The Experts Speak - An Educational Service of the Florida Psychiatric Society

Long-Acting Naltrexone - Another Addiction Treatment Tool

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:54:54 -0400

Aldo Morales, MD, explains how monthly naltrexone injections block the euphoria from opiates and alcohol, and how this can help the addict in their treatment.

Same-Sex Marriages - An Insider's Thoughts

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 7 May 2012 08:25:21 -0400

Donald Cavanaugh discusses his insider thoughts, observations and experiences about the psychological realities of same-sex marriages.

Fetal Development in a Polluted Environment

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:36:34 -0400

Susan Buchanan MD explains the impact of lead and mercury on fetal development, how to reduce the metal and pesticide exposures, etc. She also speaks about the endocrine disruptor influence on current living systems and across generations.

Obesity in a Slim Oriented Society

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:09:11 -0400

Andrew Rosen, PhD, examines the nature of the etiologies and treatments, personal self-image, possible denial, social and cultural perspectives,and other motivations and personality characteristics found in the obese person.

Parenting the Parent of the Abused Child

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 6 Mar 2012 12:48:55 -0500

Shari Kaplan, LCSW, outlines the critically important steps in dealing with the emotions in both an abused child and his/her parents.

Psychiatric Misdiagnosis

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:20:53 -0500

Mindy Rosenbloom MD,a psychiatrist from Brown University, explains why a correct diagnosis can be missed.

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:22:57 -0500

Robert SIlber MD explains the characteristics of IBS, how to do a proper work-up, and the 65% overlap with psychiatric disorders.

Glutamate and its Role in Schizophrenia

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:02:45 -0500

Joshua Kantrowitz MD explains the growing and exciting science of NMDA and glutamate's roles in understanding, and perhaps treating, schizophrenia.

Holiday Blues - Again

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 09:39:21 -0500

Joan Magill, PsyD, returns with a further discussion of the very common problem of holiday blues,how it is real suffering, and how it differs from major depressions, causes and interventions, personal expectations and disappointments, anniversary grief and lost feelings even away from the standard major holidays, etc

Child Sexual Abuse

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:51:48 -0500

Ryan Hall, MD, forensic psychiatrist, discusses many of the complex aspects of pedophilia: the types, origins, definitions, victim treatment, offender treatment, frequency, relapse, and impact of computer pornography

Hypnosis To Quit Smoking

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:13:38 -0500

Robert Heller EdD, a hypnotherapist, explains how hypnosis is used to stop cigarette use, who and why some are more likely to benefit, some observations on nicotine addiction, etc..

Methamphetamine

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:26:45 -0400

Robert Moran, MD, speaks to the nature, the dangers, and the treatment issues surrounding methamphetamine use.

Living With Schizophrenia

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:13:57 -0400

Richard Greer, MD, speaks to life for the patients and families that need to live with schizophrenia, including looks at long term problems, treatments, challenges, etc.

Young Girls and Women - Challenges to their Self-Images and Confidence

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:19:56 -0400

Caryn Schorr MD opens a discussion of the notions of the challenges that young girls and women have in developing a good self-image and sense of self.

End of Life Psychiatry

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:15:08 -0400

Jonathan Stewart MD, Professor at the University of South Florida, speaks to how psychiatry is quite helpful even in the very last stages in life, the role of medications, pain control, feeling a sense of closure, spirituality, family issues, the interaction with hospice, etc.

The Culture of Domestic Violence

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 1 Sep 2011 07:53:48 -0400

Ryan Hall MD discusses domestic violence, that both men and women can be victims, its presence in many cultures, the reasons for it and why people don't leave, help lines, how to intervene, etc.

Physician Burnout: How and Why

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:53:46 -0400

Jerry Williamson MD outlines the causes, stages and dangers of physician burnout. He also speaks to the critical need to intervene, the psychological makeup of many physicians, and ideas about treatment.

Good New News About MAOI Antidepressants

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:06:17 -0400

Stephan Quentzel, MD, explains the logic and advantage about the new delivery formulation of an MAOI antidepressant. This old class of medications can now be used in a safer manner. He also talks about the history of MAOI, how it works, etc.

