The Telepsychiatrist: Recent Episodes
Dr. Jodi Midiri
More than one BILLION of earth's humans are obese. which is important because this condition is an indicator of such a wide range of other health issues. The three discuss mindful eating; really taking into account the feelings and experience of eating food with Bernadette, a former nutritional therapist turned mindful eating therapist.
Mindful eating is the opposite of a diet; it’s about fixing your relationship with food, not losing weight. Bringing a quality of awareness to food and being aware of our stream of experience can dramatically alter our experience of eating. Bernadette welcomes the audience, and guides Nam through the ‘3 raisins experience’ as an introduction to mindfulness eating.
ResourcesBernadette's website
Bernadette's Linkedin
Bernadette's Facebook
CDC Obesity Statistics
Forbes Obesity Statistics
BMI Calculator
Top 10 Reasons Why The BMI Is Bogus
In this episode, Dr Midiri and Nam interview humor academics, Stephen and Carol about their personal and professional experiences with humor. They examine what it means to be funny, types of humor, and how it applies to the human condition.
They discuss how humor affects mental health, the comedians who suffer from mental health, and it's use in the darkest of times. They also discuss the very real impact that humor can have on your physical health. ResourcesStephen’s website
Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke - Mayo Clinic
Laughter is the Best Medicine - HelpGuide.org
The Use of Humor in Serious Mental Illness: A Review
Humor in Psychiatry: Lessons From Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Treatment Research
The Benefits of Humor | Psychology Today
Using Humor as a Coping Tool | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
This episode features the heart-wrenching story of Carrie and her unimaginable experience of being prayed upon by one of the people in which she should have been able to trust the most – her therapist and psychiatrist. This stunning story goes to the heart of dysfunction in psychiatric practice and the gaps we need to close in ethical behavior.
The group then discusses art therapy, imagery, and how art and creativity can be used as an antidote to trauma. Carries guides Nam through a therapeutic visualization exercise.
ResourcesCarrie's website
Carrie's book, Seduced Into Darkness: Transcending my Psychiatrists Sexual Abuse
Carrie's book trailer
PTSD Criteria
A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways:
- Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
- Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
- Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
- Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse)
B. Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
- Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
- Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring.
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
- Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s)
- Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,” “My whole nervous system is permanently ruined”).
- Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.
- Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
- Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
- Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
- Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happine
In this episode, Dr Midiri and Nam talk through ADHD with two patients; one 10 year old boy and one adult woman. They review criteria for hyperactive, inattentive, and combined type presentations.
Dr Midiri shares her own story about being diagnosed with ADHD and her experience in taking medication for the first time. Nam and Dr Midiri finish off conversing about the intricacies of ADHD, including how the disorder shows up differently in genders.
ResourcesCHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)ADDitude MagazineUnderstoodADHD Coaches OrganizationNational Institute of Mental Health: ADHD InformationAmerican Academy of Pediatrics: ADHDADHD Medication Review by Cleveland Clinic
At the top of season 2, Dr Midiri introduces Nam; her new comedian co-host. Nam reveals what he doesn’t want anyone to know about him.
Then, Dr Midiri and Nam talk attachment theory with the wise Julie Menanno MA, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Relationship Coach, and author. Julie is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Together, they talk about various relationship problems such as perfectionism, trying to ‘fix’ the problem vs. the power of validation, and vulnerability. Don't miss this gem if you want to improve your own relationship!
References
All of Julie's info and resources
Julie's instragram, with over 1.1 million followers, shares helpful hints for your relationship
Book counseling services with Julie and her team
Preorder Julie's new book, Secure Love: Create a Relationship that Lasts a Lifetime
Description
In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews TWO mental health professionals and discusses the delicate and relevant subject of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV.) Dr. Zappert is an expert on the topic and Dina is a social worker and survivor.
Together, they break down the misconceptions and stereotypes attached to IPV and survivors. We learn some shocking statistics about the sheer prevalence of abuse and, finally, we hear from the unique and jarring perspective of a survivor’s fight for help.
References
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service
800-799-7233
Domestic Violence Hotline
Create a Safety Plan
IPV Factsheet from the CDC
Newspaper Coverage of Intimate Partner Violence: Sewing Representations of Risk
Washington Post: No more free passes to famous men who abuse women
NY Times: Domestic Violence Awareness Hasn’t Caught Up with #MeToo
Description
Have you seen something recently about magic mushrooms and mental health? You're not alone! In this episode join Dr. Jodi Midiri as she interviews Rome and Victoria, the Wise Women of Mycology Psychology. Learn what it means "to microdose," and what we have to look forward to in the future of mental health.
References
Mycology Psychology
DescriptionIn this episode, Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews her patient Carrie, who suffers from depression and later went on to develop catatonia. Together they discuss the bizarre signs and symptoms of catatonia, why it’s hard to diagnose, and how to treat the condition.
