In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Cummings, who has spent his career at the world's largest forensic state hospital, and child psychiatrist Dr. Blaire Heath, to examine how fixed false beliefs, or delusions, can lead to aggression and violence. Each guest brings their expertise to discuss the major delusion types most associated with harm in forensic settings, including persecutory, Capgras (impostor syndrome involving loved ones), Cotard's ("I am dead"), erotomanic, jealous (Othello syndrome), somatic, and referential delusions. 

The episode covers practical clinical tools, including the Simple Delusional Syndrome Scale and Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale, the role of clozapine in reducing violence risk, and the use of cognitive behavioral therapy to create psychological "escape routes" by treating delusions as testable hypotheses. Modern risks are also addressed, including how AI chatbots and algorithms can reinforce and amplify delusional thinking and contribute to emerging cases of AI-related psychosis. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder hosts a conversation with Dr. Miriam Steele, a leading expert in reflective functioning (RF), mentalization, and attachment theory. They explore the origins of RF from the pioneering work of Peter Fonagy and John Bowlby in the London Parent-Child Project, its role in predicting secure attachments and sensitive parenting, and distinctions from empathy. Conversation topics include cutting-edge research on mentalization-based treatment (MBT) and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders, therapist RF's impact on patient outcomes, body image representations, and smartphone effects on parent-child bonds.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

Main Attachment

In this compelling episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with New York Times bestselling author and psychotherapist Daniel Smith to explore his latest book, Hard Feelings: Finding the Wisdom in Our Darkest Emotions. They dive deep into the often-avoided world of "negative" emotions like shame, envy, and annoyance, revealing how these hard feelings carry profound wisdom rather than being obstacles to banish. Drawing from Smith's personal experiences, they discuss double binds, screen memories, dissociation, and the freezing response that shame can trigger. The conversation also covers annoyance as a temperament trait tied to highly sensitive, hyperpermeable nervous systems, noise sensitivity struggles, links to traits like idealization/devaluation in borderline patterns, and much more. Listen now for raw, insightful reflections on emotional authenticity and mental health.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Douglas Flemons, a seasoned marriage and family therapist and author of the newly released Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice. Drawing from over 30 years of supervising family therapists, Dr. Flemons redefines empathy as an active, pursued skill rather than a passive feeling, distinguishing it sharply from sympathy. Explore common misconceptions, the pitfalls of sympathetic responses, debates on cognitive versus affective empathy, the role of microexpressions and universal affective states, and practical strategies for building genuine therapeutic connections without imposing interpretations or judgment.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, we welcome psychiatrists Dr. Jennifer Reid (author of Guilt Free: Reclaiming Your Life from Unreasonable Expectations) who explores why guilt feels so overwhelming amid post-COVID pressures, perfectionism, and endless roles. Dr. Reid and Dr. Puder differentiate guilt from shame, highlighting adaptive healthy guilt for repairing relationships versus maladaptive generalized guilt tied to depression, anxiety, burnout, and cognitive distortions. The discussion covers childhood roots like parentification and socialization, narcissism's reduced guilt, therapist/doctor identity struggles with moral injury, and practical strategies like boundary-setting, reframing expectations, and safely referring unsafe patients without guilt. Ideal for anyone battling unreasonable self-expectations, mental health providers seeking tools to manage guilt in patients and themselves, or listeners wanting to break free and reclaim emotional freedom through self-compassion and realistic accountability.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder hosts a discussion on schizoid personality dynamics through the lens of Franz Kafka's life and writings. Discover why the DSM-5's surface-level criteria for schizoid personality disorder falls short, often missing the intense inner conflict between a profound yearning for connection and a paralyzing fear of engulfment. Drawing on the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM), Nancy McWilliams' insightful perspectives, and Kafka's unsent "Letter to His Father" plus classics like "The Metamorphosis," the group explores how schizoid traits differ from autism, involve hypersensitivity rather than social cue deficits, and manifest in creative, introspective individuals.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, renowned psychologist Paul Wachtel, PhD, returns to explore disavowed anger and disavowed positive emotions in psychotherapy. Discover how anger differs from simple repression, its roots in childhood and preverbal experiences, its positive functions (like self-protection, boundaries, and drive), and the vicious cycles of over-niceness that can lead to frustration, psychosomatic symptoms, or explosive outbursts.

