You searched for Psychiatry - CLOSLER

"Corridor in the Asylum," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. The Met Museum.

March 5, 2018 | 3 min read

Demystifying Psychiatry

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Demystifying psychiatry for patients is the heart of my work. In its existential aspects, psychotherapy calls for the imagination of alternative possibilities.

Author Susan Lehmann listening and talking with one of her senior patients.

August 28, 2018 | 3 min read

6 Things You Need to Know About Geriatric Psychiatry

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In older adults, as in younger people, poor mental health undermines general health, quality of life, and overall functioning. Given the dearth of specialty-trained geriatric psychiatrists and geriatricians, it is crucial for all clinicians to have skills in the diagnosis and management of common mental health conditions affecting older adults.

"Wheat Field with Cypresses," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

May 7, 2019 | 2 min read

Finding Balance

By Danielle Johnson, MD, Lindner Center of HOPE, University of Cincinnati

Small gestures while supporting patients through trauma and grief can make a big difference.

Georgia O'Keeffe, Series 1, Number 8.

November 20, 2018 | 2 min read

The Healing Power of Words

By Helen Bradshaw, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What we say to patients has the power to promote healing.

August 6, 2020 | 3 min read

5 Tips for Supporting People With Autism

By Roma Vasa, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s critical to make time to understand how your patient communicates best, learn their strengths, empathize with their challenges, and give them as much autonomy and choice as possible.

Evening Star, Number III, Georgia O'Keefe, 1917, Museum of Modern Art

November 21, 2018 | 1 min read

Asking Difficult Questions

By Julia Ross, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Asking probing questions is difficult, but can make a difference in understanding your patient.

"The Persistence of Memory," Salvador Dali, 1931, The Museum of Modern Art.

November 19, 2018 | 2 min read

Learning from Learners

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Teaching is the best way to learn. In the end, I am not only a teacher and my residents are not only learners, but we are both a little of each.

October 27, 2021 | 4 min read

Digital Media Addiction: It’s Complicated

By Natalie Gukasyan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s tempting to resort to simple explanations for complex behaviors like digital media use. Deep relationships with patients can help you understand what’s behind the behavior.

March 19, 2018 | 5 min read

Deep and Active Listening

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The essence of good doctoring is to listen attentively and respectfully to the concerns of your patient.

February 19, 2019 | 4 min read

On Feeling Helpless: A Psychiatrist Reflects on the Aftermath of a Patient Suicide

By Dinah Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

If you've been distressed by the loss of a patient to suicide, I hope my story will provide a moment of relief as you begin the process of healing; I hope that you may feel less alone.

October 19, 2021 | 2 min read

Asking About Your Patient’s Pet

By Elizabeth Steuber, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Todd Brenner, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ask patients about their pets. This can build a bridge to talking about topics like functional status, home life, and family dynamics.

A patient's Maine coon kitten, pug puppy, and knitting project.

September 14, 2020 | 3 min read

The Unexpected Benefits of Seeing Patients Virtually

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Telemedicine allows patients and clinicians to see and respond to each other’s facial expressions. Plus, clinicians are offered deeper insight into their patient’s world.

July 14, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Respond to Off-putting Comments from Patients

By Elizabeth Steuber, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes comments from patients are rooted in their own unmet fears or needs. Instead of reacting to your own discomfort in the face of such comments, remaining curious and asking open-ended questions may help you understand what’s behind such unpleasant remarks.

August 26, 2020 | 6 min read

How to Discuss Minority Stress With Patients

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

If your patient identifies as part of a minority group, it could be helpful to ask if they’ve experienced stress because of this. Doing so may allow you to better understand your patient’s story.

June 23, 2021 | 6 min read

Aducanumab: The Clinical Wisdom of Being Conservative, Careful, And Transparent

By Constantine Lyketsos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians frequently face thorny ethical dilemmas when caring for patients. Take time to reflect on all components of these issues before discussions with patients.

