Focus on Neurology and Psychiatry

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk Factors: Environmental and Genetic Components Nov 17, 2017

Show notes

Host: Paul Rokuskie

Scientists have been doing research into many areas of autism spectrum disorder in the hopes of explaining the doubling of its prevalence rate over the past decade.

Both environmental risk factors and genetic components are areas of intense scrutiny for researchers seeking to understand the root causes of autism.

Host Paul Rokuskie talks with Craig Newschaffer, Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, about the risk factors for autism spectrum disorder that scientists are working to better define.

Neuromodulation Therapy: Emerging Treatment Option for Epilepsy Beyond Medication Nov 17, 2017

Show notes

Host: Andrew Wilner, MD, FACP, FAAN

While most people with epilepsy are treated with medications, other modalities such as surgery, diet, and neuromodulation are often necessary. Since the FDA approval of the vagus nerve stimulator in 1997, there has been a growing interest in neuromodulation. A second, more sophisticated device, the responsive neurostimulator, received FDA approval in 2013.

Host Andrew Wilner talks with Dr. Robert Fisher, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Sandford Epilepsy Center at Stanford University about the role of neuromodulation therapy for treatment of epilepsy.

Sharing Tools and Assessments for Suicide Prevention Worldwide Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 44,193 Americans die by suicide each year. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) has been developed as a means of helping users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assessing the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauging the level of support that the person needs.

Host Dr. Brian McDonough talks with Dr. Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber, Founder and Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project who disseminates the C-SSRS worldwide as a tool for suicide prevention.

Expert Debate: The Ethics of Consumer Genetic Testing Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

Host: David Weisman, MD
Guest: John Khoury, MD

For the first time, the FDA has approved a direct-to-consumer genetic test from 23andme that will inform patients if they are predisposed to diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, and Celiac Disease among others.

Proponents applaud this decision, saying this will allow for people to know their genetic health risks and be more proactive about their health. Others argue that this information doesn’t tell the whole story since predisposition doesn't reflect someone's ultimate risk or likelihood of developing a disease. What are the benefits and liabilities of consumers' access to genetic testing?

Host Dr. David Weisman, Director of Clinical Trials at Abington Neurological Associates, sits down with Dr. John Khoury, Associate Director at Abington Memorial Hospital Sleep Disorders Center, to debate the merits and pitfalls of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Environmental Risk Factors Affecting Autism Spectrum Disorder Rates Oct 08, 2017

Show notes

Host: Paul Rokuskie

Over the past two decades, the world has seen a dramatic rise of individuals being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For decades scientists and medical professionals have been researching various aspects of this disease to uncover genetic and environmental factors explaining this rapid increase in prevalence; however, discovering definitive clues to causality has proven elusive.

Host Paul Rokuskie talks with Dr. Craig Newschaffer, Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute about the latest research findings into environmental factors affecting autism risk.

Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Paradox of Conflicting Results Sep 23, 2017

Show notes

Host: Paul Rokuskie

Researchers have been challenged for years by the simultaneous results of numerous studies into brain network connections in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some results show strong connections, while others suggest the opposite. New research has helped bring some clarity to this ongoing paradox.

Host Paul Rokuskie is joined by Dr. Benjamin Yerys, a child psychologist in the Center for Autism Research (CAR) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. They talk about how it’s possible to see conflicting results and, paradoxically, for both to be true.

Millennials & Mental Health: A Generation Wrestling with Depression & Anxiety Sep 06, 2017

Show notes

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP

Millennials report higher incidence and prevalence rates of depression than any previous generation. Why is this, and what can be done to help these patients?

Host Brian McDonough speaks with Dr. John Huber, Chairman for Mainstream Mental Health, about the reasons why millennials are struggling with depression and anxiety, and tips for helping these patients handle the unique stressors in life they are facing.

Rapid Eye Movement:The Gateway to New Insights in Autism? Sep 06, 2017

Show notes

Host: Paul Rokuskie

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects communication skills as well as emotional & social development. Researchers have been studying the brain for decades to better understand how these developmental differences manifest as autism. Recent studies that measure rapid eye movement (REM) have been showing great promise in elucidating the origins and mechanisms of disease.

Host Paul Rokusie sits down with Dr. John Foxe to talk about his study on rapid eye movement, its implications on disease pathogenesis, and new insights it can bring to future autism research.

The Angry Smile: Exploring the Psychological Impacts of Passive-Aggressive Behavior Aug 25, 2017

Show notes

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Guest: Signe Whitson

What is passive-aggressive behavior, and what can (or should) people do when confronted with it?

Host Brian McDonough sits down with Signe Whitson, author of the book The Angry Smile: The New Psychological Study of Passive-Aggressive Behavior at Home, at School, in Marriage & Close Relationships, in the Workplace and Online. Ms. Whitson is an educator on bullying, crisis intervention, and child and adolescent emotional and behavioral health. She offers real-world examples and empowering, practical strategies for individuals confronted with passive aggressiveness.

Unraveling Health Disparities for Women with Parkinson's Disease Aug 25, 2017

Show notes

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Guest: Allison Willis, MD

More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease by almost a 2 to 1 margin. However, women receive supportive surgery less often than men, and their symptoms are more severe on average by the time surgical options are taken.

Host Brian McDonough chats with Dr. Allison Willis, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, about gender differences in diagnosing and managing Parkinson's Disease.

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