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The winter months can bring more than colder weather and shorter days. For many people, this time of year can make depression symptoms harder to manage. But depression is much more than the winter blues, and the science behind it is more complex than a simple chemical imbalance.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Koren talks with psychiatrist Dr. Heather Luing about the science of depression, how seasonal changes can affect mood, and when it's time to seek professional help. They explore lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, antidepressants, light therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation, ketamine, and emerging treatments being investigated through clinical research.

They also discuss why traditional antidepressants don't work for everyone, how new treatment approaches are expanding options, and why there's reason for hope in the future of depression care.

In this episode:
- Why the holiday season and shorter days can be difficult for some people
- What distinguishes major depressive disorder from everyday mood changes
- How sleep, exercise, nutrition, and time in nature can support mental health
- The limitations of the traditional serotonin-based approach to depression
- How TMS, light therapy, and vagus nerve stimulation work
- Emerging medications, ketamine, and psychedelic research
- How clinical trials are helping advance depression treatment
- When to seek help and how to support someone experiencing depression

If you're struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health or substance use support.
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Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.com

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Dr. Mitchell Rothstein joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, also called POTS. This condition, where heart rate rises when a person stands up, is often misunderstood and/or takes years to properly diagnose. The two doctors discuss the background and symptoms of POTS, but really dig deep into the broad problem of autonomic dysfunction. They distinguish between POTS and other autonomic problems, and look at how COVID and autoimmune diseases can cause autonomic dysfunction. Finally, the two doctors look at treatment options for POTS, including hydration, salt, medications, and new clinical trials.
Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.

Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.com

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Weight loss can come with muscle loss, even when medication is involved. Dr. H. Jackson Downey shares practical guidance on strength training, protein intake, balanced meals, and smaller portions to help support muscle maintenance and make weight-loss treatment easier to manage.
Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.

Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.com

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Medical headlines shape our food, our drugs, and our fears. But how much should we believe? In this episode, Dr. Michael Koren and Dr. Mitchell Rothstein explore how medical news is made, why headlines can be misleading, and how to tell the difference between evidence and hype.

Learn a simple 4-step practical framework to evaluate health claims: check the claim, evidence, source, and incentives. We discuss study design, relative vs. absolute risk, and reporting on topics like Lp(a), daily aspirin, coconut oil, ivermectin, omega-3 supplements, and others. We also cover dietary supplements, FDA oversight, and marketing claims that may mislead consumers.

Learn to read medical news with more confidence and make more informed health decisions. What health headline has you wondering what to believe?
Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.

Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.com

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Want to learn more? Checkout our entire library of podcasts, videos, articles and presentations at www.MedEvidence.com

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Dr. Michael Hafran joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss new investigational gene editing therapies. They talk about what genes and gene editing are, the history of gene editing, and some of the FDA-approved therapies on the market today. They also address fears people have about gene editing and clinical trials, explain the long and intensive safety measures in place, and reveal that these therapies aren't too different from what the body does naturally, just in a more guided and specific way to address genetic problems. They finish up by talking about an investigational medication designed to reduce an overactive cholesterol-related gene and lower the incidence of heart problems.
Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.

Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.com

Listen on Spotify
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Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the MedEvidence! podcast to be notified when new episodes are released.

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Want to learn more? Checkout our entire library of podcasts, videos, articles and presentations at www.MedEvidence.com

Music: Storyblocks - Corporate Inspired

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