Dr. Wachtel also contrasts collaborative, integrative approaches with more adversarial models, emphasizing how therapists can help patients reclaim disallowed emotions for a fuller, healthier sense of self.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

Join Dr. David Puder and renowned psychodynamic expert Dr. Frank Yeomans in this Q&A episode on countertransference, transference, and projective identification in psychotherapy. Drawing from object relations theory and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), Dr. Yeomans illustrates these concepts with real clinical examples. Explore how therapists can harness countertransference to deepen empathy, how this differs from DBT, the challenges of training, and the limitations of AI in therapy. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

Prolonged conversations with ChatGPT and other LLM chatbots have created rapid developments of severe delusions, paranoia, and even death by suicide in some cases. In this episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with Columbia researchers Dr. Amandeep Jutla and Dr. Ragy Girgis to unpack five shocking real-world cases, explain why large language models are dangerously sycophantic, trained to agree, mirror, and amplify any idea instead of challenging it. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. Puder is joined by Dr. Liam Browning and Dr. Nicholas Fabiano to explore the complex genetic and environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia. They unpack how heritability is measured, what twin and genome-wide association studies reveal, and why the "missing heritability" problem matters for our understanding of mental illness.

The discussion also covers how prenatal factors, childhood trauma, cannabis use, and social adversity increase risk and how modern neuroscience reframes schizophrenia as a disorder of brain connectivity rather than a single genetic disease.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Dr. Brandon Luu explore the science of sleep deprivation. How missing sleep impacts your brain, metabolism, emotions, and long-term health. Discover evidence-based strategies that can help you protect cognitive performance and recover from sleep loss, including exercise, creatine, caffeine, and bright light therapy.

We'll discuss studies showing how even short bouts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), proper creatine dosing, and morning light exposure can reverse many of the damaging effects of sleep restriction.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by world-renowned psychologist Diana Diamond, PhD to explore devaluation, narcissism, attachment, and transference in psychotherapy. Together they examine why patients with narcissistic personality traits or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often devalue their therapists, how dismissing and disorganized attachment styles shape treatment, and why these cycles can be so painful for clinicians.

Dr. Diamond shares clinical insights from Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), including how to recognize subtle and overt devaluation, how to hold boundaries, how to think psychodynamically about these behaviors, and how to respond without reenacting the patient's internal object relations. The discussion also highlights the role of trauma, reflective functioning, countertransference, and the deeper tragedy of pathological narcissism.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 0.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, we explore how intergenerational trauma shapes attachment patterns and how reflective function (RF) and mentalization can help break the cycle. Drawing on research from Fonagy, Slade, and Berthelot, we examine how trauma-specific reflective functioning influences disorganized attachment and how therapies such as Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), and Minding the Baby (MTB) strengthen reflective capacity and promote secure attachment.

Join Dr. David Puder and colleagues as they discuss the science of mentalization, attachment repair, and trauma healing, bringing together psychoanalytic, developmental, and biological perspectives to offer hope and clinical insight for patients, parents, and therapists alike.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by OCD specialist Kevin Foss to dive deep into Real Event OCD, which is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where real past experiences become the focus of endless rumination, guilt, and shame. Together, they unpack the symptoms, real-life examples, and how this subtype differs from PTSD, moral injury, and other forms of OCD. The discussion highlights evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and medication options, while also offering guidance for loved ones supporting someone with OCD.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Mark Ruffalo dive into the history and theory of identity diffusion, from Kernberg's structural model and Gunderson's work on BPD to Akhtar's clinical descriptions. We explore how identity diffusion shows up in patients' lived experiences?feelings of emptiness, fractured self-image, lack of authenticity?and what these struggles mean for psychotherapy. You'll also hear practical insights into treatment, including empathetic confrontation, fostering continuity of self, and amplifying moments of authenticity. Whether you're a clinician, student, or simply curious about the complexities of identity, this conversation sheds light on one of the most important yet misunderstood dimensions of mental health.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

In this episode, we explore the latest 2025 research on cannabis and mental health. Our discussion covers how cannabis use impacts depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep, cognitive function, and cannabis use disorder (CUD). While many patients report short-term relief from symptoms, studies reveal complex risks, including increased odds of mood disorders, suicidality, impaired cognition, and withdrawal challenges.