Communication Skills Can and Do Resolve Conflict

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 09:27:58 -0400

Virgina Buki MD, a psychiatrist, outlines the role and need for good communication skills in conflict resolution and therapy. She discusses how to turn complaints into requests, the use of feelings to undo power struggles, how to use a communication model to reduce conflict., etc These are very important and very key social and communication skills.

Why People Bully

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:36:43 -0400

Phil Heller, PsyD, explains the reasons why people bully. He speaks of the fears generated in those who are bullied, cyberstalking, the internet’s role in bullying, that those who bully seek power, the new diagnosis of callous conduct disorder, of why crowds will watch but not intervene with bullying, etc.

When Anxiety Turns Into Depression

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:38:14 -0400

Tom Quinn PhD, describes how chronic or uncontrolled anxiety can become a depression, that anxiety has been known to cause suicide, and of ways to avoid and treat an anxiety that may become a depression.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 15:07:09 -0400

Robert Heller, EdD, practices clinical hypnosis. He speaks to the nature and use of hypnosis for a wide range of clinical conditions, including chronic pain.

INSIDE: The Modern Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:43:31 -0400

Maxie Gordon, MD, runs an in-patient psychiatric unit at the University of Mississippi Medical School. He explains the admission, work-up and treatment and discharge process, how civil rights are protected, the role of stigma, and the real goal of psychiatric hospitalization.

Bullying -- Part One

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:42:48 -0400

Phil Heller, PsyD, outlines the nature, styles, motivations, power, and danger of bullying for those who bully and those who are bullied. He also speaks to how bullying can have a more nasty impact now because of the speed and size of the internet. This is part one of a two part interview.

Human Genomics and Genetics

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 07:35:17 -0400

Joy Lee Johnson, PhD, and Kayle Czape, MS, both from the Hussman Institute of Human Genomics in Miami, explain the rapid and intriguing knowledge base about human genetics, its relationship to some diseases, the importance of family genetic history and proper ways to benefit from it, the Genetic Awareness Project, etc.

The Teenager's Brain

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 21 May 2011 12:52:38 -0400

David Gross MD, a psychiatrist, outlines interesting data that reveals how the teenagers neurologically incomplete brain development explains many behaviors. The brain is not fully developed until the mid or late 20's.

Rational Emotive Therapy

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 13 May 2011 06:53:53 -0400

Psychologist Robert Heller explains the nature and forms of RET -- Rational Emotive Therapy, also referred to as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. He explains the techniques, time course, on what aspects of the problem that gets attention, etc.

After A Homicide - The Grieving Process

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 08:27:52 -0400

Stefan Pasternack MD talks of the unique and often difficult process of the bereavement process following a loss through homicide. Included are discussions of the media, inner city experiences, guilt, denial, and repression and anger.

Skin Picking - Hair Pulling: Trichotillomania

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:19:34 -0400

Christina Pearson, founder of the Trichotillomania Learning Center, offers a through review and explanation of this condition, some of the conceptual ideas behind it, it's frequency, and how it can be treated.

LGBT Teenagers: The World for Themselves and Their Families

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 2 Apr 2011 09:50:39 -0400

Donald Cavanaugh, with this second interview, further explores the realities of coming out for both teenagers and their families. He looks at the struggles many meet, their reactions, their depression, suicide rates, other emotional and social problems, bullying, etc.

Health Effects of Nuclear Radiation - Issues Reappearing After Fukushima

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:42:52 -0400

Jimmy Hara MD, from UCLA, explains the nature of radiation, how it spreads and even gets into the food and water chains, potassium iodide, radiation induced cancer, sieverts. and other ill effects it has on life after prolonged or excessive exposure. His comments reflect the public health concerns following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident.

LGBT Teenagers -- Their World and Their Higher Suicide Rates

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 10:29:26 -0400

Donald Cavanaugh coordinates mental health, anti-bullying, and other interventions for LGBT teens and pre-teens. He speaks to the unique challenges these youngsters commonly face, including their unusually high suicide rate.

Why and How Long, Should Antidepressants Be Used

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 16:29:52 -0500

Christopher Ticknor MD, outlines the evolving science behind what depression does to the brain. He also explains the why and how-long a person might be asked to take an antidepressant.

Tardive Dyskinesia Update

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:04:44 -0500

William Glazer MD gives an overview of the condition, and talks of the risk factors, how to manage TD when it presents, and some of the research findings that are further characterizing the syndrome.