June 22, 2020 | 4 min read

Doing Something or Doing Nothing: Health Disparities, Racial Justice, and the Risk of Failing to Meet This Moment

By Hal Kronsberg, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Truly addressing health disparities and racial justice requires an intense and challenging examination of our own clinical practices and how they may perpetuate inequalities. We must continually hold ourselves and our institutions accountable on the path to building a more just medicine.

A crowd organized by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee sang “We Shall Overcome” in Farmville, Virginia, in 1966, after a speech by Stokely Carmichael.

January 18, 2019 | 9 min read

From Clinic to Senate

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Advocacy does not have to mean changing legal precedents; it can also be taking a mentee out for coffee, giving feedback about your colleague’s stereotyping of a patient, or not patronizing restaurants with unfair wage practices.

January 8, 2019 | 1 min read

Book Review of “Wolf Constellation”

By Deirdre Johnston, MBBCh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

This novel prompts us to consider a family's story across generations and its influence on the emergence, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of illness in an individual. We routinely inquire about, and document, every patient's family history, but the simple listing of a diagnosis in other family members does not tell the whole story. We need to be curious about that story, because it can tell us much about our patients' strengths and vulnerabilities.

December 20, 2018 | 9 min read

You’re not getting my f-ing box cutter: paradoxical ways kids ask for limits

By Hal Kronsberg, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The most important lesson I’ve learned as a child psychiatrist is how badly kids want limits when they’re struggling, even when they keep that wish to themselves. Kids are smart, and when we catch them breaking a rule, we need to be curious about why it happened.

November 6, 2023 | 2 min read

Believing Patients

By Chloe Lee, MD, MPH, University of Rochester

When patients share their traumatic experiences, trust that they are almost always telling the truth. We must be empathic and compassionate to build therapeutic connections.

April 14, 2022 | 3 min read

Equity and Ethical Considerations With The Use of Psychedelics

By Ian Pocock, LICSW, Washington

Psychedelic medicines may help patients suffering with PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. As with many new therapies, ethical considerations and ensuring equal access for everyone are works in progress.

January 20, 2022 | 2 min read

Reflecting on Boundaries During Times of Loss

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Recently, my eyes filled with tears upon learning of a death in my patient’s family. Empathizing with patients who have suffered a loss can bring up strong feelings. How much of this is ok for clinicians to reveal?

September 26, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Susan Lehmann: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Enjoy a three-minute video interview with Dr. Susan Lehmann, who shares how playing the piano helped her become adept at listening to patients while maintaining eye contact and writing notes.

October 5, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Talk About Your Patient’s Electronic Communication

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Asking patients to show you their social media posts may give unique insights into their mental well-being and improve care.

August 14, 2018 | 3 min read

Seeing Your Patients Through New Perspectives

By Patrick Hemming, MD, Duke University

We can enhance our patient care if we incorporate the perspectives of life story and behavior.

October 13, 2020 | 3 min read

Attending to the Story

By Mollie Marr (she/her), MD/PhD student, Oregon Health & Science University

It’s important to approach each patient with a fresh perspective. While prior diagnoses should be considered, anchoring to them introduces bias that may cloud your vision.

August 1, 2018 | <1 min read

Introducing “A CLOSLER Look”

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Check out the first video our new weekly series, “A CLOSLER Look,” featuring short and sweet interviews with clinically excellent physicians. On tap today - psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Chisolm.

October 31, 2023 | 2 min read

It is 4 a.m.

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Burnout and emotional detachment are common in medical training. Being aware of this and truly listening to patients can help us renew our compassion.

October 23, 2023 | 3 min read

Sharing in Caring

By Anne Walsh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Connecting with a patient’s other doctors improves health outcomes. Effective communication with colleagues is one key to successful comanagement.

August 23, 2023 | 1 min read

Navigating The Wait

By Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Accessing timely mental healthcare can be challenging. While waiting to see a mental health professional, lean on support networks and seek emergency care if needed.

May 30, 2023 | 2 min read

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial? Intelligent? Neither or Both?

By Matthew Peters, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

AI can complement the work of mental health professionals, in addition to performing clerical tasks and analyzing big data for insightful trends.

February 15, 2023 | 2 min read

Speaking From my Heart

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When deeply worried about the mental health of patients, make sure they feel heard, validated, and empowered.

