#171 - The Myth of 12-Step Programs

We asked one of the leading researchers of female sexuality and dysfunction about flibanserin. How does it work and how does it differ from medications for sexual dysfunction in men? Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Anita Clayton, MD

We share our most challenging supervision experiences—both as a supervisor and trainee. Dr. Marshall Forstein emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable and having integrity in one’s communication. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Marshall Forstein, MD

In our new series called "Fireside Chat," we will feature more intimate conversations with former guests. Join us for our first episode of this series, where we invited psychiatrist Dr. Marshall Forstein back to discuss the complexities of both providing and receiving clinical supervision. Please be sure to catch the very end of the episode, when Dr. Forstein shares a special song he shared with us. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Marshall Forstein, MD

How can a desire to please and/or be the one person to help someone with a long mental health history lead to problems? How should a clinician respond when a client believes they can only be helped by that clinician? How should a clinician respond when the client seems to be attracted to the clinician? We share our personal experiences. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al, Yasmine

We share our policies on sharing personal information with clients and when oversharing can cause problems. Is there an “appropriate” amount of self-disclosure or is less more? Are there situations where disclosing personal information can help a client achieve their goals? Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al, Yasmine

In his book, The Sober Truth, psychiatrist Lance Dodes shines a light on the poorly conducted research supporting the 12 Step approach to treating addiction. In this episode, Dr. Dodes discusses how a religious, one-size-fits-all approach came to shape our understanding of addiction and dominate self-help, residential, and intensive outpatient treatment programs in the United States. Hosts: Eyrn, Al Guest: Lance Dodes, MD References: Dodes, Lance, and Zachary Dodes. The Sober Truth. Beacon Press, 2014.

Dr. Deepika Shaligram joins us to discuss her work, research, and passion in providing culturally sensitive care when working with South Asian American youth. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al, Yasmine Guest: Deepika Shaligram, MD References: Shaligram D, Khan M, Adiba A, Anam S. Cultural Considerations for Working with South Asian Youth. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2022 Oct;31(4):789-803. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.006. Epub 2022 Sep 7. PMID: 36182225. Sharma N, Shaligram D, Yoon GH. Engaging South Asian youth and families: A clinical review. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2020 Sep;66(6):584-592. doi: 10.1177/0020764020922881. Epub 2020 May 25. PMID: 32449476. The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program: https://www.mcpap.com/

We welcome Megan Aguilera to the “Let’s Get Psyched” team by asking her to discuss one of her special interests. Terms such as “susto” and “ataque de nervios” are frequently used in Latin America to describe a variety of emotional reactions and behaviors that are often similar—but distinct from—mental health conditions commonly seen by clinicians. Megan, a fourth year medical student at the University of Colorado Denver, helps us sort through how and when these terms are used while also sharing her understanding of these terms amongst her family and community. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Megan Aguilera, MS4

Join us for part three of our discussion with psychiatrist, Harvard Professor, and agent of change Dr. Chris Palmer.  He lays out why it is important to distinguish between disorders of the brain and conditions with external causes when treating patients and how prescribing psychotropic medication without sufficient consideration of metabolism has led to worse outcomes. Finally, he shares his approach to prescribing and speculates on how appropriate consideration of mitochondrial functioning will change the field. Stick around for a special after show where there's a behind-the-scenes peak of the team considering the real-world implications of sharing Dr. Palmer's work. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Chris Palmer, MD Resources: Brain Energy by Chris Palmer, MD Kossoff, Eric, et al. Ketogenic Diet Therapies for Epilepsy and Other Conditions, 7th ed., Springer Publishing Company, 2021.

Why are there higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and early deaths amongst people diagnosed with a mental disorder? Dr. Chris Palmer joins us to advance the idea that mental disorders are actually metabolic disorders of the brain. After integrating research from several fields and sources, he claims that understanding metabolism at the cellular level is “the only way to connect the dots in the mental health field.” Please consult your doctor before applying any treatments discussed on this podcast. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Chris Palmer, MD Resources: Brain Energy by Chris Palmer, MD Kossoff, Eric, et al. Ketogenic Diet Therapies for Epilepsy and Other Conditions, 7th ed., Springer Publishing Company, 2021.