EP. 687: FOOTPRINTS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA ft. STEVEN LESK
Get Dr. Lesk's book here: https://a.co/d/28ByKEL
In September of 2024, the FDA approved the first new schizophrenia drug in three decades. Does the new medication, Cobenfy, herald a much-needed new era of schizophrenia treatment? Psychiatrist Dr. Steven Lesk says it might. But even as we examine its promise there is much about the condition that needs to be discussed. What causes schizophrenia? Is it a genetic glitch or are environmental factors at play? A combination of the two? Whatever the reason, what medication and course of action will give the patient the best chance at a normal life?
Of all the mental illnesses, schizophrenia eludes us the most. Despite the strides scientists have made in neurological research and doctors have made in psychiatric treatment, schizophrenia remains misunderstood, almost complacently mythologized. Without a reason for the illness, patients feel even more alienated than they already do, families are left hopeless, and doctors struggle to provide effective care, armed only with medications that have such devastating side effects that many patients who desperately need them stop taking them.
Recently retired from an almost forty-year medical career dedicated to caring for those affected by schizophrenia, Dr. Steven Lesk offers a theory that sheds light on schizophrenia’s origins and paves the way for its eventual eradication. What’s more, it could affect what we can do to help people with other dopamine-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s chorea, Tourette’s, and ADD.
Steven Lesk, MD, was a practicing, board certified psychiatrist for almost four decades, treating thousands of adult patients while researching, writing articles, and mentoring students. He served as Chairman of the Department of Inpatient Psychiatric Services at the Brooklyn VA Hospital and was assistant professor at the hospital’s affiliated medical school. He lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota. His book has received great reviews, including this one:
“In this provocative debut, psychiatrist Lesk excavates the origins of schizophrenia and outlines possible treatments for it and other dopamine-related mental illnesses…This is a fascinating study that never sacrifices complexity or interest, and a welcome resource for those eager to learn more about the disease and its roots.”—Publishers Weekly
Check out our new bi-weekly series, "The Crisis Papers" here: https://www.patreon.com/bitterlakepresents/shop
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
BECOME A PATRON! We're creating patron only programing, you'll get bonus content from many of the episodes, and you get MERCH!
Become a patron now https://www.patreon.com/join/BitterLakePresents?
Please also like, subscribe, and follow us on these platforms as well, (specially YouTube!)
THANKS Y'ALL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG9WtLyoP9QU8sxuIfxk3eg
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/thisisrevolutionpodcast
www.twitch.tv/leftflankvets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thisisrevolutionpodcast/
Twitter: @TIRShowOakland
Instagram: @thisisrevolutionoakland
Read Jason Myles in Sublation Magazine https://www.sublationmag.com/writers/jason-myles
Read Jason Myles in Damage Magazine https://damagemag.com/2023/11/07/the-man-who-sold-the-world/