We also examine the evidence behind medical marijuana for PTSD and anxiety, the role of CBD and terpenes, and the long-term effects of cannabis on brain development, academic performance, and overall health. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or someone curious about cannabis and psychiatry, this update will help you better understand the science, myths, and clinical realities of cannabis use.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Parenting brings love, joy and plenty of emotional challenges. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Alissa Jerud explores how parents can better understand and regulate their emotions instead of getting stuck in cycles of frustration, anxiety, or control. Drawing on exposure therapy, DBT skills, and her Emotion-Savvy Parenting approach, Dr. Jerud introduces practical tools: the ART framework (Accept, Regulate, Tolerate) to help parents stay grounded during emotional storms.

Whether it's managing anxiety, tolerating distress, or responding more calmly to your kids, this conversation is full of evidence-based strategies for building resilience, deepening connection, and showing up as the parent you want to be.

Connect with Alissa Jerud on her Instagram or LinkedIn

Check out her new book Emotion-Savvy Parenting. 

Announcement: for interest in psychotherapy cohort, go to www.psychiatrypodcast.com/cohort

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube 

In this episode, I engage in a shared-interest conversation with Dr. David Mintz, a psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience at the Austen Riggs Center, about his book Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: Caring for the Treatment-Resistant Patient. Mintz explores the integration of psychodynamic principles into medication prescribing, emphasizing that psychiatric treatments are not purely biomedical but profoundly shaped by meaning, symbolism, attachment and interpersonal dynamics. Drawing from his work with treatment-resistant patients, often those with histories of early adversity, the discussion distills how psychodynamics influence medication efficacy, adherence, and overall recovery.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Catatonia in children and teens is underdiagnosed, frequently misunderstood, and potentially fatal if left untreated. In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Dr. Annabel Kuhn interview Dr. Joshua Ryan Smith?child and adolescent psychiatrist and division director at Vanderbilt University?to explore the essential clinical skills and medical knowledge needed to identify and treat pediatric catatonia.

You'll learn how to differentiate catatonia from other neuropsychiatric conditions in both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, how to apply tools like the Bush-Francis and Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scales. This episode also unpacks common misdiagnoses in cases involving autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and autoimmune or metabolic conditions. Finally, it offers practical, evidence-based guidance for both inpatient stabilization and outpatient follow-up care.

Whether you're a psychiatrist, pediatrician, therapist, or student, this episode offers life-saving insights into one of the most overlooked syndromes in child psychiatry.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Eric Bender to explore the psychological depth of the Emmy Award-winning show, The Bear (FX). Through a psychodynamic lens, they examine Carmy's character?his trauma, complex PTSD, obsessive-compulsive personality traits, and avoidant attachment style. They also break down the borderline dynamics in his family, especially his mother's primitive defenses, identity diffusion, and projective identification.

The discussion covers dissociation, personality styles, sibling roles, and emotional neglect, drawing connections to clinical work and real-life therapy. This episode gives both clinicians and fans of the show a nuanced understanding of how early attachment, trauma, and family dynamics shape adult behavior.

Whether you're a therapist, student, or simply a fan of the show, you'll gain insight into how The Bear reflects complex inner worlds.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Dr. David Puder and psychologist Dr. Jonathan Shedler explore depressive personality style?how it differs from clinical depression and why it often goes unrecognized. Through a detailed role play, they demonstrate how self-criticism, unconscious guilt, emotional deprivation, and suppressed anger emerge in therapy.

They discuss:

How depressive personalities form in childhood

The role of introjection, self-blame, and gentle idealization

Why therapists may miss key dynamics if therapy feels "too good"

How to help patients access their real needs and frustrations

This episode is ideal for clinicians and anyone interested in deep psychodynamic work. Shedler draws from the work of Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg while offering his own insights on personality, countertransference, and therapeutic technique.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 2 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Dive deep into the connection between cannabis (THC) and psychosis in this enlightening episode with Dr. David Puder. Explore cutting-edge research on how cannabis impacts neurodevelopment, particularly during adolescence, and discover genetic and environmental factors that can amplify psychosis risk. This episode provides valuable insights into recognizing cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, understanding the importance of early intervention, and implementing effective strategies for treatment and prevention. Essential listening for mental health professionals, educators, parents, and anyone interested in the nuanced relationship between cannabis use and mental health.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. Otto Kernberg, a pioneer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), discusses personality disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. Explore key insights into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), identity diffusion, primitive defense mechanisms such as splitting and projective identification, and the complexities of narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, and histrionic personalities. Dr. Kernberg also shares reflections on sexuality, aggression, reflective functioning, and why therapists choose to help others.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Dr. David Puder hosts a deep dive with experts Nicholas Fabiano, MD, Brandon Luu, MD, Joshua Mangunsong, MS3, and Liam Browning, MS4 into the exciting potential of creatine supplementation for mental health and cognitive enhancement. They explore cutting-edge research on how creatine can improve mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning, and support brain metabolism through its role in ATP regeneration. The episode also reviews clinical trials demonstrating creatine's effectiveness in psychiatric disorders, optimal dosing strategies, and its safety profile. Listen to learn how creatine may revolutionize treatment options in psychiatry.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Explore the transformative potential of the ketogenic diet for mental health with expert Dr. Matt Bernstein, a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. Learn how targeting metabolic dysfunction can profoundly improve psychiatric outcomes in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy, with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Discover actionable insights on diet, metabolism, and brain health backed by the latest scientific research.

