General Psychiatry Unbiased coverage of all things psychiatric https://www.thecarlatreport.com/rss en-us 14 Reasons Why Psychopharmacology Differs in Women, Part 1 Women and men respond to psychiatric medications differently. In this first of a four-part series, Chris Aiken and Kellie Newsome walk through why valproate is risky for women, and when it’s worth using; why the FDA cut the zolpidem dose in half for female patients, and why SSRIs outperform tricyclics in women with depression. Plus: a sneak preview of DSM-6. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

Women and men respond to psychiatric medications differently. In this first of a four-part series, Chris Aiken and Kellie Newsome walk through why valproate is risky for women, and when it’s worth using; why the FDA cut the zolpidem dose in half for female patients, and why SSRIs outperform tricyclics in women with depression. Plus: a sneak preview of DSM-6.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6338 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6338-14-reasons-why-psychopharmacology-differs-in-women-part-1 shutterstock_2800253479.jpg Psilocybin: What You Need to Know Psilocybin is going mainstream: Trump has signed an executive order opening psychedelics to patients with severe mental illness, and one in eight American adults has already tried it. But as we dig into the research, a more complicated picture emerges, one that separates the profound personal experience from the clinical evidence. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

Psilocybin is going mainstream: Trump has signed an executive order opening psychedelics to patients with severe mental illness, and one in eight American adults has already tried it. But as we dig into the research, a more complicated picture emerges, one that separates the profound personal experience from the clinical evidence.
]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6337 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6337-psilocybin-what-you-need-to-know shutterstock_2796487989.jpg Rethinking 12-Step Referrals How to make a 12-step referral patients will actually try. How to make a 12-step referral patients will actually try. 

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6336 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6336-rethinking-12-step-referrals 1774530501182.jpeg EMDR in Practice: A Clinician's Guide to Trauma Reprocessing with Roger Solomon, PhD Dr. Roger Solomon provides a comprehensive introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Roger Solomon provides a comprehensive introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6308 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6308-emdr-in-practice-a-clinicians-guide-to-trauma-reprocessing-with-roger-solomon-phd RogerSolomon2023.jpg Free Podcast Series: Gender Affirming Care in Exile Two malpractice cases — one worth $2 million — are reshaping the standards of gender-affirming care. This episode traces what went wrong, what held up in court, and what every clinician needs to know when referring patients for gender affirming procedures. Two malpractice cases — one worth $2 million — are reshaping the standards of gender-affirming care. This episode traces what went wrong, what held up in court, and what every clinician needs to know when referring patients for gender affirming procedures.



]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6324 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6324-free-podcast-series-gender-affirming-care-in-exile shutterstock_2775830779.jpg Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Free Review Sheet Begin preparation at least six months before conception to ensure stability, switch to safer medications, and manage psychosocial stressors. Begin preparation at least six months before conception to ensure stability, switch to safer medications, and manage psychosocial stressors.

       


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6321 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6321-treatment-of-bipolar-disorder-in-pregnant-and-postpartum-women-a-free-review-sheet WMH_Course_Graphic.png     Stimulant Medications for ADHD: Choosing the Right Approach for Adults Free Quick Reference Guide A treament overview of Methylphenidate and Amphetamine medicatoins for ADHD. A treament overview of Methylphenidate and Amphetamine medicatoins for ADHD.


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6320 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6320-stimulant-medications-for-adhd-choosing-the-right-approach-for-adults-free-quick-reference-guide ADHD_Course_Graphic.png     Free Sample Resource - Most Common Clinically Significant Drug Interactions in Psychiatry Drug-drug interactions are critical to monitor in older adults due to the high prevalence of polypharmacy in this population. Drug-drug interactions are critical to monitor in older adults due to the high prevalence of polypharmacy in this population. 



    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6319 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6319-free-sample-resource-most-common-clinically-significant-drug-interactions-in-psychiatry HFB1e_Cover3D.png     Free Sample Table: Hyperbolic Taper for SSRIs If a patient is tapering off SSRIs completely — rather than switching to another antidepressant — a hyperbolic taper minimizes the risk of withdrawal. If a patient is tapering off SSRIs completely — rather than switching to another antidepressant — a hyperbolic taper minimizes the risk of withdrawal.



    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6317 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6317-free-sample-table-hyperbolic-taper-for-ssris 3DCover_DTTD1e_sm3.png     Free Research Summary: Which Meds Are Best for Panic Disorder (Anxiety and Compulsive Disorder) There are many effective medications for panic disorder, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are many effective medications for panic disorder, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6316 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6316-free-research-summary-which-meds-are-best-for-panic-disorder-anxiety-and-compulsive-disorder PB5e_Cover_sm.png     Free Research Summary: Dextromethorphan-Bupropion (Auvelity): A Novel Mechanism for Major Depression It's frustrating for both patients and doctors when depression treatments fall short, and unfortunately, this is a common problem. It's frustrating for both patients and doctors when depression treatments fall short, and unfortunately, this is a common problem. 

