Demystifying Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Prevalence of Mental Illness in Young People

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on April 15, 2024

According to a 2019 study, over 11% of young people have a diagnosable mental disorder. These disorders accounted for about 20% of all disease-related disability in this age group.

According to a 2019 study, over 11% of young people have a diagnosable mental disorder. These disorders accounted for about 20% of all disease-related disability in this age group.

Psychiatry

The Debate Over Psychiatric Suffering and Physician-Assisted Death

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on March 7, 2024

In some locales, it is legal for doctors to assist in the deaths of people suffering with psychiatric illnesses. There are, however, many concerns regarding the practice.

In some locales, it is legal for doctors to assist in the deaths of people suffering with psychiatric illnesses. There are, however, many concerns regarding the practice.

Psychopharmacology

Why This Potential New Medication for Schizophrenia Is Important

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on February 6, 2024

A potential new antipsychotic medication with a different mechanism of action may help expand treatment options for people with schizophrenia.

A potential new antipsychotic medication with a different mechanism of action may help expand treatment options for people with schizophrenia.

Bipolar Disorder

Study Provides New Data About Treating Bipolar II Depression

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on January 10, 2024

A small recent study provides encouraging safety and efficacy data about the use of psilocybin plus therapy for treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar II disorder.

A small recent study provides encouraging safety and efficacy data about the use of psilocybin plus therapy for treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar II disorder.

Bipolar Disorder

New Study Gives an Important Update on Bipolar Disorder

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on December 11, 2023

Bipolar disorder is common, disabling, and associated with increased mortality. With monitoring, medications can be helpful.

Bipolar disorder is common, disabling, and associated with increased mortality. With monitoring, medications can be helpful.

Psychiatry

Complementary Treatments of Severe Persistent Mental Illness

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on November 20, 2023

In addition to treatments aimed at symptom reduction, rehabilitative and palliative approaches may help patients with severe persistent mental illness.

In addition to treatments aimed at symptom reduction, rehabilitative and palliative approaches may help patients with severe persistent mental illness.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Is Associated With Premature Mortality

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on October 2, 2023

Individuals with bipolar disorder have increased risks of premature death. A recent meta-analysis helps explain why.

Individuals with bipolar disorder have increased risks of premature death. A recent meta-analysis helps explain why.

Psychiatry

The Risk of a Psychiatric Disorder Is Higher Than Most Think

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on September 7, 2023

New research indicates that about 80 percent of us are likely to be treated for psychiatric symptoms during our lifetimes.

New research indicates that about 80 percent of us are likely to be treated for psychiatric symptoms during our lifetimes.

Depression

Medications That May Make Depression More Difficult to Treat

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on August 8, 2023

Recent research indicates an association between taking non-psychiatric medications with depressive side effects and diminished response to antidepressant treatment.

Recent research indicates an association between taking non-psychiatric medications with depressive side effects and diminished response to antidepressant treatment.

ADHD

The Risks and Benefits of ADHD Medications While Pregnant

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on July 12, 2023

A recent study evaluated risks to the fetus of maintaining ADHD medications during pregnancy.

A recent study evaluated risks to the fetus of maintaining ADHD medications during pregnancy.

Suicide

Suicidal Behaviors Are Associated With Psychopathology

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on June 7, 2023

Suicidal behaviors are associated with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Should suicidal behavior be categorized as an independent psychiatric diagnosis?

Suicidal behaviors are associated with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Should suicidal behavior be categorized as an independent psychiatric diagnosis?

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapies

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on May 10, 2023

There are a number of concerns regarding possible side effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy.

There are a number of concerns regarding possible side effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Attention

How Schizophrenia Impacts Cognitive Function

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on April 17, 2023

Cognitive deficits, including difficulties with attention, memory, and learning, are common in individuals with schizophrenia. A new review outlines their causes and treatments.

Cognitive deficits, including difficulties with attention, memory, and learning, are common in individuals with schizophrenia. A new review outlines their causes and treatments.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Destigmatizing the Medical Use of Psychedelics

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on March 15, 2023

The FDA is evaluating psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic uses. Medical language may help destigmatize such treatment.

The FDA is evaluating psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic uses. Medical language may help destigmatize such treatment.

Psychopharmacology

Can Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on February 23, 2023

A treatment that slows the progression of symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease was recently approved by the FDA. Will prevention of the illness be possible in the future?

A treatment that slows the progression of symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease was recently approved by the FDA. Will prevention of the illness be possible in the future?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy

New Findings on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Alzheimer’s

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on January 11, 2023

A recent study demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation of a specific brain region, the precuneus, may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

A recent study demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation of a specific brain region, the precuneus, may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

SSRIs

Exercise: A No-Cost Antidepressant

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on November 29, 2022

Clinicians should be more rigorous about encouraging regular exercise for their patients with depression.

Clinicians should be more rigorous about encouraging regular exercise for their patients with depression.

Psychiatry

The Highs and Lows of Psychedelics

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on November 8, 2022

The bubble of excitement regarding psychedelic therapeutics may be near a bursting point. Realistic expectations of the benefits of these agents require continued research.

The bubble of excitement regarding psychedelic therapeutics may be near a bursting point. Realistic expectations of the benefits of these agents require continued research.

Psychiatry

The Origins of Psychiatry as a Medical Specialty

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on October 13, 2022

Prior to the 1700s, priests treated mentally ill individuals. Over time, mental illnesses were recognized as medical conditions, and physicians took responsibility for treatment.

Prior to the 1700s, priests treated mentally ill individuals. Over time, mental illnesses were recognized as medical conditions, and physicians took responsibility for treatment.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Can Psilocybin Help Individuals With Alcohol Dependence?

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on September 7, 2022

Psilocybin coupled with psychotherapy reduced heavy drinking behavior in individuals with alcohol dependence. Many participants achieved complete abstinence.

Psilocybin coupled with psychotherapy reduced heavy drinking behavior in individuals with alcohol dependence. Many participants achieved complete abstinence.