New Medications -- The Research Process -- Part 2

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 06:47:53 -0500

Andrew Cutler MD explains the process of testing for new psychiatric medications, including the use of scales to follow clinical changes, placebo, and other essential parts to make sure the medication is useful and safe. This is Part 2 of our discussions on clinical research.

Speaking for the Developmentally Disabled

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 10:20:45 -0500

Arlene Lakin, Esq., President of Florida's Voice on Developmental Disabilities, and the mother of a severely disabled son, explains the problems facing this group, for both the patients and their families, the changing demographics, the need for proper support and treatment programs and funding, and how a family should approach the challenges of caring for a disabled family member.

Mental Health Issues in the Deaf

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 07:56:36 -0500

Kim House, from the National Deaf Academy in Florida, notes the barriers to the treatment of mental health issues in the deaf, such as the lack of professionals who can communicate with them. She speaks of programs that address these problems, of the nature of sign language, the deaf culture, etc., for this minority within a minority.

Generic versus Brand Name Medications -- Understanding the Concepts and Differences

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:03:34 -0500

Pierre Blier, MD, Director of the Mood Disorders Research Unit at the University of Ottawa, explains the nature of the generic medication and how much they are allowed to differ from the branded medications.

The Immigrant Child's Mental Health Needs

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:33:21 -0800

Eugenio Rothe MD. psychiatry professor at Florida International University, outlines the special needs and pressures that can lead to mental health problems in an immigrant child. Many defining terms are explained, as are descriptions of systems that can prevent mental health issues in his group.

Response and Remission -- Goals of Treatment

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 12:51:27 -0500

James Jacobson MD, a psychiatrist, explains the goals of response and remission in the treatment of depression. He discusses the notions of how long treatment must continue, when medications might need to be changed, the Black Box warning, the importance of proper diagnosis, etc. December 2010

New Medications: Where They Come From and How They Are Tested ( Part 1 of 2)

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:03:26 -0500

Andrew Cutler MD, a psychiatrist and clinical trial researcher, explains how new medications are found, the four clinical trial phases, how the process is monitored, the difference in placebo requirements, etc. In part 2 he will explain the various testing devices used, in particular for psychiatric studies. December 2010

The Holiday Blues

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 7 Dec 2010 06:02:47 -0500

Joan Magill, PsyD, examines the differences between depression and sadness, the need to reach out to people who may appear troubled during the holiday season, of our social needs, how these conditions may present in children or the elderly, and other aspects of what are commonly called the Holiday Blues.

After Sexual and Physical Assault -- A Case of Survival and Remaking

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 06:58:31 -0500

Susan Brison, PhD, an associate professor of philosophy at Dartmouth College, was raped and left to die. She wrote a powerful and insightful book about her experience and how after the violence she rebuilt herself. She discusses those experiences in this interview.

Interesting Differences: Mental Health Services and Approaches Between the US and Australia.

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:21:19 -0500

Glenn Caddy, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who works and lives in both the United States and Australia. These are his observations in how these two counties differ in their approach to access to mental health care.

Moods and Menopause

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:55:18 -0500

Vivian Burt MD, professor emeritus of psychiatry and founder/director of the Women's Life Center at the Geffen School of Medicine (UCLA), describes the science of menopause, the role of estrogen, the clinical presentations, psychiatric risk factors, role of body weight, etc, and treatments for menopause

The Cocaine Vaccine

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:31:39 -0500

Thomas Kostan, MD, from Baylor Medical College Department of Psychiatry, is involved with the development of a cocaine vaccine. He discusses the history, the science and the realities of a vaccine to the effects of cocaine.

The Epidemic of Unintentional Drug Poisoning Deaths

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:22:48 -0500

Richard Weisler MD, from both the Duke University and University of North Carolina School's of Medicine, explains and outlines the enlarging epidemic of unintentional drug poisoning deaths. This has been called a pharmaco-epidemic. The numbers and trends are daunting, and it is a public health emergency.

Surviving After A Loved One's Suicide

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 7 Nov 2010 10:00:21 -0500

Norman Fine, whose son died by suicide, and psychologist GarrieThompson PhD, reveal the emotions and the honest, rational approaches involved after the death of a loved one by suicide.