Tune in to revolutionize your understanding of nutrition's role in mental wellness!

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Join Dr. David Puder and expert psychopharmacologist Dr. Michael Cummings in a detailed discussion on Clozapine, the gold standard medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. They explore recent significant updates, including the removal of the Clozapine REMS program, which simplifies patient care and medication management.

This episode covers optimal dosing practices, managing side effects, crucial drug interactions, and approaches to related conditions such as catatonia. An essential resource for psychiatrists and mental health professionals seeking updated clinical insights.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Is depression really caused by low serotonin? Dr. Awais Aftab joins Dr. David Puder to explore the serotonin hypothesis, antidepressant efficacy, and the controversies surrounding SSRIs. They dive into the history of the serotonin deficiency theory, key research on antidepressants vs. placebo, and how neuroplasticity, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes factor into depression treatment. The episode also examines differences between major treatment guidelines, including RANZCP and NICE, and what the latest evidence suggests about the future of mental health care.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Links for Dr. Awais Aftab:

Substack

World Psychiatry

Conversations in Critical Psychiatry

In this episode, Dr. David Puder interviews Dr. Frank Yeomans, a leading expert in Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and personality disorders, to explore the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They discuss object relations theory, identity diffusion, splitting, and the therapeutic relationship in TFP. Dr. Yeomans shares clinical insights on working with paranoid, devaluing, and omnipotent transferences, highlighting how therapists can navigate idealization, devaluation, and therapeutic neutrality. They also compare TFP with other psychodynamic approaches and discuss the role of aggression in mentalization and personality integration.

Tune in for a deep dive into psychodynamic therapy with one of the field's top experts!

By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog

Link to YouTube video

How do we navigate therapy termination as a transition rather than a loss? In this episode, Dr. John Tarr explores the emotions, challenges, and growth opportunities that come with ending therapy. We discuss how termination triggers past attachment wounds, the psychological impact of separation, and how therapists can guide patients through this process. Learn how reframing 'goodbye' can lead to lasting transformation, self-reflection, and autonomy. Whether you're a therapist or someone in therapy, this episode provides deep insights into the complexities of closure, loss, and resilience in psychotherapy.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Can cold exposure improve your mental health? In this episode, we explore the science behind cold therapy methods like ice baths, cryotherapy, cold-water swimming, and cold showers. Backed by research, we dive into the physiological and psychological effects of cold exposure, including its impact on mood, anxiety, dopamine, norepinephrine, and stress resilience.

We discuss historical practices, benefits for mental and physical health, and common misconceptions around claims like immune boosting and inflammation reduction. Learn practical tips, safety precautions, and how cold immersion could fit into your mental health or wellness routine.

Whether you're curious about the Wim Hof Method, the dopamine-boosting effects of cold plunges, or the latest studies on cold exposure's antidepressant potential, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of the Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast, Dr. David Puder is joined by Mark Ruffalo to dive deep into the complexities of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Together, they unpack Donald Burnham's influential 1966 paper on splitting and identity diffusion, exploring themes of self-concept, relational dynamics, and the therapeutic challenges posed by BPD patients.

Learn how splitting impacts interpersonal relationships and therapeutic teams, the historical evolution of BPD from "pseudoneurotic schizophrenia" to a recognized DSM diagnosis, and the significance of psychodynamic and mentalization-based therapies in treatment.

