Hatherleigh Behavioral Health

Upcoming Topics

Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions in the Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Mood Disorders
Rodolfo A. Trivisonno, MD

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric problems in the United States. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are just as common, especially in women. It is known that both hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect brain function and are associated with depression, bipolar disorder, rapid cycling, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Clinical experience and research studies have indicated that thyroid hormone imbalances can cause psychiatric symptoms. This lesson describes the integrative approach required to make a correct diagnosis and manage these cases effectively.

Psychopharmacology of Psilocybin Response in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Mujeeb U. Shad, MD, MSCS, DFAPA

Treatment-resistant depression is associated with significant functional impairment, a decrease in quality of life, and a reduction in productive years or even loss of life. Although currently available drugs are effective in managing depression, they may take time for optimal efficacy and provide inadequate or no relief from depressive symptoms. Most used antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, carry some short- and long-term adverse effects with initial anxiogenic effects followed by sexual dysfunction and long-term cognitive blunting and emotional numbness. Several of these unmet needs are addressed by newer antidepressants, including FDA-approved psychedelics, intranasal esketamine, and unapproved psilocybin, put on a fast track by the FDA. This review presents findings from psilocybin studies and analyzes clinically relevant and mechanism-based psychopharmacology of psilocybin, which activates all subtypes of serotonin receptors, resulting in entirely different clinical outcomes and neurobiological effects.

Pediatric Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use: Comorbidity, Clinical Pearls, and Treatment
Ajay Shah, MD; Sherin Kurian, MD; Rithvick Kumar, BSc; Edore Onigu-Otite, MD; Kirti Saxena, MD

Pediatric bipolar disorder remains a challenging diagnosis to make given the overlap of mood symptoms associated with bipolar disorder (irritability, changes in sleep patterns, mood shifts) and what may be considered typical of normally developing adolescents. Clinically, the co-occurrence of PBD and substance use disorder complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Alcohol and cannabis are the most commonly used substances in bipolar disorder patients, followed by cocaine and then stimulants. This review aims to help clinicians potentially improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for young people facing these dual challenges, making it a critical contribution to child and adolescent psychiatry and public health.

Metabolic Issues: Side Effects of Antipsychotics
Syed Iqbal, MD; Kathleen McDeavitt, MD; Jin Yong Han, MD; Benjamin T. Li, MD; Lauren Ludmila Beal, MD; Mariam Zaidi, Asim A. Shah, MD

Chronic mental illnesses need prolonged use of antipsychotic treatment to maintain remission of symptoms. First-generation antipsychotics are primarily associated with extrapyramidal side effects and dyskinetic movement disorders. The second-generation antipsychotics SGA are commonly used, associated with metabolic side effects collectively named metabolic syndrome, including weight gain, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. This lesson highlights the importance of prompt treatment, monitoring, and patient education for lifestyle modifications to mitigate metabolic side effects.

Climate Vulnerabilities in Schizophrenia: A Guide for Clinicians
Carol Lim, MD, MPH; Oliver Freudenreich, MD, FACLP

Psychological responses to climate change can impact mental health stability and impede practical preparedness for environmental challenges. Extreme weather events, including heat waves, pose risks to mental health and physical health, disproportionately impacting patients with schizophrenia due to both disease-specific and environmental factors. This lesson discusses eco-anxiety, examines the factors contributing to the heightened vulnerability of patients with schizophrenia to the effects of heat waves, and provides guidance for mental health clinicians to support patient preparedness and resilience.

Plus 15 more exciting and authoritative topics!