The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness

Latest Episodes:

Intolerable Anxiety Feb 11, 2018

Show notes

We all experience anxiety. Sometimes anxiety helps us meet our goals. Anxiety can also rise to the point of extreme intolerability or can be so constant that wellbeing is substantially negatively impacted. Where is this line? What are some common medical causes of anxiety? Could caffeine, nicotine, or energy drinks really be part of the problem? When is a medication needed? Dr. Kaz teaches George some simple and proven techniques to rapidly reduce intolerable anxiety or panic when it happens.

George's Cognitive Screening Jan 29, 2018

Show notes

Is it ethical for psychiatrists to comment on the mental health of public figures? What if the health and safety of the nation is at stake? Dr. Kaz and George take the opportunity to define terms being discussed in the media as relates to the President's recent physical exam. What is a cognitive screen? How is this different than a psychiatric evaluation? Dr. Kaz administers the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to George. This screening tool may be used without permission for educational purposes. Hear George take this exam and learn the results of his screening.

Habits, Passions, Obsessions and Compulsions Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

Why is it so hard to stop playing that video game and go to bed? What is that feeling of irresistible tension that prompts a person to check a text alert? When is a passion or interest considered an addictive behavior? Dr. Kaz and George talk about the line between interest and obsession and options for treatment for when behaviors feel beyond one's control.

Erratum Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

In Episode 8, I mistakenly state that the two FDA approved medications for PTSD are sertraline and citalopram. The correct selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PTSD treatment sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).

Please take note of this information and I apologize for this error.

Kaz

Collaboration with artist Adam Swanson Dec 31, 2017

Show notes

Hello Podcast friends,

I wanted to share with you a little information about our collaboration with my favorite artist, Adam Swanson. He is a Duluth, MN, artist and he has authorized use of images of his paintings in our podcast project. Here is more information about Adam's magnificent work.

www.adamswanson.com

Trauma Part 2: Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Dec 31, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Kaz and George continue their discussion of traumatic experiences and their impact on mental health and well being. This episode addresses PTSD treatment, including medication, side effects, and therapeutic approaches. More controversial approaches, such as marijuana and MDMA ("ecstasy") are also explored in this episode.

After trauma: Your questions answered on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Nov 25, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of The Mind Deconstructed podcast, Dr. Kaz and George walk through the basic elements of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including common questions those with lived experience of trauma and their loved ones may be asking. Why do some people develop PTSD and others do not, even if they have experienced similar types of trauma? Does the timing, intensity and frequency of traumatic events matter? After a traumatic event, how much time passes before someone is considered to have PTSD? This episode will provide you with the basic understanding and future episodes will provide even more details, including treatment approaches.

The Aftermath of Mass Violence Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

Following recent events in Las Vegas and Somalia, Dr. Kaz and George discuss common mental health reactions to instances of mass violence as described by the Uniformed Services University Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Dr. Kaz shares common experiences such as grief for the sense of loss of safety and vulnerability. George draws parallels to his time serving as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan and wonders what soldiers may teach us about traumatic stress.

The Revolution of Borderline Personality Disorder Oct 14, 2017

Show notes

With George's help, Dr. Kaz discusses the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and its difficult and unnecessarily stigmatized history in the field of mental health. The episode features Chuck's essay, which brings this issue to a personal level.

"My Shameful Diagnosis" By: Chuck Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

Dear The Mind Deconstructed Podcast Audience,

Episode #5 will be released on 10/14 and is on the topic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss how the understanding of this disorder has changed over time.

We'll share Chuck's story. Chuck suffered his whole life and learned about the diagnosis of BPD at age 60. His essay eloquently describes the impact of going his whole life without being told something many of his treatment providers likely knew.

We were only able to discuss portions of his essay, so he was kind enough to allow his entire essay to be published on this website. I still feel my heart sink every time I read this essay. I'm relieved he finally understands his diagnosis and has acquired the tools necessary to survive and manage symptoms which had previously dominated his life.

Thanks for listening and for bearing witness to Chuck's story.

Kaz

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