Key topics include:

Whether you're a mental health professional, a student of psychiatry, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of BPD, this episode offers rich insights and evidence-based approaches for navigating this challenging and often misunderstood condition.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

 Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Can exercise truly rival medications and therapy for treating depression? In this episode, Dr. David Puder, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, and Dr. Brendon Stubbs dive deep into the science of physical activity as a treatment for mental health. Discover the unique antidepressant mechanisms of exercise, how it compares to traditional treatments, and practical tips for prescribing it to patients. Learn about the optimal types, doses, and benefits of exercise, including its impact on mood, resilience, and cognitive health.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder sits down with Dr. Stijn Vanheule, professor of clinical psychology and psychoanalysis, to challenge misconceptions about psychosis and explore paths to understanding and recovery. They discuss psychosis as more than a clinical label, delving into its connection to existential struggles and creative expression.

Dr. Vanheule explains primary-process thinking, how traumatic events can disrupt the mind's coherence, and the importance of empathic listening in therapy. Drawing on examples like Carl Jung's Red Book and Annie Rogers' creative processes, the conversation highlights the therapeutic potential of integrating psychoanalysis, creativity, and supportive environments.

Whether you're a mental health professional, caregiver, or curious listener, this episode provides insights into how psychotic experiences can be understood, respected, and addressed through innovative approaches.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder dives deep into the world of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with renowned expert Dr. Fred Penzel, who brings over 43 years of experience to the table. Together, they explore groundbreaking approaches to treating OCD, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), cognitive restructuring, and embracing uncertainty. Dr. Penzel shares fascinating insights into the neurobiology of OCD, the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, and effective strategies for lasting recovery.

Whether you're a clinician seeking best practices or someone navigating OCD, this episode offers a wealth of practical tools, compelling stories, and hope. Uncover why OCD is called the "doubting disease" and how evidence-based methods can break its grip. This is more than a podcast?it's a roadmap to understanding and overcoming one of the most challenging mental health conditions.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder, alongside experts Anthony Bateman, Dr. Brandon Unruh, and Robert Drozek, delves into the complexities of treating pathological narcissism with Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). They explore practical strategies to help individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships. Learn how MBT can transform the therapeutic journey for those who often feel misunderstood or resistant to change. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we explore the emotional toll of burnout on healthcare professionals with Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee System. Burnout often manifests as depersonalization?a form of emotional detachment that shields clinicians from the relentless trauma they witness. Dr. Gold delves into how this protective mechanism can lead to emotional numbness, distancing healthcare workers from their patients and even themselves.

We discuss the concept of alexithymia, where prolonged detachment causes clinicians to lose touch with their own emotions, making it challenging to process trauma or empathize with patients. Dr. Gold offers practical strategies for overcoming burnout, such as early intervention, therapy, setting emotional boundaries, and advocating for systemic change within healthcare institutions. Tune in to learn how reconnecting with the meaning behind their work can help clinicians rediscover a sense of purpose and resilience in their careers.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder, alongside guests Rachel Blackston and Dr. Eric Bender, dives into the psychological insights presented in Pixar's Inside Out 2. Together, they explore the complex emotional world of adolescence, focusing on the challenges Riley faces as she navigates new emotions?like Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment?that reflect common experiences during teenage years. Through expert analysis, the conversation unpacks how these emotions influence identity formation, self-doubt, and social dynamics. The discussion also addresses the impact of childhood experiences, how adolescents process peer pressures, and the role of parental responses in supporting emotional growth. Join us as we delve into the film's depiction of teenage mental health and its psychological accuracy, providing parents, therapists, and teens themselves with valuable takeaways on emotional resilience and self-discovery.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is known for its complexity, but how should clinicians approach treatment? In this episode, Dr. Michael Cummings joins us to explore the role of medications in managing BPD, when to use them, and why psychotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. From pharmacotherapy to alternative approaches like exercise and omega-3s, we break down the latest evidence and offer practical insights for clinicians. Don't miss this deep dive into managing one of psychiatry's most challenging disorders.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Join Dr. David Puder and renowned psychopharmacologist Dr. Michael Cummings as they dive deep into the complex relationship between psychiatric medications and weight gain. In this episode, they explore the metabolic challenges posed by antipsychotic medications, focusing on cutting-edge solutions like GLP-1 agonists. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone impacted by these medications, this conversation offers practical insights on how to manage medication-induced weight gain through diet, exercise, and pharmacological interventions. Learn how to tackle this growing issue in mental health care with a thoughtful, science-backed approach.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we explore the innovative work of Dr. Paul L. Wachtel, a leading psychologist known for his integrative approach to psychotherapy. Dr. Wachtel challenges single-framework therapy models, advocating for a flexible approach that draws from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and other modalities. We discuss his concept of the "disavowed self"?the parts of oneself that are unconsciously denied?and how therapists can help clients reclaim these aspects to foster growth.

