Psychiatry

Coupling behavioral health prescriptions with measurement-based care

Conditions

October 29, 2023

It can be difficult for patients with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder to seek care and commit to a regular schedule of behavioral health care visits. However, telehealth and telepsychiatry have vastly enabled both access and compliance with care. That being said, medication should not be prescribed without proper oversight and care, regardless of whether the doctor is assessing the patient online or in person.

During the …

Surgeon suicides: Unveiling a silent crisis

Pamela Wible, MD

Physician

October 28, 2023

When I read The Guardian article, “US surgeons are killing themselves at an alarming rate. One decided to speak out,” I felt like throwing up.

I’m sickened so many surgeons are dying. I’m grateful Dr. Cunningham is speaking out. I’m relieved she is alive.

But I felt nauseated that Carrie Cunningham’s pain is being used to tout physician “health” programs (PHPs) as the solution to physician suicide while these programs have actually led …

Reflections on human suffering

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Physician

October 28, 2023

I was in my upstairs office when I heard the doorbell ring. I ran downstairs to open the door, unable to see through the opaque window who was on the other side. I opened the door, and there stood an elderly Black man and woman, well dressed, with leaflets and literature. I immediately recognized that this was an unsolicited proselytization.

“Can I help you,” I inquired. The woman handed me a …

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Reflections on human suffering

Nature’s role in relieving physician burnout

Michele Luckenbaugh

Conditions

October 25, 2023

In today’s corporate health care world, physicians are exposed to high levels of stress in the course of carrying out the duties of their profession, making them susceptible to experiencing burnout. Burnout has far-reaching implications not only for doctors but also for patients and the health care system that employs them. Burnout among doctors increases the risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, alcohol and drug misuse, premature retirement, and …

Kick start your writing with a surprise

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Physician

October 23, 2023

One of the most memorable scenes in Goodfellas occurs early on, when the audience is introduced to most of the crew at the Bamboo Lounge. Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) get into a tense exchange. Tommy seems to get offended after Henry calls him funny. “I’m funny how, Tommy wants to know?” “I mean, funny like a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?”

Unknown to …

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Kick start your writing with a surprise

Love in a world full of hate: a beacon of hope

Zahid Awan, MD

Physician

October 22, 2023

In a world often marred by division, conflict, and hatred, the concept of love may seem like a fragile flower struggling to bloom amidst a harsh and unforgiving landscape. However, it is precisely in such a world that the power of love shines most brilliantly. Let us explore the importance of love in a world full of hate and consider insights into how individuals and communities can foster love to …

Ghosting in mental health

Holly MacKenna, MD

Physician

October 21, 2023

In psychiatry, we are trained to prepare our patients for the end of treatment. Treatment planning focuses on goals and strategies to help the person eventually end their need for therapy and external interventions. Interestingly, even with this anticipation of ending our relationship as part of the focus, it is not unusual for patients to disappear.

Ghosting doctors and treatment personnel is sadly commonplace in the mental health space. I have …

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Ghosting in mental health

The cost of silence: Dr. Nakita Mortimer’s tragic story

Anonymous

Physician

October 20, 2023

When I received an email from her in March, it was exceptionally helpful and genuine. You could tell she exuded that class president energy and was a true leader. Dr. Mortimer sounded excited for residency to begin.

We met each other across the green at the mandatory, unpaid 4-day orientation. She seemed laid-back and content. I remember the one week of electives we were granted was scheduled early for her. By …

The future of U.S. health care: 2030 and beyond

Dike Drummond, MD

Physician

October 19, 2023

What will the U.S. health care industry look and feel like in 2023?

If you want to call the U.S. health care a “system” today, what will that “system” look like in the year 2030, and how will it handle the health care needs of an older, sicker population?