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6314 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6314-free-research-summary-dextromethorphan-bupropion-auvelity-a-novel-mechanism-for-major-depression PB5e_Cover_sm.png     Hidden Gems Podcast Series When Dr. Chris Aiken opened a psychotherapy practice in Western North Carolina, treatment-resistant depression wasn’t a specialty he planned for — it was what walked through the door. Most patients arrived having already failed one or more SSRIs prescribed in primary care. The standard next steps — raising the dose, switching classes, adding bupropion, buspirone, or a stimulant — often weren’t enough. When Dr. Chris Aiken opened a psychotherapy practice in Western North Carolina, treatment-resistant depression wasn’t a specialty he planned for — it was what walked through the door. Most patients arrived having already failed one or more SSRIs prescribed in primary care. The standard next steps — raising the dose, switching classes, adding bupropion, buspirone, or a stimulant — often weren’t enough.



    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6313 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6313-hidden-gems-podcast-series shutterstock_2742343087.jpg     PTSD 101 Podcast Series In August 2024, the American Journal of Psychiatry published a landmark update on PTSD by Arieh Shalev, MD, and colleagues at NYU — a comprehensive look at the diagnosis, neuroscience, and treatment of one of psychiatry’s most complex conditions. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and his co-host Kellie Newsome, PMHNP took a deep dive into that article in this five-part podcast series. In August 2024, the American Journal of Psychiatry published a landmark update on PTSD by Arieh Shalev, MD, and colleagues at NYU — a comprehensive look at the diagnosis, neuroscience, and treatment of one of psychiatry’s most complex conditions. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and his co-host Kellie Newsome, PMHNP took a deep dive into that article in this five-part podcast series.


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6312 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6312-ptsd-101-podcast-series shutterstock_2494846601.jpg Stress, anxiety and man in studio with eyes closed for mental health, depression or bipolar with dark background. Illness, sad and male person with ptsd for nightmare, personality or schizophrenia     Podcast Series: Psychopharmacology 10 Commandments Our most-listened-to podcast series is now available in full — all ten episodes, free to stream. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP distill ten essential principles every prescriber should know about psychopharmacology: the rules that keep patients safe, the pitfalls that catch clinicians off guard, and the evidence that should guide your prescribing every day. Our most-listened-to podcast series is now available in full — all ten episodes, free to stream. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP distill ten essential principles every prescriber should know about psychopharmacology: the rules that keep patients safe, the pitfalls that catch clinicians off guard, and the evidence that should guide your prescribing every day.


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6311 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6311-podcast-series-psychopharmacology-10-commandments 10_psychopharm_commandments.png     Podcast Series: How to Start a Psych Medication One of our most popular 2025 podcast series is now available in full. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP share expert tips on drug titration — including psych meds that are better tolerated when started faster, and one that must be launched at a high dose and then tapered down to a low maintenance dose. (Spoiler: it’s not buprenorphine.) One of our most popular 2025 podcast series is now available in full. Dr. Chris Aiken, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP share expert tips on drug titration — including psych meds that are better tolerated when started faster, and one that must be launched at a high dose and then tapered down to a low maintenance dose. (Spoiler: it’s not buprenorphine.)

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6310 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6310-podcast-series-how-to-start-a-psych-medication shutterstock_2661541013.jpg medication plan checklist doctor     The Benefits of Exercise in Older Adults We tell patients to exercise. We're usually vague about the dose. A 2025 UK Biobank study (Yu K et al, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2025;33(5):512–523 https://lnkd.in/eVAh4Dtq) put real numbers on it — using accelerometers, not self-report. The design: 71,556 adults. Mean age 62. No depression or anxiety at baseline. Followed a median of 8 years. We tell patients to exercise. We're usually vague about the dose. A 2025 UK Biobank study (Yu K et al, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2025;33(5):512–523 https://lnkd.in/eVAh4Dtq) put real numbers on it — using accelerometers, not self-report. The design: 71,556 adults. Mean age 62. No depression or anxiety at baseline. Followed a median of 8 years.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6309 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6309-the-benefits-of-exercise-in-older-adults 1776952141604.jpeg     Free 4-Part Podcast Series: Jeffrey Epstein on the Couch Chris Aiken, MD, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP, have been digging through the Epstein files, and this podcast series brings you updates that shed light on his psychiatric diagnosis. Chris Aiken, MD, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP, have been digging through the Epstein files, and this podcast series brings you updates that shed light on his psychiatric diagnosis.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1/post/6325 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:56:14 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/1-the-carlat-psychiatry-blog/post/6325-free-4-part-podcast-series-jeffrey-epstein-on-the-couch shutterstock_2750742165.jpg     CBD for Trauma-Related Anxiety: Does the Hype Add Up? Millions of people experience trauma-related symptoms that fall short of PTSD. Millions of people experience trauma-related symptoms that fall short of PTSD. 