Exploring OCD

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 4 Nov 2010 19:12:57 -0400

Jeff Szymanski PhD, executive director of the International OCD Foundation, and on staff at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, speaks of how OCD presents in children, the PANDAS concern, of conditions that look like OCD but are not, how to approach treatment,, and the range and concept of the OCD spectrum disorders.

When The Next Step In Life Is Hospice

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:47:01 -0400

Susan Strauss RN, MHS, VP of Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, explains the hospice benefit and philosophy. She speaks of the need to deal with both the patient and family, of special needs for children when they experience a death, when children are put into hospice, ethical issues, the changing demographics, and the creation of a treatment team to balance the medical, psychological and spiritual needs of all involved

Sleep Cycles and Aging

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:53:51 -0400

Darryl Appleton MD, psychiatrist and sleep specialist, explains the changes in the sleep cycle across the ages. He also speaks of sleep hygiene and the role melatonin, phase shifts, the definition and nature of insomnia, treatment, etc.

The Internet and Doctor-Patient Boundaries

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:06:02 -0400

David Brendel MD, associate director of the Pavilion at McLean Hospital, discusses the many practice, therapeutic and ethical issues of the use of social networking. This is a new world to explore. What does it mean when the doctor or patient "Google" each other? What if the found information is wrong? He discusses how this public information might impact the therapy, either for the better or worse, and so on. .

The Treatment Resistant Depression

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:13:29 -0400

Amado Suarez MD, a psychiatrist on the clinical staff of the staff of the University of South Florida, defines a treatment resistant depression, the nature of remission and response, when to change treatments, and even the impact of diagnostic errors or cultural aspects of some response patterns.

On Retiring and Better Aging

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 6 Oct 2010 13:33:40 -0400

Eric Pfeiffer, MD, a psychiatrist with a life-time of work in aging processes, speaks to the need to prepare for retirement and how to make one's aging process better. He speaks of the need for physical, social and mental activity, as well to understand and work around the reality of getting older. Retirement is now a longer phase of life.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation -- Update

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:03:13 -0400

Karl Lanoche MD, from Portsmouth NH, discusses the many exciting new and growing aspects of TMS, it's history, it's use in depression, and what new uses are being explored with conditions such as OCD, pain, tinnitis, and even adolescent depressions. There is considerable interest in how TMS is helping to locate which parts of the brain are involved with different conditions.

The Serial Sexual Killer

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:53:31 -0400

Louis Schlesinger PhD from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice discusses the nature and probable origins of the serial sexual killer. He gives an overview of the topic, and speaks of the early warning signs, the role of sexual fantasy and tension, of how often they are misdiagnosed as being psychotic, the impact of other co-morbid psychiatric influences, and of his recent study of the rituals and signatures that they may, or may not, leave with their victims, etc.

Chronic Pain in Women

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:56:06 -0400

Terrie Cowly from the TMJ Association and Chris Veasley from the National Vulvodynia Association discuss the impetus behind the End Chronic Pain in Women project. They discuss many issues, including the gender bias facing women, the need for knowledge about one’s condition, the role of support groups and of not feeling alone, the need for public awareness, better professional educations, and the need for on-going research and advocacy regarding chronic pain, especially in conditions more likely to occur in women.

Hearing Voices - An Expanded Approach

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 08:12:13 -0400

Marius Romme MD PhD, from Belgium, and founder of the International Community for Hearing Voices, explains that all voice hearing people may not have psychiatric disorders. He gives the history of these observations, of how trauma may play a role, what clinical history is needed, of intervention techniques, and of how many people learn to cope with, or recover from the voices

Major Depression - A Scientific Update

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:51:09 -0400

Matthew Thomas MD, a psychiatrist at the Florida State University, details the new biological information about the form and origin of major depression, including discussions of the role of inflammation, childhood stress, the role of glia, BDNF, glutamate, etc.

Fibromylagia and Psychiatry

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 3 Sep 2010 09:34:39 -0400

James Woods MD explains the notion, history, science and treatment of fibromyalgia. He then further explains the unique relationship of fibromylagia with psychiatry.

The African-American Community -- Suicide and Mental Health Intervention

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:43:26 -0400

Three experts discuss the rising suicide rate and other mental health issues in the African-American community. Included are mentions of micro-insults, the role of religious groups, attitudes towards reaching out for help, etc. Panel members: William Lawson MD from Howard University, Sherry Molock PhD from George Washington University, and Donna Barnes PhD from National Organization of People of Color Against Suicide.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:48:07 -0400

Katherine Phillips, MD, and director of the body dysmorphic center (BDD) at the Rhode Island Hospital, explains the nature, manifestations, prevalence, early signs of, and treatment issues for the BDD. BDD is more common than realized and is found in both sexes and across a wide age range.

PTSD - The Israeli Approach

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:29:33 -0400

Haim Knobler, MD, former head of the Israeli Defense Force department of mental health, outlines their approach and program to prevention and interventions of PTSD. He speaks how this done with the medical corps as well.

Teenagers, Play, Video Games, Etc. - An Overview

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:58:17 -0400

Joan Almon, executive director of the Alliance for Childhood, discusses the important of play to many developmental domains, including concern with the shift in our psychosocial experiences with the growing disappearance of community, non-computer based play in teenagers. She also speaks of 'stranger danger', the violence in so many games, the creative aspect of play, recommendations for screen time, the importance of being outdoors, etc.

Sexual Side Effects From Medications

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:08:58 -0400

George Nurnberg MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, explains the range and causes of medication associated sexual side effects. He also speaks about testosterone, as well nitrous oxides’ role (which is the mechanism through which the Viagra like drugs work) in sexual dysfunction. Also discussed is the connection to relationships, weight gain, pre-medication use sexual problems, other medical conditions, etc., that can produce a hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Challenging the Media's Impact on Girls' Self-Image

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:57:24 -0400

Judy Schoenberg, from the Girl Scouts of USA Research Institute, outlines a campaign to promote empower girls and women to resist the often dysfunctional impact of how the media portrays and depicts women and girls. This is in conjunction with proposed US House Bill 4925.

Rising Suicide Rates Among People of Color

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:43:43 -0400

Donna Barnes, PhD,, director of the Suicide Prevention Program at Howard University, outlines the sharp rise in suicides in the black community. She looks cultural and sociological shifts as the black community blends with the larger communities, the role of the clergy, changing family supports, how they intervene and educate the community about mental health, etc. She is also the director of the National Organization of People of Color Against Suicide, www.nopcas.org

The Narcissistic Personality

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:32:20 -0400

Elsa Ronningstam PhD discusses the nature, etiology and characteristics of the narcissistic personality. Included is a discussion of it's high prevalence in our society.

When Young Children are Caregivers

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:04:32 -0400

Connie Siskowski RN PhD, is the director of the American Association of Caregiving Youth. This is a generally unseen epidemic of younger children who are caring for sick or disabled family. The organization speaks to the problem, how the responsibilities impact young children and teenagers, and the types of interventions needed.

St-st-st-uttering

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:34:11 -0400

Lisa Scott PhD, from Florida State University, outlines the nature, treatment, emotional burdens, and some of the new developing theories about stuttering. Included are notions that it may even have a neurological or genetic component.

Vanishing and Changing Playtime Styles for Children

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 11:06:42 -0400

Joan Almon, Executive Director for the Alliance for Childhood, offers frank observations and concerns that healthy playtime for children is vanishing from our schools and society. Her comments reflect the report Crisis in The Kindergarten -- Why Children Need to Play in School.

Religion and Psychotherapy

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:30:57 -0400

Kenneth Pargament PhD describes how most mental health work underestimates the power of religion in many people's lives. He talks of the importance of exploring this dimension with a patient.

Reflections on 62 years of being a psychologist

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:43:44 -0400

Robert Weitz, PhD, is 96 years old. He worked as a clinical psychologist for 62 years. This is a spirited, instructive and thoughtful overview of his experiences and observations about mental health treatment from 1945 until is retirement just a few years ago. He talks of analysis, cognitive therapy, hypnotism, etc., and of the needed professional cooperation among all who treat mental illness.

OIL SPILL - Dealing with community collective grief

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:38:06 -0400

David Randle, EdD, from St Petersburg Florida, explains the notion of collective grief on the community and those individuals who are suffering from the multiple losses following the oil leak. He further explains the attack and loss of collective identities, and the critical need to keep community and family systems intact.

Origins and Nature of Late Life Depressions

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:37:55 -0400

Dan Blazer MD, from Duke University, speaks to items which can cause or worsen late life depression. These include the commonly considered biological issues, but he speaks too of social, psychological and spiritual-religious domains. There is an interesting discussion of wisdom.

Women: Depression & Cardiac Disease

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:47:30 -0400

Valerie Taylor MD, psychiatrist from McMaster University in Canada, speaks to the associations between depression and cardiovascular disease in women. Included are discussions of the metabolic syndrome, that adipose tissue becomes an endrocrine organ, the role of inflammation, gender bias, being overweight, etc., and how they can increase mortality and increase the risks of depression and cardiovascular problems.

Substance Abuse Among Prisoners

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 7 Jun 2010 06:23:27 -0400

Susan Foster, MSW, reports findings on the 2010 report, Behind Bars II, Substance Abuse and America's Prison Population from CASA at Columbia University (NY). She talks of the positive effect of treatment, the disparities between gender and racial-ethical needs and characteristics, and even about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. www.casacolumbia.org

Childhood Psychosis - Early Detection and Intervention

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 30 May 2010 08:58:23 -0400

Steven Adelsheim MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, talks of the program of outreach, detection, intervention and treatment for children showing early signs of psychosis. This is further outlined in the EARLY program at www.earlyprogram.,org

Exercise: maintaining weight loss & psychiatric benefits

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:19:07 -0400

Sylvia Karasu MD, from Weill Cornell Medical College, co-author of The Gravity of Weight, discusses one chapter devoted to the science and concepts of maintaining weight loss, exercise, and the mental health benefits of exercise.

OIL SPILL - Known and unknown environmental effects

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:30:09 -0400

Leonard Berry, PhD, director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies, speaks of the known and unknown effects of oil spills, with specific concerns on the food change, shore plants, dispersant safety, how hurricanes may shift the oil, etc.

OIL SPILL -The effects on human mental and physical health

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:08:31 -0400

Gina Solomon MD speaks to the known health effects of exposure to crude oil, such as following the continuing April 20, 2010 leak in the Gulf of Mexico.. She discusses her concerns and worries about the legacy of the exposure on human and wildlife, shifting winds, hurricanes, etc. Included is an overview of the nature of crude oil. Dr. Solomon is a scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council and is on staff at the University of California - San Francisco, Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Trends, quality and disparities in US mental health care

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:54:55 -0400

Ernest Moy, MD, medical officer for the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, explains the recently published data on the trends and disparities in mental health care in the United States.

Treating Borderline Personality Disorders

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:56:37 -0400

Lois Choi-Kain MD, medical director at the Gunderson Residence, discusses the nature, challenges, and outcome of treatment of the borderline personality disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:50:06 -0400

John Gunderson, MD, professor of Psychiatry and Harvard University, offers an update and recent insights into the origin, nature, and treatment o patients with a borderline personality disorder.

Obesity: Trends in Healthcare Quality and Disparities

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:21:23 -0400

Lieut. Karen Ho, with the US Public Health Service, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, speaks about the data just published by AHRQ on the trends, quality, and disparities in the delivery of health care regarding obesity.

Auditory Hallucinations

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 5 May 2010 08:57:55 -0400

Flavie Waters MD, from the University of Western Australia, explains the nature and some of the theories and forms of audio hallucinations. Included are discussions of how hallucinations can occur in non-psychiatric conditions, ideas about methods to accept them if they cannot be controlled, and some interesting associations and differences between hallucinations and others.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 4 May 2010 19:31:04 -0400

Aldo Morales MD, psychiatrist and addictionologist, explains the history, use and nature of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid addictions.

Late Teenage Substance Abuse

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:11:13 -0400

Robert Moran MD specializes in addiction medicine and psychiatry. He discusses the unique characteristics and challenges of late teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Included are topics about the maturation of the brain, exposure with drugs to developing brains, the time needed for optimum intervention and treatment, the difference between addiction abuse, the role of family in treatment, etc.

Pre-adolescent ADHD

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:19:12 -0400

Priti Kothari, MD, a child psychiatrist, talks of the specific characteristics and challenges to and for the proper diagnosis and treatment of AHDH children. She also explains how guanfacine, a recently approved medication for childhood AHDH, should be used, as well as how older medications are chosen and used.

Pharmacogenomics -- Mixing Genetics and Medicine

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:46:21 -0400

Peter McGuffin MD is a professor of psychiatric genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry (London). He speaks about the insights and tools which are developing that will better match a medication to a person, based on the person's genetic make-up.

OCD and Its Cognitive Behavioral Treatment

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 9 Apr 2010 17:10:18 -0400

Bruce Hyman PhD specializes in the cognitive and behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders. His OCD workbook has found wide use. He speaks to intensive out-patient modalities to break and modify OCD behavioral patterns.

Post-Earthquake Haitian Mental Health Needs - Update

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 5 Apr 2010 07:26:42 -0400

Psychiatrist Serge Thys talks about the impact and mental health needs of people in his homeland after the earthquake. He discusses the nature of their community cohesiveness, their culture and the changes following the extraordinary trauma that befell them.

Obesity Update

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:19:04 -0400

Gary Foster PhD is a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University. He speaks to the challenges of obesity, of how it is a mixture of lifestyle and biological problems, what can be done to control it, and how to approach and intervene with this considerable social-medical problem.

Teenagers Who Cut Themselves

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:46:51 -0400

Roz Malmaud PhD offers many valuable insights based on personal clinical experience into the issues of self-cutting, in both sexes. She talks of how the cutter becomes both an abuser and the abused, of the need to release tension, the dangers of cutting, and what types of intervention are needed.

Schizophrenia's Negative Symptoms -- New Neuroimaging Findings

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:42:10 -0400

Daniel Wolf, MD, uses neuroimaging to study the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. His findings may explain some of the clinical challenges when treating the disorder.

Dementia - A Proper Work-Up

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:30:08 -0500

Sheldon Wolf MD, a UCLA neurologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders. He speaks in detail of what is needed for a full and proper work-up of dementia, with a focus on how about 25% of the time, the 'dementia' might be reversible.

When Feeling Suicidal

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 11:35:22 -0500

Garrie Thomson, PhD, who has a clinical practice and is on the board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, talks of what do to when feeling suicidal or depressed, some statistics, a link to the website for information (www.adsp.com), and a sense of how very successful intervention can be,

Disposing Unused Medications

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:00:23 -0500

SMARxTDISPOSAL is a joint project of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America to recommend safe ways to dispose unused medications. Greg Masson, PhD, discusses these issues and techniques; he is Chief, Branch of Environmental Contaminants, US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Dementia in the Family

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:39:54 -0500

Through her own advancing dementia, Francis Goldstein was a very public advocate on behalf of others with dementia. Her media work was in the US and Argentina. Her husband, Jacobo, reflects on these efforts and what it was like to have dementia in the family. Still an active journalist, he was the CNN White House Correspondent for Latin America for 17 years. He knew President Reagan and talks of how Nancy Reagan helped advance the awareness of dementia.

Childhood Onset Bipolar Disorder

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:50:18 -0500

Robert Post MD, discusses data now supports that bipolar disorders can appear in childhood. It may be considered a pediatric onset illness. Dr. Post further offers his observations and findings that too many children are not being diagnosed early enough, or that diagnostic delays result in greater longer term problems or with getting the wrong treatments. He also talks of the diagnostic challenges when facing a troubled child.

Mental Health and Fish Oils

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:58:51 -0500

Psychiatrist Jaime Fernandez discusses the relationship between fish oils and mental health. Included are references to a recent study suggesting fish oils might reduce the progression to psychosis.

Is it a Major or Bipolar Depression?

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 07:22:19 -0500

Psychiatrist Mindy Rosenbloom outlines the important diagnostic differences between these two conditions. The treatments for these two diagnostic conditions are different, though they may seem to overlap.

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Some Basic Information for Parents

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:15:33 -0500

Child psychiatrist Laurie Karpf outlines some of the early and later behavorial signs of children who might have an autistic spectrum disorder.

Forensic Psychology - Understanding Competency and Insanity

Abbey Strauss MD — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:52:16 -0500

Forensic psychologist Mike Brannon explains the notions of forensic competency and insanity, with a focus on how psychologists approach and measure these two states.

Forensic Psychiatry -- On Competency

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:20:46 -0500

Forensic psychiatrist Ryan Hall discusses the definition, role, and nature of competency, especially as it relates to legal matters that have a psychiatric element.

L-Methylfolate, Homocysteine and Depression

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:53:19 -0500

Andrew Farah takes a look at folate use in depression, the homocysteine theory of depression, how to use l-methylfolate augmentation in depression, safety, and a discussion of other possible uses of l-methlyfolate.

On Mixing Psychiatric Medications

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:36:56 -0500

Psychopharmacologist Dr. Extein discusses the logic, incidence, manner of and philosophy towards mixing psychiatric medications.

Dementia - The Theory and Treatment

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:19:46 -0500

A research and clinical neurologist explains the nature, the theory and the treatment -- both current and up-coming -- of dementia.

Florida Mental Health Parity

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 3 Dec 2009 07:36:14 -0500

Former Florida State Rep Ed Homan's comments on the need for mental health parity. He is also a physician who very worked hard on this issue. Though no longer in the Florida Legislature, his comments in February 2008 provide valuable background information.

Children Who Need Psychiatric Interventions

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:33:02 -0500

Psychiatrist Elias Sarkis discusses of the challenges and proper use of psychiatric interventions in any child, even with the very young.

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abbey Strauss MD — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:24:01 -0500

A look at PTSD with discussions about what causes it, it's definition, efforts to try to prevent it, and interventions, with psychiatrist Cynthia White.

E.C.T. - Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abbey Strauss MD — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:18:03 -0500

An update on the rationale, safety, proper use and effectiveness of ECT. Included are discussions of how the memory loss side effect has been dramatically reduced, A detailed walk through the actual process is also included.

Addictions and Their Treatments

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:21:54 -0500

A detailed look into the detox and rehabilitation process, with discussions of its successes and failures, etc

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - TMS

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:21:53 -0500

An introduction and overview of the nature, history and use of TMS.

On Suicide

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:21:52 -0500

A Florida State University researcher discusses the patterns, signs and other aspects of suicide and suicide attempts.

Schizophrenia

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:21:51 -0500

John Kane, MD, discusses ideas about the causes, treatments and concepts of schizophrenia.

The Psychopathic Personality

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:21:50 -0500

Robert Hare, PhD, discusses the nature, causes and other aspects of psychopathic behavior.

Eating Disorders

Abbey Strauss MD — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 07:58:30 -0500

An overview of the nature, causes and treatments of the common eating disorders

Mark Gold MD on Addictions, including tobacco use

Abbey Strauss MD — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:20:31 -0500

Mark Gold MD discusses addiction as a brain disease. Included in the interview is the fact that tobacco is the number one addiction.

A Medical Historian's View of Psychiatry

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:36:58 -0500

Ed Shorter MD is a professor of medical history. Enjoy his observations and views on the changes and direction of psychiatry and mental health over the years.

Non-Medical Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:19:47 -0500

A clinical psychologist discussed the notions behind, and the techniques used, in the non-medical treatment of anxiety disorders. These disorders include shyness, phobias, panic and anxiety, etc.

Depression in the Elderly

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:19:46 -0500

A psychiatrist discusses and outlines the important issues of finding and treating depressions in the elderly. There is a disturbing incidence of suicide in this age group. Many depressions are readily treatable. Some depressions can present as what may be considered dementia.

Sleep Disorders

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:19:45 -0500

A sleep specialist discusses sleep, sleep apnea, sleep medications, and how sleep issues co-exist with, can cause or worsen, and therefore overlap with, many psychiatric conditions.

Neuromodulation as a Treatment for Some Psychiatric Disorders

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:55:03 -0500

A look at the role and notions of using neuromodulation in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders. The techniques include TMS, DBS, ECT and VNS.

Violence and Shooting

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:16:09 -0500

A forensic psychologist gives insight into many cases in which he examined people who committed deadly violence. This includes young teenager offenders as well. His data and opinions come from a mixture of hard experience with these defendants.

War Zone Crisis Intervention for Children in Israel

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:08:54 -0500

An Israeli psychologist discusses the work being done with children in Israeli war zones following attacks. The work is through the Natal Organization.

Marijuana

Abbey Strauss MD — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:08:53 -0500

The nature, common use,and concerns with the the use of marijuana.

About Love

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:39:00 -0400

Stefan Pasternack, MD and a psychoanalyst, looks at the meaning, origin and role of love in our lives.

Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology

Abbey Strauss MD — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:53:35 -0400

A child psychiatrist discusses the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in children and adolescents. Included are discussions of the concepts of bipolar disorders in youngsters.