Pharmacogenetics: Separating Science from Marketing

In this episode, we explore the practical role of genetic testing in psychiatry with Dr. Chris Aiken. Which genetic tests actually matter in clinical practice? We cut through the marketing hype to reveal the three essential pharmacokinetic tests and FDA requirements that can prevent serious adverse events in your patients. Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: The Role of Genetic Testing in Psychiatry Pharmacogenetic Tests That Matter in Psychiatric Practice

In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of lithium versus quetiapine augmentation for treatment-resistant depression. When patients have failed multiple antidepressants, which augmentation strategy offers the best balance of efficacy and tolerability? We examine real-world data tracking symptom burden and side effects over an entire year. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 76 Treatment-Resistant Depression: Lithium vs. Quetiapine for Augmentation?

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic strategies for postpartum psychosis with insights from Dr. Lauren Osborne, focusing on a critical clinical question: Can we safely use mood stabilizers like lithium in breastfeeding mothers with bipolar disorder? Discover evidence-based guidance for navigating this high-stakes decision when maternal mental health hangs in the balance. Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Postpartum Psychosis: Pharmacologic Strategies

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

In this episode, we explore lumateperone for treating major depressive episodes with mixed features – that challenging presentation where patients experience depression alongside racing thoughts and restlessness. Can we effectively treat both the despair and the activation without triggering mania? Dr. Kristin Raj examines the evidence and clinical implications for this understudied population. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 76 Lumateperone for Depression with Mixed Features: Is It Effective?

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic treatment for postpartum depression in breastfeeding mothers. Can psychiatric medications be safely used while nursing? Dr. Lauren Osborne explains how nearly all antidepressants are compatible with breastfeeding, why postpartum women may respond faster to treatment, and how to choose the right medication. Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Postpartum Depression: Pharmacologic Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers

In this episode, we explore a new study examining whether antidepressants and antipsychotics truly increase the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. What does the evidence say about using multiple psychiatric medications together, and when should we actually be concerned? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 75 Torsades de Pointes: Impact of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

In this episode, we explore the critical distinction between postpartum OCD and postpartum psychosis. Dr. Lauren Osborne reveals why accurate diagnosis matters for treatment and safety. Did you know intrusive thoughts about infant harm don't actually indicate elevated risk in OCD, but do in psychosis? Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Distinguishing Postpartum OCD from Postpartum Psychosis

In this episode, we examine groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread clinical belief that SSRI side effects improve with time. Using data from the landmark STAR*D trial, we explore which patients actually experience side effect resolution and which face worsening symptoms. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 75 Do SSRI Side Effects Improve Over Time?

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