Shrinks In Sneakers

Tag: shrinks

  • What Makes you a Doctor?

    What Makes you a Doctor?

    I came across a post from a CRNA claiming psychiatrists “aren’t real doctors” because they don’t intubate or run a vent. Apparently, their idea of being a doctor is exclusively working as a critical care physician. Sure, if you have a narrow view of what makes a doctor, maybe you’d agree.

    But let’s talk about what psychiatry really entails. Everyone thinks they could handle it—until mom’s hiding a knife under her pillow or someone who’s killed before is sitting across from you, manic and unpredictable. The truth is, most people in med school (or NP school) don’t sign up for that. Managing a vent? Intubating for surgery? Honestly, those sound like a vacation compared to digging deep into the chaos of the human mind.

    Practicing psychiatry right is no walk in the park. Sure, you could do it lazily and still get paid, but you’d be hurting patients and leaving messes for those of us who care. We deal with psychotic, dangerous, unpredictable individuals every day. And while it might not be as glamorous as a tube down someone’s throat, we are essential to every medical service. We do the dirty work, behind the scenes, keeping everyone safe.

    So next time someone’s in the ED or on the floor going completely bonkers, guess who steps in? The psychiatrist.

    And by the way—I still run codes and keep up my ACLS certification. Who knows, I might even toss in a tube if I’m feeling it. 😎 #PsychiatryIsMedicine #MentalHealthMatters #WeDoTheWorkNoOneElseWants

  • The Power of a Comeback: My Time is Now, and So is Yours

    The Power of a Comeback: My Time is Now, and So is Yours

    Life is a journey full of ups and downs, and sometimes, we find ourselves at a low point, feeling defeated and uncertain. But remember, it’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up.

    A comeback isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward. It’s about using your setbacks as a setup for a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of yourself.

    1. Believe in Yourself: Trust in your abilities and your potential. You have everything within you to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
    2. Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Break down your goals into manageable steps and tackle them one by one.
    3. Learn from the Past: Reflect on what led to the setback. Embrace the lessons learned and use them to fuel your growth.
    4. Stay Positive: Surround yourself with positivity. Cultivate a mindset of gratitude and optimism, even in the face of adversity.
    5. Take Action: Don’t just dream about your comeback—take concrete steps towards it every day. Consistency and perseverance are key.
    6. Seek Support: Lean on friends, family, or mentors who believe in you. Their encouragement can be a powerful motivator.
    7. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every small victory along the way. Each step forward is progress.

    Remember, the greatest comebacks are born from the greatest setbacks. Your story is far from over, and this is just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. Keep pushing, keep striving, and watch as you rise stronger than ever.

  • Matthew Perry’s Doctors Charged

    Matthew Perry’s Doctors Charged

    Everyone told me not to comment on this situation a few months ago and here we are:

    Recent developments in the case of Matthew Perry’s death have taken a serious turn as two doctors have been charged with the illegal distribution of ketamine. The charges allege that these physicians were involved in prescribing the powerful anesthetic, known for its potential misuse as a recreational drug, outside the bounds of medical necessity.

    This case has raised significant concerns about the role of medical professionals in the broader issue of prescription drug abuse. Ketamine, while valuable in certain psychiatric contexts such as treatment resistant depression, carries a high risk of abuse and dependence, making its distribution tightly regulated.

    The charges against Perry’s doctors highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring that powerful medications are prescribed responsibly and underscore the need for stricter oversight in the medical community. The legal proceedings will likely shed more light on the extent of the alleged misconduct and its impact on Perry and others.

  • Diagnosis Depression: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) With Atypical features

    Diagnosis Depression: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) With Atypical features

    I like the DSM-5 and I think it provides us with a conceptual framework for evaluating patients. In clinical practice it’s rare to find patients that fit all diagnostic criteria perfectly. When that does occur it’s nice and makes life easy. 

    Major depressive disorder with atypical features is one of those situations. Many patients have some of the symptoms but not enough to clearly make the distinction. Nonetheless, some of these symptoms are common and need to be discussed.

    What makes this type of depression atypical?

    I like to think of the symptoms as the opposite or reverse of major depression discussed in previous posts. 

    A key distinction to look for is mood reactivity in response to positive events. In major depressive disorder nothing usually makes the patient feel happy. They may even present with a restricted, constricted or blunted affect. In the atypical case, these patients can react and show emotion when positive events occur. 

    Along with mood reactivity, they must have two of the following features: 

    • Increased appetite or significant weight gain 
    • Hypersomnia (excessive sleep) 
    • Leaden paralysis often described as a heaviness of the arms and legs 
    • A longstanding pattern of sensitivity to interpersonal rejection 
    • It must be impairing social and occupational function 

    When you look at the list above you see why we can think of these symptoms as the opposite of typical major depression.

    Hope this post helps to clear up some question about atypical depression. Please like, share and comment.