Remedy founder and psychiatrist, Dr. Kirsten Thompson breaks down the must-knows in a variety of mental health medication topics.
EPISODE 27
Is cannabis bad for cognition?
Studies show that cannabis has a mild negative correlation with several aspects of cognition in adults. For adolescents, the effect of cannabis on cognition is concerning: cannabis is neurotoxic and impairs memory and inhibition.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 26
How long should antipsychotics be used in depression with psychosis?
Psychotic symptoms in Major Depression Disorder are one of the most severe manifestations of the illness. Research shows that second-generation antipsychotic medication has shown to be effective in providing relief for those who don’t experience relief from antidepressant monotherapy alone.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 25
Can cannabis treat pain?
Cannabinoids can make people better able to withstand a greater pain burden. They can also make the experience of pain less unpleasant. It is too early in the research to begin prescribing cannabis as a treatment.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 24
Simvastatin for future use in treating irritability in adolescents with ASD
Research shows that the use of Simvastatin could reduce irritability in adolescents with Autism Spectrum DIsorder (ASD). Further research is needed before prescribing Simvastatin as treatment for children with ASD.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 23
Melatonin as treatments for adolescents with ASD and insomnia
Research shows that prolonged release melatonin for insomnia in children with Autism Spectrum DIsorder (ASD) was successful in reducing symptoms of insomnia. Caregivers also noted improved quality of life. Further research is needed to explore this further, but the research is promising with regard to insomnia and patients with ASD.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 22
Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria in Young Adults ’
A study explores rapid onset gender dysphoria in the adolescent and young adult patient population. 63% of patients in this population had a co-occurring mental health disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 21
The risk of the show ‘13 Reasons Why’
A 2020 study shows that the Netflix show ‘13 Reasons Why’ has done more harm than good in regards to suicide among young adults. Caregivers and parents should carefully assess before giving access to the show.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 20
The impact of maternal engagement with infants
The degree of maternal interaction with infants, both with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder, is critical for social and language development. Mother’s positive efforts to engage and connect were associated with improved social communication in their infants no matter the severity of the child’s condition.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 19
Probiotics may be an excellent addition to bipolar disorder treatment
Probiotics have shown promise in small studies of anxiety, depression, cognition, and weight loss. Probiotics may be helpful in some way if a patient has bipolar disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 18
Lithium as treatment for bipolar disorder
Lithium is the best medication at reducing the risk of hospitalization for patients with bipolar disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 17
rTMs as a treatment for depression
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMs) is a therapy used to treat ‘treatment-resistant’ depression. TMs is a non-invasive therapy that uses electromagnetic coils on the head to stimulate electrical activity. TMs is a great type of treatment for patients who cannot tolerate (or have not seen results from) anti-depression medication.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 16
Optimal antidepressant doses
For most antidepressants, increasing the dose can lead to higher side effects that outweigh the diminished benefits. The “sweet spot” for antidepressant dosage depends on the medication. If you are going up to a higher dose, it is important to measure the outcomes and consider dropping back down if there is no clear improvement.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 15
PMDD and Luteal Dosing of SSRIs
PMDD is a series of mood symptoms that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle that go beyond just PMS. Here’s how to treat it with medication.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 14
SNRIs in detail
SNRIs can be used to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 13
Starting medications in sensitive patients
Patients who are sensitive to medications should start at a very, very low dose.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 12
Treating nausea as a symptom of anxiety and depressions
Some patients who suffer from anxiety and depression might have body symptoms that are debilitating, like “functional nausea.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 11
Eating disorder treatment
When it comes to medication as a treatment for eating disorders, Wellbutrin is probably not the best choice. SSRIs are usually the best option for treating eating disorders.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 10
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone reduces cravings, decreases the chance of relapse into alcohol use, and (if a person does relapse) reduces the severity of relapses.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 9
Impact of Caffeine
Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world–about 90% of adults use it.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 8
Bright Light Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Used correctly, Bright Light Therapy could reduce symptoms of depression in patients with Bipolar Disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 7
SNRIs for Anxiety, Depression, OCD and Panic Disorder
SNRIs are thought to be about equally as effective as SSRIs for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and Panic Disorder.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 6
Sexual side effects from medication and what to do
Suggestions for those experiencing sexual side effects from medication.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 5
Impact of alcohol use on babies during pregnancy
Study shows that light alcohol use early on in pregnancy can have negative neurobehavioral consequences in babies.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 4
Any amount of daily exercise can improve your mental health
Data shows that a daily 5-minute walk can improve your mental health–consistency is more important than intensity.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 3
A plant can help treat insomnia
Ashwagandha is a root used to treat stress, anxiety, and sleep. It can improve sleep quality and manage insomnia with few side effects.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 2
SSRIs in eating disorder recovery
Which SSRIs are safest for a patient recovering from an Eating Disorder? Learn what to avoid to make the best choice for a treatment plan.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
EPISODE 1
Medication options for women experiencing depression during their cycle
Women with PMDD often experience symptoms of depression. Medication is available for those who are significantly impaired.
*The following podcast is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to replace treatment for an individual seeing a mental health professional.