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6299 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:58 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6299-cbd-for-trauma-related-anxiety-does-the-hype-add-up     Learning Objectives, Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, TCPR, June/July 2026 After reading these articles, you should be able to… After reading these articles, you should be able to…


    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6305 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:53 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6305-learning-objectives-therapy-for-bipolar-disorder-tcpr-june-july-2026     Street Smarts in Psychopharm: What Every Clinician Needs to Know Patients are arriving with scripts from TikTok and Reddit coaching them to obtain controlled substances. Structured assessments and firm but compassionate boundaries are your best defense. Patients are arriving with scripts from TikTok and Reddit coaching them to obtain controlled substances. Structured assessments and firm but compassionate boundaries are your best defense.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6304 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:46 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6304-street-smarts-in-psychopharm-what-every-clinician-needs-to-know Street_Smarts_Psychiatry_Rossi.jpg     Therapy for Bipolar Disorder Personalized CBT can build rapport and transform how patients with bipolar disorder understand and manage their own episodes. Personalized CBT can build rapport and transform how patients with bipolar disorder understand and manage their own episodes.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6303 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6303-therapy-for-bipolar-disorder TCPR QA1 Malliaris headshot_sm.png     Digital Addictions Apps are engineered to hook users. Here’s how to recognize and treat digital addiction in your patients. Apps are engineered to hook users. Here’s how to recognize and treat digital addiction in your patients.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6302 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6302-digital-addictions TCPR QA2 Sherer headshot_sm.png     The Obsessive-Compulsive Disposition OC traits are common and easily mistaken for ADHD, mood disorders, or oppositional behavior in children. Recognizing them can prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate stimulant prescribing. OC traits are common and easily mistaken for ADHD, mood disorders, or oppositional behavior in children. Recognizing them can prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate stimulant prescribing.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6301 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6301-the-obsessive-compulsive-disposition     Does Ketamine’s Effect on Suicidality Stick Around? Ketamine is one of the few medications in psychiatry that reduces suicidal ideation (SI). Ketamine is one of the few medications in psychiatry that reduces suicidal ideation (SI). 

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6300 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6300-does-ketamines-effect-on-suicidality-stick-around     Legal Gender Change Stability More patients with gender dysphoria (GD) are seeking legal and medical transition. More patients with gender dysphoria (GD) are seeking legal and medical transition. 

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6298 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6298-legal-gender-change-stability     Propranolol Plus Sertraline for Panic in Women Propranolol is commonly used off-label for anxiety, but high-quality data are sparse regarding its use in panic disorder—especially as an SSRI add-on. Propranolol is commonly used off-label for anxiety, but high-quality data are sparse regarding its use in panic disorder—especially as an SSRI add-on.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6297 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6297-snris-appear-less-harmful-to-bone-than-ssris-in-postmenopausal-women     SNRIs Appear Less Harmful to Bone Than SSRIs in Postmenopausal Women SSRIs have been linked to bone thinning and fractures, which matters most for postmenopausal women already at risk. Whether SNRIs carry the same concern has been unclear. SSRIs have been linked to bone thinning and fractures, which matters most for postmenopausal women already at risk. Whether SNRIs carry the same concern has been unclear.

    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6296 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6296-snris-appear-less-harmful-to-bone-than-ssris-in-postmenopausal-women     Gender Affirming Care in Exile: Origins It's 1979, and Johns Hopkins has just shut down the first gender surgery clinic in the US. But investigations into the biological roots of gender identity are about to reopen those doors — and reshape how medicine thinks about sex, gender, and who gets to decide. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

    It's 1979, and Johns Hopkins has just shut down the first gender surgery clinic in the US. But investigations into the biological roots of gender identity are about to reopen those doors — and reshape how medicine thinks about sex, gender, and who gets to decide.
    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6294 Mon, 25 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6294-gender-affirming-care-in-exile-origins shutterstock_2786136193.jpg     Gender Affirming Care: Fall of the House of Hopkins In 1966, Johns Hopkins opened the first gender surgery clinic in the US. Thirteen years later, a single study shut it down. We examine what the research said, what it didn't say, and how new standards of care emerged from the ashes. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

    In 1966, Johns Hopkins opened the first gender surgery clinic in the US. Thirteen years later, a single study shut it down. We examine what the research said, what it didn't say, and how new standards of care emerged from the ashes.
    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6293 Mon, 18 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6293-gender-affirming-care-fall-of-the-house-of-hopkins shutterstock_2782224449.jpg     Gender Affirming Care in Exile: Targeting the Leader The president of the US branch of WPATH built one of the largest youth gender clinics in the country, then watched it close under political fire. Now she's facing a malpractice lawsuit from a former patient. We examine the unpublished study at the center of the controversy. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

    The president of the US branch of WPATH built one of the largest youth gender clinics in the country, then watched it close under political fire. Now she's facing a malpractice lawsuit from a former patient. We examine the unpublished study at the center of the controversy.
    ]]>     http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6292 Mon, 11 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6292-gender-affirming-care-in-exile-targeting-the-leader shutterstock_2779245507-2.jpg