Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is one of the newest and most effective treatments for major depression, especially treatment-resistant depression. This article reviews recent research that supports Stanford’s revolutionary approach, which may improve the effectiveness and accessibility of TMS for depression.
Read MoreParents can be extremely frustrated when it seems like anytime they communicate with their kids, it ends in a meltdown. There are basic approaches for enhancing positive communication with your children. This article explains different types of communication between parent and child, helpful strategies and pitfalls to avoid.
Read MoreVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been available for decades for the treatment of seizures and more recently for the treatment of depression. This article explains the theory behind how VNS works, its outcomes for bipolar and unipolar depression and the potential downsides of the treatment.
Read MoreThe Covid-19 pandemic has fueled racism directed at Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) people, and people of color continue to battle against structural racism, cultural appropriation and cultural insensitivity. This article addresses the reasons why Kung Fu Psychiatry is changing its name to The Psychiatry Resource.
Read MoreSome people avoid dealing with their depression only to find out that they waited too long. This article addresses the reasons for dealing with depression immediately. Depression can become a pattern in the brain, so doing activities that alleviate depression and getting rid of your depression as quickly as possible will give you the best outcomes.
Read MoreMany parents find that trying to convince their kids to have more positive behaviors is either ineffective or backfires. This article addresses the strategy of behavioral shaping for parents to enhance positive behaviors and reduce conflicts when their kids are off-task. This basic parenting strategy, colloquially known as Grandma’s Rule, when consistently applied, can help life at home go more smoothly.
Read MoreThere are several potential barriers to achieving full freedom from depression. Alternately, some people are so focused on getting their depression better that when they finally arrive, they are left wondering, “What now?” This article addresses the impact of anxiety and other barriers to getting free from depression.
Read More7 million Christians in the US experience major depression each year. While attendance of religious services might be protective, it is not protective enough. This article discusses research on Christians with depression, the impact of stigma and how I calculated the number of depressed Christians.
Read MoreIn 2020, I launched my Kung Fu Psychiatry blog, published 43 articles and 31 book reviews and spent more money than my blog earned. This article addresses the highs, the lows and the lessons learned from my first year blogging on KungFuPsychiatry.com.
Read MoreThe Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA) was a major step toward mental health parity in the US. Before its passage, many Americans, especially those with ERISA-based health plans, were not protected by federal and state mental health parity laws. This article describes the history of mental health parity and what people can do to advocate for themselves.
Read MoreInternet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) is a computerized version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is delivered over the internet. This article addresses hard questions critics have about iCBT, research supporting its benefit, the impact it can have in communities and who can benefit from the treatment.
Read MoreSupportive psychotherapy is commonly used as a comparison intervention or “treatment as usual” in mental health research studies. While it is often expected by the scientific elite to be less effective than newer, manualized therapies, it has been proven to be an effective intervention for many conditions. This article covers basic approaches in supportive psychotherapy and who might benefit from the treatment.
Read MoreHelping someone you care about who is depressed can be a challenge, but your informed persistence can make all the difference. This article addresses ways of supporting the people you care about in their fight against depression.
Read MoreMany people are not told what to expect when prescribed an antidepressant medication. Basic information, such as the dosing range, the goal of treatment, how side effects can be overcome and how long to stay on the medication, is frequently left out of a clinical encounter. This article outlines a methodical approach to antidepressant treatment for depression.
Read MoreUnfortunately, many parents’ first response is the wrong one when dealing with a predator or friends who are pulling their teenager into a drug culture or other unhealthy relationships. This article addresses a plan of action for dealing with parental missteps and preserving your relationship with your child as they navigate the uncertain waters of adolescent relationships.
Read MoreSome parents are at a loss if their child struggles with social skills because it seems like such a basic, naturally-acquired ability. However, many kids struggle with lagging social skills and this can result in fewer friendships, trouble learning at school or aggression. This article addresses creative strategies for helping your child.
Read MoreMany people with longstanding depression believe that they have tried every treatment out there. A detailed review of their history often reveals that they are mistaken and that there are several strategies that they have never tried. This article addresses what information is needed to make a well-informed decision about what treatment to try next and how a history of past treatments combined with a strategic, methodical approach can open up options to newer and potentially more effective treatments.
Read MoreSome people have severe depression despite having a relatively good life. Others know exactly why they are depressed and can identify the specific cause or situation that is worsening their mood. This article focuses on depressive symptoms caused by maladaptive patterns and life toxicities and what to do about them.
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