ADHD Is Not the Only Diagnosis: Differential and Diagnostic Hierarchy
Why does it feel like everyone thinks they have ADHD lately? In this episode, two psychiatrists discuss the differential of ADHD. They explore how social media trends (like viral TikTok videos) are fueling ADHD self-diagnosis, and they emphasize the importance of careful evaluation. You’ll learn how to think through whether it’s ADHD vs. look-alike conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, sleep deprivation, or even just chronic stress and burnout. The doctors also talk about the burnout mental health providers are facing with so many people seeking ADHD meds, and they share their balanced approach to diagnosing and treating attention issues in an evidence-based way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
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Is Psychoanalysis Still Relevant in Modern Psychiatry?
Is psychoanalysis still relevant in modern psychiatry and medication management? We unpack psychodynamic therapy, DSM-5 personality disorders, object relations, ego psychology, splitting, projective identification, attachment theory, and how solid psychiatric formulation improves outcomes in even medication management. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
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Handling Difficult Situations in Psychiatry: ADHD Evaluations, Benzo Requests, Disability Claims, and Involuntary Admissions
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of the therapeutic alliance and the real challenges psychiatrists face in everyday practice. From patients insisting on ADHD diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions to those requesting Xanax, disability paperwork, or resisting involuntary admission, we role play common clinical encounters and discuss practical strategies for navigating them. Drawing on concepts like collaboration and alliance, we highlight tools for psychiatrists, therapists, and clinicians to manage difficult conversations without burning out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
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How to Do a Psychiatric Intake | The Art and Science of the First Hour
In this episode we break down how to run a focused, humane, and evidence informed psychiatric intake. We start with setting the frame and role clarity, then show how to use a free narrative to map life course symptoms before moving into targeted history, DSM-5 criteria, and the mental status exam. Along the way we tackle common requests for ADHD or autism evaluations, the risks of checklist thinking, and when to pivot to structured tools. We close with communicating impressions, treatment planning, and next steps. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
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The Treatment Frame in Action: Lessons from ‘I Fell in Love with My Psychiatrist’
Boundaries aren’t just rules in psychiatry… they’re part of the treatment itself. In this episode, we explore therapeutic ruptures, transference and countertransference, and how clear treatment frames protect patients, clinicians, and the therapeutic process. From handling “doorknob comments” to navigating burnout, we highlight the practical ways psychiatrists and therapists can use boundaries to strengthen care and reduce resentment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
PsychoFarm Podcast is a deep dive into the intersection of psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and the evolving understanding of mental health. Hosted by 2 psychiatrists, the podcast explores complex topics such as diagnosing mood and personality disorders, the role of medications in treatment, and the challenges of psychiatric training. Each episode breaks down the clinical insights and philosophical debates surrounding mental health care, providing both practitioners and curious listeners with thoughtful analysis, expert opinions, and practical advice. psychofarm.substack.com
Ireland