With nearly everyone calling for system change and reform, including “burn it to the ground” and more, let’s look at the demographics of …

Alcohol’s impact: hangovers and health risks

Greg Smith, MD

Conditions

October 18, 2023

In July, we all got at least one day off to celebrate a very American holiday, Independence Day. If I were a betting man, I would say that many, if not most of you, participated in at least one of those grand old American pastimes: eating hotdogs or apple pie, barbecuing, going to a baseball game, floating in the pool, watching a movie, or … drinking alcohol. After your celebration …

Understanding childhood mental health [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 16, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join child psychiatrist Shivana Naidoo as she explores the delicate world of mental health in children and young adults. Delve into her unique perspective on how mental illness can be part of normal growth, the evolving role …

Halloween is almost here. Why aren’t you writing?

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Physician

October 16, 2023

Sir Isaac Newton dedicated as much, if not more, of his time to the study of alchemy than he did to the natural order of the universe, but most of his work as an alchemist remained unpublished until long after his death when a metal chest full of his belongings was auctioned in 1936. The great man of science, the first of the Age of Reason, was simultaneously the last …

Dealing with medical abandonment, neglect, and errors

Rory Fleming Richardson, PhD

Conditions

October 15, 2023

How should a patient deal with medical patient abandonment? A Japanese saying is, “It is better to fix the problem than to blame.” This invites a learning and growth opportunity for those with less knowledge and experience. Based on this, let us look at problem-solving for medical abandonment, neglect, and errors. The principle behind this philosophy follows the desire to allow an adversary to maintain face. If they take the …

Unlocking the power of doctors in addiction treatment [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 9, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join Jack McGeachy, an emergency physician and expert in addiction medicine. Discover how doctors possess a hidden superpower when it comes to addiction treatment and how they can effectively address the biological, psychological, and social aspects of …

Rural health care advocacy: Inspiring communities

Kasey Johnson, DO

Physician

October 9, 2023

As a resident physician working in a rural state that recently underwent a legislative session characterized by an overwhelming anti-patient, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and anti-physician-patient relationship stance, I find myself invigorated by the commitment and action of community members who persistently call for change and advocate for their right to health. They remind me of the expansive diversity within rural communities.

Despite state legislators who may present a loud, anti-diversity voice, they …

Expressive writing reduces caregiver stress

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Physician

October 8, 2023

Today, more than one in five Americans are caregivers, providing care to an adult or child with special needs at some time in the past 12 months. Given this sobering statistic, I’m surprised we do not see as many health narratives written by caregivers as, say, doctors and patients, at least not in print.

Caregiving is emotionally draining. However, writing when you are in a caregiving role is one of a …

Cosmetic surgeons’ contribution to mental health

Bilge Gregory, MD

Physician

October 7, 2023

The global cosmetic surgery market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years—in 2021, it was valued at $67.3 billion, and projections suggest it will reach a staggering $201 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6 percent from 2022 to 2031. We can largely attribute this exponential growth to society’s increasing desire for enhanced aesthetic value and the evolving beauty standards of our time. As societal …

The role of institutions in medical misconduct

Chloe N. L. Lee, MD, MPH

Conditions

October 6, 2023

There are no words more devastating than, “Our hands are tied” to a survivor reporting abuse and seeking some semblance of accountability from a larger institution. “The institution admitted no fault” is a close second.

Picture this sequence: a trusted physician at a renowned academic medical center sees a patient at a vulnerable stage in her life for a regular appointment. As she is exposed for a standard physical exam, he …

Innovations in mental health care solutions [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 5, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join Tom Zaubler, a psychiatrist and physician executive, for a discussion on the shortage of behavioral health professionals in the United States. We’ll explore its impact, the surge in mental health care demand, and the role of …

Lessons from VA hospitals: Meeting basic needs improves wellbeing

Courtney Markham-Abedi, MD

Policy

October 5, 2023

I started my career at a state hospital but transitioned to a VA hospital in 2007. I had been a resident at the hospital and was familiar with the unit and population. The unit had 19 beds, and typically these were filled. Often, admissions were for crisis stabilization due to suicidal ideation, and recidivism was very high. Typically, an unmet need other than psychiatric care was being addressed in many …

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