E274 - Busting Myths About Antipsychotics with Dr. Jonathan Meyer

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Jonathan Meyer to dispel common myths about antipsychotic treatment, from concerns about sedation, personality change, and brain effects to misunderstandings about safety, long-acting injectables, and clozapine. The discussion focuses on what the evidence actually shows about efficacy, risk, and recovery, and how clinicians can communicate more clearly and confidently with patients and families.  Jonathan Meyer, MD, DLFAPA, is a Voluntary Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He serves as a Senior Academic Advisor to the California Department of State Hospitals, is a psychopharmacology consultant to the first episode psychosis program at Balboa Naval Medical Center, and has published extensively on psychopharmacology, including co-authoring The Clozapine Handbook, The Clinical Use of Antipsychotic Plasma Levels, and The Lithium Handbook with Dr. Stephen Stahl.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and EMA Wellness. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Save $100 on registration for 2026 NEI Spring Congress with code NEIPOD26  Register today at nei.global/spring  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Jeff Strawn unpack common misconceptions that complicate real-world use of antidepressants. They review evidence on efficacy, suicidality risk, mechanisms, and early side effects, and discuss how to navigate hesitancy and misinformation. The conversation also addresses when to start medication, how to balance caution with timely intervention in youth, and practical ways to strengthen trust and therapeutic alliance.  Jeffrey R. Strawn, MD, FAACAP, is a Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Clinical & Translational Pharmacology at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the Director of the UC Anxiety Disorders Research Program and the Associate Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at UC.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and EMA Wellness. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Resources  Zhang K et al. Functional connectivity predicting transdiagnostic treatment outcomes in internalizing psychopathologies. JAMA Netw Open 2025;8(9):e2530008. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.30008  Lagerberg T et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and suicidal behaviour: a population-based cohort study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022;47(4):817-23. doi: 10.1038/s41386-021-01179-z  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

As 2025 comes to an end, we revisit our most downloaded episode of the year. Join Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Carla Sharp as they explore the current conceptualization of borderline personality disorder (BPD), including diagnostic challenges, evidence-based treatments, and strategies to reduce stigma by framing BPD as a treatable condition. The conversation also highlights recent updates to the APA's BPD guidelines and what they mean for clinical practice.  Carla Sharp, PhD is a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in developmental psychopathology, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD). She is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program and serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty and Research at the University of Houston. Additionally, she directs both the Adolescent Diagnosis, Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment Center and the Developmental Psychopathology Lab at the university.    Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook X: https://nei.global/twitter

Join Drs. Andy Cutler and Roger McIntyre as they discuss the most significant advancements in psychopharmacology over the past year. Their conversation highlights groundbreaking developments and innovations in the field of psychiatry.   Roger McIntyre, MD, FRCPC, is a globally recognized psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who holds pivotal roles in academia, research, and leadership. His research primarily focuses on the phenomenology, neurobiology, and development of novel therapeutics for mood disorders. Dr. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Resources  Thanarajah ES et al. Soft drink consumption and depression mediated by gut microbiome alterations. JAMA Psychiatry 2025;82(11):1095–1102. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.2579  Durgam S et al. Lumateperone as adjunctive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder: results from a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2025;86(4):25m15848. doi: 10.4088/JCP.25m15848  Hendershot CS et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with alcohol use disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2025;82(4):395–405. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789  Aron L et al. Lithium deficiency and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2025;645:712–21. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09335-x  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In this CME episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Drs. Stephen Stahl and Roger McIntyre about recognizing and managing complex depression, particularly major depressive episodes with mixed or anxious features. They discuss how these specifiers affect diagnosis, symptom severity, and treatment response, and explore evidence-based strategies for optimizing outcomes through individualized and adjunctive approaches. Create a free NEI guest account and obtain CME/CE by participating in this activity here: https://nei.global/e270-cme Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In this CME episode, Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Christoph Correll discuss the complexities of managing bipolar disorder, with a focus on recognizing and treating mixed states. They address overlapping manic and depressive symptoms, comorbidities, and the importance of shared decision-making, family involvement, and patient education. The conversation also explores strategies to improve adherence, the impact of substance use, and the value of a collaborative, individualized approach to long-term stability and recovery. Create a free NEI guest account and obtain CME/CE by participating in this activity here: https://nei.global/e269-cme Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

This episode includes extended Q&A sessions that address your unanswered questions from the following presentations delivered at the 2025 Fall Congress in Colorado Springs, Colorado:  (00:22) A Discussion of Substance: Supporting Meaningful Improvements in the Lives of Patients Struggling With Substance Use Disorders by Brittany Albright, MD, MPH and Hara Oyedeji, DNP, PMHNP-BC (Q&A with Dr. Albright)  (34:08) Nightmares and Brainscapes: Emerging Therapeutic Avenues in the Treatment of PTSD by Lori Davis, MD and Andrew Cutler, MD (Q&A with Dr. Davis)  (47:43) Sex, Pudge, and Eyes That Close: Strategies to Address Common Psychotropic–Induced Tolerability Issues by Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH and Andrew Cutler, MD (Q&A with Dr. Citrome)   (55:00) When Less Is More: Strategies for Deprescribing Psychotropic Medications by Jeffrey Strawn, MD and Kari Franson, PharmD, PhD, BCPP (Q&A with Dr. Strawn)  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast – available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology? Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In recognition of Stress Awareness Week, the NEI Podcast revisits a vital conversation with Dr. Joan Striebel about the syndrome of catatonia—a condition that can emerge from profound psychological or physiological stress. Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Striebel discuss its dynamic presentation, the importance of treating underlying causes, and why clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating complex or unexplained psychiatric symptoms. This re-release highlights key insights to help clinicians recognize and manage catatonia more effectively in practice.  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Ryan Sultán about the evolving landscape of ADHD—why diagnoses and prescriptions have risen across age groups, what recent prescribing data reveal, and how these trends align with real-world clinical experience. They explore how ADHD medications affect not just symptoms but broader outcomes like school, work, and safety, while also addressing concerns about overdiagnosis, misuse, and disparities in access to care.   Dr. Ryan Sultan is a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He is the Medical Director of NYC-based Integrative Psychiatry, where he assesses and treats patients using a combination of psychological, social, environmental, and pharmacological modalities. Integrative Psychiatry also provides ADHD treatment in Miami. As an ADHD psychiatrist, he conducts extensive ADHD research with a focus on using big data to improve ADHD treatment in real world settings, advocating for non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD, coaching, and digital tools as a foundational treatment that precedes or supplements medication. He approaches ADHD treatment with a nuanced understanding of the current misuse and overdiagnosis crisis, and addresses this issue through careful assessment and monitoring.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter 

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Peter Weiden about when and how to switch antipsychotics in schizophrenia, tackling both the pitfalls and opportunities clinicians face in practice. They also explore how xanomeline–trospium has opened the door to treatments beyond dopamine and what this shift means for the future of care.  Peter J. Weiden, MD, is a psychiatrist and internationally recognized expert in the pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia. His research and clinical work have focused on antipsychotic effectiveness, switching strategies, and medication adherence, with a particular emphasis on optimizing long-term outcomes for patients.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast  Interested in Psychopharmacology?  Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp   Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:  YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube  Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram  LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin  Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook  X: https://nei.global/twitter