In Practice

A practicing doctor's views on psychiatry and contemporary culture.

Depression
For Depressed Teens, Therapy Shows No Edge Over Routine Care

Peter D Kramer on December 22, 2016

In a major new study, two standard psychotherapies—cognitive-behavioral and brief psychoanalytic—did no better than routine psychiatric care for adolescent depression.

In a major new study, two standard psychotherapies—cognitive-behavioral and brief psychoanalytic—did no better than routine psychiatric care for adolescent depression.

Depression
Effective Up and Down the Line

Peter D Kramer on November 4, 2016

A recent study finds that antidepressants work across the spectrum of major depression, for patients with severe, moderate, and mild forms of the disorder. Will the press notice?

A recent study finds that antidepressants work across the spectrum of major depression, for patients with severe, moderate, and mild forms of the disorder. Will the press notice?

Placebo
No, Placebo Response Rates Are Not on the Rise

Peter D Kramer on October 13, 2016

New research finds that placebo responses are not on the rise in antidepressant trials—a result that suggests the impact of placebos has been exaggerated.

New research finds that placebo responses are not on the rise in antidepressant trials—a result that suggests the impact of placebos has been exaggerated.

Fantasies
What Bill Taught

Peter D Kramer on September 26, 2016

W. P. Kinsella died last week. He's known for writing the novel that became the movie "Field of Dreams." But he also held a world record. And Bill could teach.

W. P. Kinsella died last week. He's known for writing the novel that became the movie "Field of Dreams." But he also held a world record. And Bill could teach.

SSRIs
Why Doctors See Antidepressant Effects That Researchers Miss

Peter D Kramer on September 22, 2016

Trust drug trials and mistrust clinical observation? Sometimes doctors know best—while researchers are blind to factors that help depressed patients recover.

Trust drug trials and mistrust clinical observation? Sometimes doctors know best—while researchers are blind to factors that help depressed patients recover.

Placebo
Stronger Drugs, Stronger Placebos

Peter D Kramer on July 19, 2016

New research is elucidating the biological underpinnings of the placebo response. The results might enhance our appreciation of real—inherently effective—medications.

New research is elucidating the biological underpinnings of the placebo response. The results might enhance our appreciation of real—inherently effective—medications.

SSRIs
Favorable Trajectories

Peter D Kramer on May 27, 2016

How distinctive are antidepressants? Answers from research that looks at progress made by individual patients.

How distinctive are antidepressants? Answers from research that looks at progress made by individual patients.

Psychopharmacology
Thorough Recovery From Depression

Peter D Kramer on May 19, 2016

Treating depression, clinicians aim for very thorough responses—few remaining symptoms. A current study finds that, compared to psychotherapy, medication more often does that job.

Treating depression, clinicians aim for very thorough responses—few remaining symptoms. A current study finds that, compared to psychotherapy, medication more often does that job.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness Is Oversold

Peter D Kramer on April 27, 2016

Has mindfulness therapy been oversold? A new paper suggests that it has—and that psychotherapy research in general may be in crisis.

Has mindfulness therapy been oversold? A new paper suggests that it has—and that psychotherapy research in general may be in crisis.

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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