Later, Carrie’s husband, Tom joins the conversation to give an outside perspective of how this peculiar disorder affected him and the family. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn how to recognize catatonia so this doesn’t go unnoticed in your life.
ResourcesCatatonia: Our current understanding of its diagnosis, treatment and pathophysiology
Video of evaluating the catatonic patient with the Bush-Francis Scale
Description
*In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews a first year psychiatric trainee, Dr. Faddel Chouman. Together, the two talk about the challenges and rewards in their chosen career paths. Dr. Chouman gives some pretty solid advice if you're considering psychiatry as a profession, especially if you plan on doing it for the money.
Tune in to hear how you can help reduce mental health stigma, today!*
Resources
University of Central Florida's Psychiatric Residency Program
Dr. Chouman's Instagram
Dr. Chouman's TikTok
Description
In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews her patient Don, a farmer who has suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder since transitioning into retirement. Together they discuss the diagnostic criteria for the disorder, non-pharmacological approaches to treatment, and a common side effect to SSRI's that you don't want to miss.
Resources
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control
Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults
GAD-7 Assessment Tool
Health Disparities in Rural America: Current Challenges and Future Solutions
Description
In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri travels to Cartagena, Colombia and interviews a young, up-and-coming doctor, Dr. Nora Ayola.
The two talk about the current state of mental health care in Colombia, what it means to be at the apex of treating mental health in a traditional culture and following in the footsteps of several generations of mental health professionals.
Special thanks to Dr. Ayola and CEMIC Clinic staff for graciously hosting us in Cartagena. Resources
CEMIC Clinic of Cartagena
Mental Health In Colombia
PUMAS (Populations Underrepresented in Mental illness Association Studies)
Looking for the inside scoop on this episode and more? Sign up for our newsletter at: https://thetelepsychiatrist.org/
Description
In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews her patient Kristy, a transgender woman, who discusses the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, and the challenges she has faced during her life.
In this touching interview, Kristy reveals how suppressing her true self led to years of alcoholism, shame, and pain. She also offers advice to others in similar positions
Don't miss this powerful interview.
References
A Guide to Gender Identity Terms
Allies Packet
List of Organizations
National Center for Transgender Equality
A Guide for Working with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients
DescriptionHard on yourself? In the US, 80% of us treat others much better than we treat ourselves. In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews Colleen, a licensed therapist and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher.
Colleen explains practical ways that we can be more kind to ourselves, and even takes us though one of her “Self-Compassion Breaks.”
ReferencesColleen's WebsiteCenter for Mindful Self-CompassionMindful Self-Compassion Workbook
In this episode Dr. Jodi MIdiri interviews her patient Karen, who was working with Dr. Midiri for depression and coping with her husband’s dementia.
Karen, the main caretaker of her husband, was involved in a motor vehicle accident that turned her own diagnosis on it’s head
Find out if your trauma fits the DSM5 criteria for PTSD, or Acute Stress Disorder
Alzheimer's Support Group Info
https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri travels to Nairobi, Kenya and interviews the legendary Dr Ndetei, a psychiatry researcher. In this personal and eye-opening discussion, Dr Ndetei talks about all things mental health in Africa as well as his personal journey to being a leading authority in the field.
Special thanks to Dr Ndetei and family for graciously hosting us at your home for this interview.
Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation
The History of Psychiatry and Mental Health in Kenya
Masters & Johnson
Suicide rates increasing in Kenya
Looking for the inside scoop on this episode and more? Sign up for our newsletter at https://thetelepsychiatrist.org/
Description *In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews her patient, Amy, who describes her struggles and triumphs associated with her Bipolar diagnosis.
In this personal and insightful discussion, Amy talks about her own experience and that of her family to help throw light onto this difficult condition.
Get the inside track on what it’s like to experience a manic episode.*ReferencesNational Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar DisorderAmy's BlogThe Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David J. Miklowitz, PhD
DescriptionIn this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews Dr Ken Adolph a board-certified anesthesiologist, member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, and founder of Illumma Ketamine Clinic.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthesia that holds a lot of promise in treating mental health disorders when other treatments have failed.
Get the inside track in the latest thinking about ketamine treatment and administration
References
Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation
Ketamine/esketamine: Putative mechanisms of action
The rebirth of psychedelic psychiatry
Ketamine for PTSD: Well, Isn’t That Special
Ketamine: Quo Vadis?
*Is There Really Nothing New Under the Sun?
Is Low-Dose Ketamine a Fast-Acting Antidepressant*
Simply Because It Is An Opioid?
A Word to the Wise About Intranasal Esketamine
A Single Ketamine Infusion Combined With Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Modification to Treat Cocaine Dependence: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Further Investigation of Ketamine
Antisuicidal Effects of Ketamine: A Promising First Step
Effects of Ketamine Versus Midazolam on Neurocognition at 24 Hours in Depressed Patients With Suicidal Ideation.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Sustain Antidepressant Effects of Intravenous Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression