Nei Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Thomas Schwartz about insomnia related to antidepressant discontinuation, including how rebound and withdrawal symptoms can emerge when tapering or stopping treatment. They review the underlying mechanisms, clinical risk factors, and how to distinguish discontinuation-related insomnia from relapse of depression or primary sleep disorders. The discussion emphasizes practical, evidence-informed strategies for safely tapering antidepressants and managing sleep disturbance in psychiatric practice.   Thomas L. Schwartz, MD, is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at Norton College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He is an award-winning educator deeply involved in medical student and resident training, as well as the development of continuing medical education in psychiatry.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serve

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Holly Swartz about the critical role of sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder, including how sleep disturbance can function as both a symptom and trigger of mood episodes. They discuss how clinicians can better assess sleep to identify early warning signs of relapse, along with practical strategies for intervention, including applying principles of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), choosing between behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for insomnia, and avoiding sleep medications that may destabilize mood. The episode offers a clinically focused approach to improving relapse prevention through better sleep management.   Holly A. Swartz, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, Director of the Center for Advanced Psychotherapy, and Medical Director of the Depression and Manic Depression Prevention Program. An internationally recognized expert in bipolar disorder treatment, she is President of the International

In this revisited episode, Dr. Robyn Thom discusses autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the psychiatric comorbidities that frequently accompany it. She reviews how ASD is diagnosed, the core domains of social communication differences and restricted or repetitive behaviors, and why treatment often focuses on co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, and agitation. Dr. Thom also shares practical strategies for evaluating agitation, distinguishing overlapping symptoms, and selecting behavioral and pharmacologic interventions to support patients with ASD across the lifespan.  Robyn Thom, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a staff psychiatrist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Lurie Center for Autism. She specializes in treating children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with clinical and research interests in psychiatric comorbidities, anxiety, and mood disorders. Save $100 on registration for 2026

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Robert Cotes about optimizing outcomes in early psychosis and why the first episode is a critical window for intervention. They discuss the impact of duration of untreated psychosis, recovery trajectories after a first episode, and what to measure beyond symptom reduction—including functional outcomes, cognition, and relapse risk. The conversation also highlights strategies for engaging young adults and families in coordinated specialty care, early identification of clinical high risk for psychosis, and innovations aimed at improving long-term recovery.  Robert O. Cotes, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine and Chief of Psychiatry at Grady Health System in Atlanta. He directs the Clinical and Research Program for Psychosis at Grady, which includes Project ARROW, a coordinated specialty care program for young people with early psychosis, and a specialized clozapine clinic for treatment-resistant schizoph

PsychopharmaPearls is NEI's focused podcast series highlighting the clinical insights that can sharpen your prescribing decisions. In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Lisa Harding about how to choose between IV ketamine and intranasal esketamine for patients with difficult-to-treat depression. They unpack the differences that truly matter in practice—from patient selection and monitoring to access, cost, and common missteps. Tune in for practical pearls you can immediately apply to select the right treatment for the right patient.  Lisa Harding, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist and nationally recognized depression specialist with deep expertise in interventional psychiatry. She has performed more than 4,000 procedures, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), intravenous ketamine, intranasal esketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Dr. Harding is known for her thoughtful approach to complex, treatment-resistant depression, integrating advanced somatic therapies, psychophar

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Tim Wilens about enduring myths surrounding ADHD diagnosis and treatment, beginning with why misconceptions about overdiagnosis and misuse continue to shape clinical hesitation. They explore common misunderstandings about ADHD medications—including stimulants versus non-stimulants, concerns about diversion, personality changes, and long-term safety—and contrast stigma-driven narratives with the clinical evidence. The conversation equips clinicians with practical, evidence-based strategies to address patient fears, counter misinformation, and make thoughtful, individualized treatment decisions.  Timothy Wilens, MD, is chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is co-director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the MGH Trustees Chair in Addiction Medicine and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wilens' research interests include the relationship among attention deficit/hyperactivit

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Jonathan Meyer to dispel common myths about antipsychotic treatment, from concerns about sedation, personality change, and brain effects to misunderstandings about safety, long-acting injectables, and clozapine. The discussion focuses on what the evidence actually shows about efficacy, risk, and recovery, and how clinicians can communicate more clearly and confidently with patients and families.  Jonathan Meyer, MD, DLFAPA, is a Voluntary Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He serves as a Senior Academic Advisor to the California Department of State Hospitals, is a psychopharmacology consultant to the first episode psychosis program at Balboa Naval Medical Center, and has published extensively on psychopharmacology, including co-authoring The Clozapine Handbook, The Clinical Use of Antipsychotic Plasma Levels, and The Lithium Handbook with Dr. Stephen Stahl.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Jeff Strawn unpack common misconceptions that complicate real-world use of antidepressants. They review evidence on efficacy, suicidality risk, mechanisms, and early side effects, and discuss how to navigate hesitancy and misinformation. The conversation also addresses when to start medication, how to balance caution with timely intervention in youth, and practical ways to strengthen trust and therapeutic alliance.  Jeffrey R. Strawn, MD, FAACAP, is a Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Clinical & Translational Pharmacology at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the Director of the UC Anxiety Disorders Research Program and the Associate Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at UC.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Ed

As 2025 comes to an end, we revisit our most downloaded episode of the year. Join Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Carla Sharp as they explore the current conceptualization of borderline personality disorder (BPD), including diagnostic challenges, evidence-based treatments, and strategies to reduce stigma by framing BPD as a treatable condition. The conversation also highlights recent updates to the APA's BPD guidelines and what they mean for clinical practice.  Carla Sharp, PhD is a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in developmental psychopathology, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD). She is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program and serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty and Research at the University of Houston. Additionally, she directs both the Adolescent Diagnosis, Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment Center and the Developmental Psychopathology Lab at the university.    Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive exp

Join Drs. Andy Cutler and Roger McIntyre as they discuss the most significant advancements in psychopharmacology over the past year. Their conversation highlights groundbreaking developments and innovations in the field of psychiatry.   Roger McIntyre, MD, FRCPC, is a globally recognized psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who holds pivotal roles in academia, research, and leadership. His research primarily focuses on the phenomenology, neurobiology, and development of novel therapeutics for mood disorders. Dr. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Resources  Thanarajah ES et al. Soft drink consum

In this CME episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Drs. Stephen Stahl and Roger McIntyre about recognizing and managing complex depression, particularly major depressive episodes with mixed or anxious features. They discuss how these specifiers affect diagnosis, symptom severity, and treatment response, and explore evidence-based strategies for optimizing outcomes through individualized and adjunctive approaches. Create a free NEI guest account and obtain CME/CE by participating in this activity here: https://nei.global/e270-cme Never miss an episode!

In this CME episode, Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Christoph Correll discuss the complexities of managing bipolar disorder, with a focus on recognizing and treating mixed states. They address overlapping manic and depressive symptoms, comorbidities, and the importance of shared decision-making, family involvement, and patient education. The conversation also explores strategies to improve adherence, the impact of substance use, and the value of a collaborative, individualized approach to long-term stability and recovery. Create a free NEI guest account and obtain CME/CE by participating in this activity here: https://nei.global/e269-cme Never miss an episode!

This episode includes extended Q&A sessions that address your unanswered questions from the following presentations delivered at the 2025 Fall Congress in Colorado Springs, Colorado:  (00:22) A Discussion of Substance: Supporting Meaningful Improvements in the Lives of Patients Struggling With Substance Use Disorders by Brittany Albright, MD and Hara Oyedeji, DNP, PMHNP-BC (Q&A with Dr. Albright)  (34:08) Nightmares and Brainscapes: Emerging Therapeutic Avenues in the Treatment of PTSD by Lori Davis, MD and Andrew Cutler, MD (Q&A with Dr. Davis)  (47:43) Sex, Pudge, and Eyes That Close: Strategies to Address Common Psychotropic–Induced Tolerability Issues by Leslie Citrome, MD and Andrew Cutler, MD (Q&A with Dr. Citrome)   (55:00) When Less Is More: Strategies for Deprescribing Psychotropic Medications by Jeffrey Strawn, MD and Kari Franson, PharmD, PhD, BCPP (Q&A with Dr. Strawn)  Never miss an episode!

In recognition of Stress Awareness Week, the NEI Podcast revisits a vital conversation with Dr. Joan Striebel about the syndrome of catatonia—a condition that can emerge from profound psychological or physiological stress. Dr. Andy Cutler and Dr. Striebel discuss its dynamic presentation, the importance of treating underlying causes, and why clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating complex or unexplained psychiatric symptoms. This re-release highlights key insights to help clinicians recognize and manage catatonia more effectively in practice.  Never miss an episode!

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Ryan Sultán about the evolving landscape of ADHD—why diagnoses and prescriptions have risen across age groups, what recent prescribing data reveal, and how these trends align with real-world clinical experience. They explore how ADHD medications affect not just symptoms but broader outcomes like school, work, and safety, while also addressing concerns about overdiagnosis, misuse, and disparities in access to care.   Dr. Ryan Sultan is a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He is the Medical Director of NYC-based Integrative Psychiatry, where he assesses and treats patients using a combination of psychological, social, environmental, and pharmacological modalities. Integrative Psychiatry also provides ADHD treatment in Miami. As an ADHD psychiatrist, he conducts extensive ADHD

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Peter Weiden about when and how to switch antipsychotics in schizophrenia, tackling both the pitfalls and opportunities clinicians face in practice. They also explore how xanomeline–trospium has opened the door to treatments beyond dopamine and what this shift means for the future of care.  Peter J. Weiden, MD, is a psychiatrist and internationally recognized expert in the pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia. His research and clinical work have focused on antipsychotic effectiveness, switching strategies, and medication adherence, with a particular emphasis on optimizing long-term outcomes for patients.   Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  N

In this CME episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Manpreet Singh, the Robert H. Putnam Endowed Chair in Bipolar Research and Treatment at UC Davis, about the challenges of diagnosing and treating pediatric bipolar disorder. Dr. Singh shares evidence-based strategies for treatment, management of bipolar depression and medication side effects, and best practices for long-term care and transitioning youth into adult services.  NEI Members can earn CME/CE by participating in this activity here: https://nei.global/e264-cme Never miss an episode!

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Dan Singley about the unique challenges men face in recognizing, expressing, and seeking care for their mental health. They explore how norms around masculinity influence help-seeking behavior and contribute to men’s heightened risk of suicide. The conversation also highlights the underrecognized issue of paternal perinatal depression, its impact on family dynamics, and strategies clinicians can use to better screen, engage, and support new fathers.  Dr. Daniel Singley, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and expert in men’s mental health, with a particular focus on the transition to fatherhood and perinatal mental health for men. He is the founder and director of the Center for Men’s Excellence in San Diego, where he provides therapy, consultation, and training centered on men’s psychological development and gender-sensitive care.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharma

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Roger McIntyre about the growing recognition of Long COVID and its wide-ranging neuropsychiatric manifestations. They discuss the role of neuroinflammation in its pathophysiology, the impact of these symptoms on patients’ daily functioning, and both current and emerging treatment approaches.  Dr. Roger McIntyre is a globally recognized psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who holds pivotal roles in academia, research, and leadership. His research primarily focuses on the phenomenology, neurobiology, and development of novel therapeutics for mood disorders. Dr. McIntyre is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Pamela Wall about the complex intersection of PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in veterans. They explore how military culture influences the experience and treatment of trauma, the challenges of distinguishing overlapping symptoms, and evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention. Tune in for practical insights, clinical pearls, and resource recommendations for improving care in this uniquely vulnerable population.  Pamela Wall, PhD, PMHNP-BC is an associate professor in the College of Nursing at Rosalind Franklin University and maintains a clinical practice at a neuropsychiatric clinic in Fairfax, VA. She has extensive experience working with adult psychiatric mental health populations, and her research has focused on PTSD, mTBI, and sleep disorders in deployed military service members. Dr. Wall served 20 years on active duty as a Nurse Corps Officer in the United States Navy.  Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist a