Advertise on podcast: Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

In this episode, we explore bright light therapy (BLT) as a powerful adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression — examining the neuroscience behind it, how to implement it clinically, and why it may work faster than medication alone. Could something as simple as light reshape how we treat mood disorders? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 80 Bright Light Therapy for Bipolar Depression: ISBD Clinical Recommendations

In this episode, we explore three often-overlooked side effects of lithium — sexual dysfunction, hair loss, and skin changes like acne and psoriasis — and discuss practical, evidence-based strategies for managing each one without abandoning a medication that works. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: Lithium: How to Manage Dosage and Side Effects Approaching Sexual Dysfunction, Hair Loss, and Rashes With Lithium

In this episode, we explore KarXT, a newly FDA-approved antipsychotic with a groundbreaking cholinergic mechanism, through the lens of a single powerful metric: the Number Needed to Treat. Could an NNT of 5 change how you approach treatment-resistant schizophrenia? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 80 How Effective Is KarXT (Xanomeline-Trospium) for Schizophrenia? NNT and NNH Explained

In this episode, we explore how to keep your patients on lithium by getting ahead of two of its most common challenges — weight gain and gastrointestinal side effects. Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School shares practical, proactive strategies to anticipate, prevent, and manage these issues before they drive your patients away from a medication that could truly change their lives. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: Lithium: How to Manage Dosage and Side Effects How to Mitigate Weight Gain and Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Lithium

In this episode, we explore a surprising new contender in the fight against alcohol use disorder — semaglutide. Could the blockbuster weight-loss drug also curb heavy drinking? We examine the first randomized controlled trial testing this GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically for AUD. Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 79 Semaglutide for Alcohol Use Disorder: New RCT Data

In this episode, we explore lithium's renal side effects with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. How can we keep patients safe while using this highly effective medication? Discover the real risk numbers, prevention strategies, and evidence-based monitoring approaches that protect kidney function long-term. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CMEs: Lithium: How to Manage Dosage and Side Effects Managing Renal Side Effects of Lithium Therapy

In this episode, we explore cariprazine's efficacy and safety in older adults with bipolar I disorder. Does age change how we should dose this medication? Discover evidence-based insights on treating both depression and mania in elderly patients, plus critical pearls on monitoring for akathisia. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 79 Cariprazine Dosing for Bipolar Disorder In Older Adults

In this episode, we explore essential baseline testing, monitoring protocols, and optimal dosing strategies for lithium with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. Why does giving lithium once daily at night actually protect the kidneys better than divided doses? Discover evidence-based approaches that could transform your lithium prescribing practice. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Diagnosing Bipolar Mania and Comorbid Disorders

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of prescribing stimulants for adult ADHD when abuse potential is a concern. How do you distinguish between performance-driven misuse and recreational abuse? Dr. Bukstein shares essential red flags, safety precautions, and strategies to protect both patients and prescribers. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Mastering Adult ADHD: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide Stimulants: Clinical Considerations, Preventing Abuse, and Red Flags

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on treating cannabis-induced psychosis with antipsychotic medications. Which formulations cut hospitalization rates by 75%? And why do some commonly prescribed antipsychotics show no effectiveness at all in preventing future psychotic episodes? Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 78 Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: Which Antipsychotics Best Prevent Hospitalization?

In this episode, we explore stimulant medications for adult ADHD with Dr. Oscar Bukstein. Why have amphetamines overtaken methylphenidate as the most prescribed option? Discover how to match formulation duration to patient needs, navigate cardiovascular risks, and monitor treatment effectively for optimal outcomes in adult ADHD management. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Mastering Adult ADHD: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide Pharmacologic Treatments for Adult ADHD: Focus on Stimulants

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking COaST trial examining semaglutide for clozapine-induced weight gain in schizophrenia patients. Could GLP-1 agonists finally offer a real solution to one of psychiatry's most frustrating paradoxes—when the medication that saves lives simultaneously shortens them? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 78 Does Semaglutide Reverse Clozapine-Induced Weight Gain in Schizophrenia? Results from the COaST Trial

In this episode, we explore the treatment algorithm for adult ADHD with Dr. Oscar Bukstein from Harvard Medical School. Should you start with stimulants or non-stimulants when substance use disorder complicates the picture? Discover how comorbidities like depression and anxiety reshape your medication selection strategy for optimal patient outcomes. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Mastering Adult ADHD: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide Treatment Algorithm for Adult ADHD

In this episode, we explore pramipexole—a Parkinson's medication—as a promising add-on treatment for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Could a dopamine agonist be the unexpected solution when standard mood stabilizers and antipsychotics fail? We examine the PAX-BD trial's findings, safety concerns, and practical clinical applications. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 78 Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression: Is Adjunctive Pramipexole An Option?

In this episode, we explore the controversial role of SERT gene testing in predicting SSRI response with Dr. Chris Aiken. Can genetic testing really tell us which patients will respond to antidepressants, or are we putting too much faith in pharmacogenetic promises that lack solid evidence? Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: The Role of Genetic Testing in Psychiatry SERT Gene and SSRI Response: Is It Clinically Useful?