Psyched Up

Advancing psychiatry one brain at a time.

Diane McIntosh MD, FRCPC

Where Is the Compassion in Psychiatric Care?

The abuse of power and the use of humiliation and violence by staff on some psychiatric units have no place in a just and civilized society.

The Gifts We Give Ourselves

Some of the greatest gifts in life are the gifts we give ourselves. Three essential, life-enhancing mental gifts have helped me to protect my mental health as a psychiatrist.

The Epigenetics of Childhood Trauma

Part 2: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse are tremendously harmful to developing brains and bodies. Neglect, chaos, and unpredictable parenting can also result in enduring harm.

The Epigenetics of Childhood Trauma

Epigenetics is the interface between nature and nurture. Childhood trauma can provoke epigenetic changes with serious long-term consequences.

The Gift of Professional Burnout

After a couple of years of visualizing myself as an empty bucket, feeling I had nothing left at the end of the day for my family or myself, I realized I had to take a break.

Is Cannabis a Safe Alternative to Alcohol for Your Teen?

Parents are shocked to learn the correlation between psychosis and cannabis. They’ve viewed it as benign, like oregano... a safe "natural product" that adds a little spice to life.

Rebuilding Trust in Medicine

Despite being a psychiatrist, I’ve had to spar with my own family members about inaccurate medical beliefs that are based on their faith in “Dr. Google."