Hello listeners! We are so excited to share this episode with you. We get into the nitty gritty of treatment for PTSD in both psychotherapy and medications. **This information is for general knowledge and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult your own healthcare provider for your care.** Psychotherapy Trauma-Focused CBTEMDRCPT, Prolonged Exposure, Narrative Exposure, Psychoanalytic psychotherapy (very brief, this shal...

In this episode, we discuss how trauma symptoms present in children, the challenges of diagnosing and treating trauma in children, including the limitations of current diagnostic systems, and the neurobiology of trauma response. Lastly, we discuss marginalized groups to emphasize the most important part of recovery from trauma: not feeling alone. Topics Discussed: How trauma symptoms present in children Developmental Trauma Disorder and why it did not make it into the DSMThe Perspe...

Hello listeners! We are tackling the enormous topic of trauma. We start with how trauma response was stigmatized in history, PTSD's diagnostic criteria, overlap with other conditions such as cPTSD and borderline personality disorder, and the curious roles of memory in trauma. Enjoy! Topics discussed: Shellshock, stigma of traumaDiagnosis based on the DSMDiagnoses not based on the DSMPrevalenceResources from the VAHere is the phenomenal resource by the VA on PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ Ha...

In this episode, we invite our good friend and colleague, Dr. Michael Couse, to discuss a recent paper that he and Dr. Kelly published in the academic journal, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The paper discusses the highly complicated (and often avoided) topic of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for youths with serious mental illness, especially in California. There are many fears and myths surrounding ECT, and we hope to share this story with you to bring t...

Welcome to Season 2 of Good Enough Shrink! It has such a fun ride this past year. We are kicking off the new season with a topic that remains controversial in some areas of the country, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We want to dispel misunderstandings about this treatment, and provide accurate information for anyone who is wanting to learn more about ECT, which can often be lifesaving. Topics discussed: Stigma of ECTWhat is ECT and what is it for?Safety of ECTState laws surrounding E...

Hello listeners! In this episode, I bring together neuroscience and everyday life to present tips on how to communicate when you are feeling at your worst. Whether you are in an argument with your partner, a power struggle with your kid, or a disagreement with friends/coworkers, these concepts are universal and work in any situation. So if you feel like you are constantly in conflict with people, as life goes, take a listen! Topics discussed: What we do when we run into conflict...

In this episode, our goal is to bring you tools to understand and destigmatize addiction. We discuss the complexity of addiction at the biological, psychological and societal levels. So if you are ready to explore this complex topic, take a listen! Topics Discussed: Past and present definitions of addictionDSM-5's "Substance Use Disorder" - more than a checklistBiological, genetic, chemical aspects of addiction Psychological, emotional, experiential aspects of addictionSocietal, ...

This episode starts with the various ways social media has changed how we view ourselves and others. We then discuss the sobering link between cyberbullying and suicide rates among young people. Finally, we bring you practical tips and ideas about how to fight bullying at the individual, school, state, and systems levels. You are not alone in this fight! Topics discussed: Social media and its socio-cultural revolution Bullying and cyberbullyingCyberbullying and suicide ratesWhat can we d...

Hello! We are back after a busy month at the clinic! In this episode, we discuss a very niche topic -- the different levels (or continuum) of care in mental health treatment. These acronyms can be so confusing for parents and families, so we hope to clarify them for you as you navigate what is the appropriate level of care for you or your loved ones. Topics Discussed: Overview of mental health continuum of careThe importance of the least restrictive treatment environment Emergenc...

In this episode, we explore the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on families and the individual person, emphasizing trauma-informed care and support for those affected by disasters. We also cover practical tips for disaster psychiatry, psychological first aid, and how to start an honest conversation with your kids about traumatic exposures. Topics discussed: What is a disaster? What is trauma? Acute stress disorder vs PTSD Risk factors for PTSD Goal of psychological fir...

In this episode, we discuss the challenges in dealing with the recent executive orders against the LGBTQ+ community. We go over the emotional toll of political rhetoric, the need for access to gender-affirming care in youth, and how important it is to slow down and examine gender dysphoria in children (and adults!) from a compassionate and open-minded perspective. We get personal talking about our struggles with the current political climate, and we hope you join us in keeping the advocacy al...

This is a long-awaited episode! We talk about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone, and the biological mechanisms that drive humans to connect with each other. After we intellectualize it all (as doctors do), we get to the root of the problem in loneliness -- the importance of fostering a sense of safety. Join us in this exploration on how loneliness is deeply rooted in your attachment experience! Topics Discussed: What is loneliness?Biological mechanisms involved in co...

This week, we explore the curious and unnerving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and mental health. We discuss its potential benefits in healthcare for both psychiatrists and patients, as well as risks such as harmful content, liability issues, privacy issues, and blurring the line between what is real and fake. We are excited and wary of this new technology that is inevitably going to be in every aspect of our lives. Join us in the discussion! Have questions for us, or feedback ab...

Welcome to the new year! This episode is about how to approach making a change in your life. Your ambivalence, values, fears, and goals are all crucial parts of what makes you you. It's also important to just take a pause sometimes in this ever-changing world today. So I hope this quick episode will give you that pause and reflection to propel you toward what matters the most in your life! Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!

Hello there! This episode is a dense one. We discuss neurosis and anxiety from the perspective of childhood and growth. We go over concepts of “basic anxiety” and “neurotic pride”, reflecting on healthy and unhealthy narcissism fueling anxiety as proposed by the psychoanalyst, Karen Horney. We explore how the DSM anxiety disorders are categorized, the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, and the use of medication in managing anxiety. Lastly, we emphasize the need for us to do our o...

We are back! In this episode, we discuss the nitty gritty, fascinating details of schizophrenia and psychosis. We explore the devastating stigma associated with schizophrenia, the challenges of diagnosing and managing severe mental illnesses, and the importance of honoring the patient as a human being. Join us, as we three child psychiatrists chat about how to build trust and collaboration in mental health care, and keep the hope alive. Topics discussed: Stigma associated with schizoph...

Hello! We are continuing our conversation on psychosis. In this episode, we focus on differential diagnoses for psychosis, including medical and psychiatric conditions that can often be confused with a truly psychotic disorder like schizophrenia. Specifically, trauma is a big one, leading us to lose ourselves in the imbalance of imagination and reality. Especially in kids! Lastly, we talk about treatment of psychosis, our approach to antipsychotics, and non-pharmacological treatment like indi...

Hello! This week, we delve into the fascinating history of how we conceptualize psychosis and schizophrenia. All those with schizophrenia have psychosis, but not all those with psychosis have schizophrenia. From a psychological framework to a biological one, the field of psychiatry has gone back and forth between the two and really struggled to understand schizophrenia. Now, we are just starting to see the interplay between genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and psychological factors at play...

School is back in full swing, and so is everyone's anxiety! We discuss the challenges kids, teens and parents face as they reintegrate back to school after the summer break. We delve into the various reasons for school avoidance and refusal, which are critical in understanding what is actually behind it. We conclude with a discussion on what to do about it -- mainly the importance of early preparation, open communication, accessing school resources, and when necessary, use of therapy and medi...

*Trigger warning for content on self-harm, suicide and eating disorders. Please feel free to opt out and prioritize your sense of safety if you need to do so.* This is a tough one. The positive effects of social media on mental health can be lifesaving, yet its negative effects may lead to a life taken far too early. We have a nuanced discussion on social media's pros and cons, and how to help your child or someone who may be addicted to it. There is a dire need for change, and it starts with...