roessel advocates for building trust and understanding cultural practices in mental health treatment, and she shares recommendations for psychiatrists working with Indigenous patients.

Current APA President Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D. Dr.Med.Sc. joins us to discuss his  journey to psychiatric leadership and the early life events that inspired him to make a lifelong commitment to lifestyle medicine. Research suggests healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits promote mental health and wellness and can be used to both prevent and treat mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders.

The co-chairs of APA's Spanish Language Working Group, Amalia Londoño Tobón, MD, and Hector Colón-Rivera, MD, join us to discuss LaSaludMental.org, APA's online home for evidence based information and resources in Spanish. The conversation also covers the unique mental health challenges facing the Hispanic/Latino community in the U.S., and how cultural competency can help physicians from any background better engage with and treat patients from this community.