We also dive into how attachment theory and integrative methods can be used to treat anxiety, phobias, and interpersonal issues, providing practical insights for both therapists and those interested in understanding human behavior more deeply. Join us for an engaging conversation on advancing therapeutic practices.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Liam Browning delve into the ancient practice of sauna and modern heat exposure therapies, exploring how they influence both physical and mental health. From boosting cardiovascular and cognitive health to potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and chronic diseases, this discussion reveals the science behind heat therapy's therapeutic effects. Discover how cultures worldwide have utilized heat for healing, the physiological benefits it offers, and practical insights into incorporating these practices into daily life. Join us as we uncover the evidence-based benefits and limitations of sauna use, exercise, and other heat therapies.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of expressive writing and explore how turning your trauma into a narrative can lead to real mental and physical benefits.

Join us as we break down the science behind the Expressive Writing Paradigm and share groundbreaking research by Dr. James Pennebaker and others. From reducing PTSD symptoms to improving mood and stress levels, discover how this simple yet powerful technique can help you process emotions, gain new insights, and ultimately promote long-term healing.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Eating disorders are often understood through a medical or behavioral lens, focusing on symptom reduction. But what if we've overlooked something deeper?something rooted in the complex emotional lives of our patients? In this episode, Dr. Tom Wooldridge, a psychoanalyst and expert in eating disorders, joins Dr. David Puder to explore the psychoanalytic perspective on treating these conditions.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

There is an extensive history of psychiatry and politics intersecting. Perhaps the most visible flashpoint occurred during the 1964 presidential campaign and gave rise to a movement in organized psychiatry that has resulted in issuance of formal ethical guidance (the "Goldwater Rule"). In this episode, Dr. David Puder and Dr. Mark Mullen discuss the pros and pitfalls of the Goldwater Rule and psychiatry's role in politics. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this week's episode, we continue our series on Adverse Childhood Experiences by delving deeper into the lasting effect of ACEs on the brain and body. We explore the intricate impact of ACEs on the HPA axis, inflammation, and neurobiology, shedding light on their role in various psychiatric disorders. We highlight how these changes may indicate a shared phenotype resulting from early adversity but that they likely do not explain the entire effect ACEs have on an individual.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Listening to The Shrink Next Door elicited a range of emotions in me, including angst, sadness, intrigue, and heartache. For those unfamiliar with the story, it revolves around a psychiatrist named Ike who isolates his patient, Marty, from his family, takes over his business, lives in his house, charges him over a million dollars, and makes him undertake various projects for him. We will discuss the podcast's characters as if they are fictional. The podcast, akin to House of Cards for the psychotherapy world, reveals the manipulation and betrayal that can occur behind the scenes. Just as House of Cards exposed viewers to the Machiavellian tactics in politics, The Shrink Next Door disrupts the sacred space of the therapy office.

This week, I am joined by Dr. Eric Bender, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, to discuss, The Shrink Next Door. Dr. Bender practices in San Francisco, has been featured multiple times on GQ's online show The Breakdown, Wired magazine's Tech Help, and on YouTube.

The purpose of this episode is to provide a clear and simple guide for clinicians on the diagnosis of complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and how it differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is intended to complement and add to recent episodes on attachment and trauma: 213: Reflective Functioning, 203 and 204 on adverse childhood experiences. 

In today's episode of the podcast, we are joined by Dr. Adam Borecky. Dr. Borecky is a psychiatrist and therapist who helped author the Connection Index and is part of Dr. Puder's core team. His practice utilizes a holistic approach towards therapy and medication management.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Cummings to answer questions sent in by podcast listeners. Topics include Valproic Acid, Lithium, Treating Veterans, Restless Leg Syndrome, and much more. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In this episode, we discuss "reflective function," which is a precursor to the concept of mentalization. Reflective function is best understood not as synonymous with mentalization, but as a scale from -1 to 9, based off certain adult attachment interview questions that measure the person's ability to describe their own and others' internal states, motivations, and articulate a nuanced and unique understanding of life from 0 to 12 years old. This scale was developed by attachment researchers at the University of London, including Dr. Howard Steele and Dr. Peter Fonagy.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Bruce Perry who co-authored, The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered, and What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021). We are also joined by Megan White Zappitelli, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Maddison Hussey, M.D., a child and adolescent fellow. 

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.