Demystifying Psychiatry

Psychopharmacology

Benefits of Weight Loss for Those With Severe Mental Illness

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

Many people suffering from severe mental illnesses are significantly overweight. New weight loss medications may help extend life expectancy.

Many people suffering from severe mental illnesses are significantly overweight. New weight loss medications may help extend life expectancy.

Bipolar Disorder

How Common Is Recovery From Bipolar Disorder?

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on September 9, 2024

As new treatments reach more people, outcomes should improve.

As new treatments reach more people, outcomes should improve.

Psychiatry

Psychiatric Disorders and Cigarette Use

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on August 19, 2024

Cigarette use is common among persons with certain psychiatric disorders and should be addressed by mental health professionals.

Cigarette use is common among persons with certain psychiatric disorders and should be addressed by mental health professionals.

Aging

Interactions Between Biological Aging and Psychopathology

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on July 24, 2024

There is a bidirectional interaction between biological aging and the development of mental illness.

There is a bidirectional interaction between biological aging and the development of mental illness.

Psychiatry

Psychiatric Disorders and Homelessness

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on June 20, 2024

Psychiatric disorders are present in about two-thirds of unhoused individuals. Substance use disorders are present in over 40% of this population.

Psychiatric disorders are present in about two-thirds of unhoused individuals. Substance use disorders are present in over 40% of this population.

Psychiatry

What’s Needed in Child/Adolescent and Geriatric Psychiatry

Eugene Rubin M.D., Ph.D. on May 16, 2024

We face critical shortages of child and adolescent psychiatrists and geriatric psychiatrists. How can we maximize the impact of those already in these subspecialties?

We face critical shortages of child and adolescent psychiatrists and geriatric psychiatrists. How can we maximize the impact of those already in these subspecialties?

Psychiatry

How Many Young People Have a Mental Health Disorder?

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

Knowing baseline prevalence is vital for evaluating treatment.

Knowing baseline prevalence is vital for evaluating treatment.

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.