Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

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

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic algorithm that revolutionizes antipsychotic selection for first-episode psychosis. Should the presence of violence completely change your medication choice strategy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 75 Schizophrenia Algorithm: Selecting an Antipsychotic for First Episodes

In this episode, we challenge conventional prescribing by exploring why lithium should be the first-line treatment for acute classic mania, despite widespread use of antipsychotics. Dr. David Osser presents evidence-based arguments for lithium's unique neuroprotective benefits and long-term efficacy. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Lithium for Bipolar Mania Without Mixed Features

In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 74 Melatonin, Trazodone, or Doxepin for Sleep Disorders

In this episode, we explore the critical decision of when to add lithium or valproate to second-generation antipsychotics in mixed manic episodes. Should you rush to combination therapy under managed care pressure, or does patience with strategic benzodiazepine bridging lead to better outcomes? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CMEs: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Choosing Between Valproate or Lithium Augmentation for Bipolar Mania With Mixed Features

In this episode, we explore a provocative argument for reconsidering disulfiram as a first-line treatment for alcohol use disorder. Could this decades-old medication, often dismissed as outdated and dangerous, actually be more effective than newer alternatives when used in appropriately selected patients? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 74 Alcohol Use Disorder: Should Disulfiram Be First-Line?