Psychiatry

Psychiatry in 1984 vs. now: Has progress come at a cost?

Conditions

March 1, 2024

This essay is part satire. The trouble is, I don’t know which part.

As far as I know, time travel is fodder for science fiction thrillers and movies. It doesn’t actually exist on Earth. However, I can time travel in my mind, and I do it frequently, reminiscing about the 40 years between the time I completed my psychiatric residency (in 1984) and now. What has changed in my specialty in …

The untold truth of medical residency: a look at its grueling past and present

Katherine Twombley, MD

Physician

February 28, 2024

An excerpt from First Do No Harm: A Physician’s Burnout and Mental Health Guidebook from Medical School to Retirement.

Residency requirements have changed drastically since my father completed medical school in the 1970s. Residents needed to be fully focused and alert despite working forty-eight- or seventy-two-hour days, which led some to substance misuse. Some residents took stimulants to help perk themselves …

From crisis to solution: Overcoming America’s children’s mental health emergency [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 25, 2024

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We dive into the urgent state of children’s mental health in America with our guest, Alex Stavros, a health care executive. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Alex sheds light …

Reconnecting with nature and spirituality in psychiatry [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 19, 2024

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Join Vanessa Velez, a psychiatrist, as we explore the fascinating connection between our inner selves, the natural world, and the demands of modern life. Delve into the importance of bringing back the concept of “psyche” or soul …

Psychodermatology: A skin-brain axis exists, so what are you doing about it?

Erika Balfour, MD

Conditions

February 14, 2024

Skin and mental health are intertwined. This is evident embryologically, as we know that the skin and brain are derived from ectoderm, forming a skin-brain axis. Furthermore, scientific pathophysiology has shown that conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis are directly influenced by mood.

Whether you are a patient, a provider, or an aesthetics professional, be aware that treating skin should also include treating mental health when needed. Ignoring that …

Exploring neurodivergence: a specialist psychiatrist’s journey

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Conditions

February 12, 2024

I read about a psychiatrist whose interests are in medical ethics and the improvement of medical care for youth coping with the complexities related to neurodivergence and significant mental health conditions. Additionally, she specializes in work with twice-exceptional (2e) individuals – those with exceptional talents and abilities who also navigate challenges related to disabilities or psychiatric illness.

Neurodivergence and 2e individuals are fairly new concepts for me. Back in the day, …

Korean Americans and mental health [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 10, 2024

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Join Dae Sun Hwang, a first-generation Korean American, and Joo-Young Lee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. We’ll explore the multifaceted intersection of Korean culture and mental health within the Korean American community. From cultural nuances to familial …

How doctors can have successful crucial conversations

Frances Mei Hardin, MD & Kim Downey, PT

Physician

February 10, 2024

One thing that all those years of education, medical training, and textbook studying can never quite fully prepare us for as physicians is crucial conversations with our patients. There’s an element to mastering these conversations that comes with being an attending physician, bearing sole provider responsibility, and having them ourselves. They may start off clunky at first in early practice, but we hope to continually improve with time.

In my practice …

Prioritizing mental health for doctors and families

Leanne Rowe, MD

Conditions

February 8, 2024

In 2022, the World Health Organization released the World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All, which recognizes the critical importance of mental health to everyone, everywhere – including doctors and their families.

The consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other major issues such as climate change, global conflict, and economic downturns are continuing to have a big impact on the mental well-being of many parents …

Haunted by sleep: the chilling reality of hypnagogic hallucinations

Greg Smith, MD

Conditions

February 8, 2024

“What did you see?” I asked her, as she sat across from me, wide-eyed and obviously unnerved even thinking back about the episode.

“It was horrible,” she said, “just horrible. I was lying on my back, and I saw it in the doorway, a big, dark, shadowy figure, blocking the door to my bedroom. I tried to scream, and nothing came out. I tried to raise my hands, to shield my …

Benzodiazepine discontinuation and patient outcomes [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 7, 2024

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Join L. Joseph Parker, a research physician, as we explore a recent comparative effectiveness study that investigates the impact of discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine therapy on patients’ mortality and adverse events, especially when considering their baseline opioid exposure. …

A physician’s path to mental wellness [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 6, 2024

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Join guests Kim Downey, a physical therapist, and Bryce Bowers, a family physician, as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of the medical profession. Delve into the world of health care, burnout, mental health, and creative outlets …

A patient reached out to a doctor, and they helped each other heal

Anthony Avellino, MD, MBA & Kim Downey, PT

Physician

February 3, 2024

Kim Downey:

“Each year, almost 400 physicians die by suicide.” That sentence stopped me in my tracks.

I’d been reading all the articles here on KevinMD for almost a year when I came across one written by Dr. Avellino, with the opening line above.

One of my amazing doctors had died several months prior. I was, and in some ways still am, struggling with his death from over a year ago.

I clicked on …

Unlocking emotional healing: the power of EMDR therapy

Maire Daugharty, MD

Conditions

February 1, 2024

The therapeutic modality developed by Francine Shapiro and referred to as eye movement desensitization reprocessing or EMDR, when embedded in the context of a wider lens, focuses on specific events and feelings with a view to overarching goals. We become who we are in a relationship, and specifically in our earliest relationship with a primary caregiver who shapes our worldview before we can give this active consideration. Subsequently, we develop …

EMDR therapy: From walk to wonder, unmasking trauma’s secrets

Maire Daugharty, MD

Conditions

January 31, 2024

In 1987, Francine Shapiro went for a walk and discovered eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) as a therapeutic technique for traumatic experiences with lasting impact. Some thirty years later, with a substantial body of research confirming its efficacy, the mechanism of action remains a mystery. However, the treatment has expanded to focus on chronic pain, addictions, attachment trauma, among other areas. So, what is EMDR exactly? First and foremost, like …

Maximizing health care efficiency: Harnessing the power of personality diversity

Harvey Castro, MD, MBA

Physician

January 31, 2024

The impact of personality in health care

The health care sector’s success hinges on the diverse personalities within its workforce. Embracing this diversity, particularly the dynamics of introversion and extroversion, is not just beneficial for patient care but crucial for the well-being and job satisfaction of health care providers. Studies have shown that a diverse personality mix in health care settings can …

Holistic success and happiness in medicine [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

January 28, 2024

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Join Ketan Kulkarni, a physician entrepreneur. We’ll delve into the pressing issues of burnout and discontent among health care professionals, particularly physicians, and explore strategies for achieving holistic success and happiness in both personal and professional life.

Beyond the myths: ADHD explained in powerful comics

Emily Watters, MD

Conditions

January 28, 2024

An illustrated overview of ADHD, addressing common misconceptions and illustrating the real challenges faced by those with the condition. Through comic strips, the narrative explains the impact of ADHD on executive function and daily life, debunking the myth that symptoms are a choice or the result of not trying hard enough. It also touches on the less visible inattentive symptoms, aiming to …

Empathy: the unexpected gift from abuse

Chloe N. L. Lee, MD, MPH

Physician

January 28, 2024

Months after I left him, I could still feel the pain he inflicted. He not only weaponized my insecurities but also demeaned the things about myself that I loved, insidiously dismantling my sense of self until nothing remained.

I even doubted my ability as a psychiatrist, and I hated him for that.

“Talking to you is like trying to read a Step 2 question!” he had sneered. “I don’t know anyone who …

Read more…

Empathy: the unexpected gift from abuse

A physician’s journey in Cuba reveals surprising faith and resilience [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

January 27, 2024

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Join William Lynes, a urologist, as he shares his remarkable journey of a recent missionary trip to Cuba. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by both the Cuban people and the mission team. Explore the profound faith and resilience …

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