Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Updated: 27 Nov 2025 • 416 episodes
psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Practical psychopharmacology updates for mental health clinicians. Useful for psychiatry / mental health professionals. Expert interviews and soundbites from CME presentations. Practical and free of commercial bias. Not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company.

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In this episode, we examine groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread clinical belief that SSRI side effects improve with time. Using data from the landmark STAR*D trial, we explore which patients actually experience side effect resolution and which face worsening symptoms. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Ho

11 min
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11:13
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In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for augmenting lithium when monotherapy fails in acute mania. Why is quetiapine the preferred add-on to valproate, despite decades of clinical tradition favoring anticonvulsants? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships

7 min
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07:43
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In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic algorithm that revolutionizes antipsychotic selection for first-episode psychosis. Should the presence of violence completely change your medication choice strategy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership her

13 min
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In this episode, we challenge conventional prescribing by exploring why lithium should be the first-line treatment for acute classic mania, despite widespread use of antipsychotics. Dr. David Osser presents evidence-based arguments for lithium's unique neuroprotective benefits and long-term efficacy. Faculty: David Oss

15 min
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In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Ri

11 min
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11:12
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In this episode, we explore the critical decision of when to add lithium or valproate to second-generation antipsychotics in mixed manic episodes. Should you rush to combination therapy under managed care pressure, or does patience with strategic benzodiazepine bridging lead to better outcomes? Faculty: David Osser, M.

11 min
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11:40
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