January 31, 2023 | 1 min read

Brain Candy

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Because we don't know yet how social media affects our brain, it needs to be consumed in moderation. Scheduling times to spend time with friends and family may make it easier to get offline.

January 12, 2023 | 1 min read

Pain Talk

By Will Frye, PhD, Johns Hopkins All Childrens, St. Petersburg, Florida

Chronic pain is sometimes a challenging topic to discuss with patients. I’ve learned that the most important thing is to validate my patients’ experience of suffering.

September 13, 2022 | 2 min read

Psychedelics and Health

By Mary Yaden, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Psychedelic therapies have long been feared and avoided. We must acknowledge that there are clinical indications where these treatments are profoundly beneficial.

June 6, 2022 | 2 min read

The Weight of Victory

By Alexis Coslick, DO, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Increasing numbers of female collegiate athletes are taking their lives. Athletes, like all patients, need a nonjudgmental environment to help them feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

May 19, 2022 | 2 min read

Recognizing Relapse

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The earlier that the return of psychiatric symptoms is detected, the more quickly a patient’s mental well-being can be restored.

May 16, 2022 | 1 min read

Sharing Mental Health Diagnoses With Patients

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For some patients, a mental health diagnosis brings relief. For others, it doesn’t. Regardless, we must take the time to educate patients and caregivers about symptoms, what to expect during the course of illness, and warning signs that suggest the need for attention.

March 15, 2022 | 1 min read

Clinicians And Faith

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In these turbulent times, faith can be a bulwark against cynicism and despair. It can help us maintain a generosity of spirit toward patients, colleagues, and ourselves.

January 27, 2022 | 2 min read

Fostering Connections During the Pandemic

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s been challenging for everyone to stay social through the ongoing pandemic. Trying a new hobby with a friend, and encouraging our patients to do the same, will help us stay connected through these difficult times.

December 2, 2021 | 3 min read

TikTok: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For patients who are on social media, encourage them to engage with pro-mental health content on TikTok by watching, liking, and sharing.

October 26, 2021 | 3 min read

What is The Scope of a Clinician’s Work?

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We must help our patients achieve a state where body, mind, and spirit are working as a whole. We can help them do more than survive. Let’s help them thrive!

"You Let Your Magic Tortoise Go," David Kopacz. Copyright with the artist.

August 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Finding Balance During Unbalanced Times

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Spending time “going into and opening our hearts” is healing and restorative. We can do this for ourselves as healers and guide patients through the practice. It’s as simple as slowing down, putting your hand on your heart, and taking three deep breaths.

October 13, 2021 | 2 min read

Social Media During The Pandemic

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While social media is contributing to increased rates of depression during the pandemic, it also keeps us socially connected during challenging times.

July 22, 2020 | 4 min read

Virtue Ethics

By Awais Aftab, MD, Case Western Reserve University

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and can help us to understand our patients in the context of the totality of their whole lives.

August 30, 2021 | 3 min read

TIPPS For Reducing Patients’ Anxiety

By Elizabeth Steuber, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Helping patients engage in paced breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can be calming when they are feeling stressed.

May 28, 2020 | 4 min read

Masking Safety

By Paul Nestadt, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Some patients are unable to understand the need for protective measures against COVID. Clinicians working with these patients are at increased risk, and may need to advocate for additional PPE for their healthcare team.

June 30, 2021 | 2 min read

Promoting Wellness Through Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bridging the generations can enhance emotional well-being for young and old. Encourage patients to reach out to older family members and neighbors!

"Heart Meditation," original painting by the author. Copyright by the author.

March 19, 2020 | 3 min read

Returning to Medicine of the Heart During a Pandemic

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

How can we practice the kind of medicine that we so desperately need right now? Perhaps it is time to return to a medicine of the heart and of the soul.

Encourage parents to support their teens in connecting with friends safely.

April 8, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Support Teens’ Mental Health During The Pandemic

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Now more than ever, it's critical for parents to check in with their teens on a regular basis. Encourage parents to ask their children directly how they’re doing and to validate that these are hard times.