Episode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen demystifies psychiatry and discusses various treatments available. She addresses the stigma surrounding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and highlights its effectiveness in treating profound depression. Dr. Owen also explores non-drug approaches such as talking therapies, including reflective approaches and structured therapies. She mentions behaviour modification and psychoanalysis as well. In terms of medication, she emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the challenges of adherence. Dr. Owen also discusses the availability and success rates of electrotherapy, the ongoing nature of talking therapy, and the varying outcomes for different individuals.

Keywords

psychiatry, treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, depression, talking therapies, medication, behaviour modification, psychoanalysis, stigma, adherence, electrotherapy

takeaways

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a rare but highly effective treatment for profound depression.

• Non-drug approaches, such as talking therapies, can be useful in a range of disorders and include reflective approaches, structured therapies, and behaviour modification.

• Psychoanalysis is still practiced but is less common, and there are misconceptions about its effectiveness.

• Medication can be beneficial, but informed decision-making and adherence are crucial.

• Psychiatric treatment outcomes vary, with some individuals experiencing complete recovery, others having relapsing courses, and some showing improvement with ongoing symptoms.

Sound Bites

• "Let's talk about some of the treatments that might be available."

• "ECT is the fastest path to recovery. It's way faster than the medication."

Chapters

00:00Exploring Treatments

02:20The Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

05:41Non-Drug Approaches: Talking Therapies and Behavior Modification

08:05Psychoanalysis: Unpacking Thinking Patterns

09:02Medication: Informed Decision-Making and Adherence

15:31Electrotherapy: Availability and Success Rates

17:27Psychiatric Treatment Outcomes: Recovery, Relapse, and Improvement

Questions

If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com

Resources

Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Episode 2 A Range Of Ailments

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen discusses the range of psychiatric ailments that people may present with, from less severe conditions like anxiety and mild depression to more serious and enduring conditions like psychosis and treatment-resistant depression. She also explores the various factors that can contribute to mental health issues, such as trauma, early life experiences, and drug misuse. The conversation touches on the need for resilience building and prevention strategies, as well as the challenges of accessing mental health support and services.

Keywords

psychiatry, psychiatric ailments, anxiety, depression, psychosis, treatment-resistant depression, trauma, early life experiences, drug misuse, resilience building, prevention strategies, mental health support

Takeaways

• • Psychiatric ailments range from less severe conditions like anxiety and mild depression to more serious and enduring conditions like psychosis and treatment-resistant depression.

• • Factors such as trauma, early life experiences, and drug misuse can contribute to the development of mental health issues.

• • Resilience building and prevention strategies should be emphasized to help individuals cope with adversity and reduce the risk of mental health problems.

• • Accessing mental health support and services can be challenging, with barriers such as limited availability, high costs, and long waiting lists.

• • There is a need for better alignment between the increased awareness and discussion of mental health and the actual delivery of mental health services.

Sound Bites

• • "Anxiety doesn't kill you, but it's an incredibly debilitating condition if you spend all of your life making decisions based on your anxiety."

• • "Psychosis is a complete disconnection of thinking from a reality ground base."

• • "All trauma is in the eye of the beholder."

Chapters

00:00Understanding the Range of Psychiatric Ailments

02:19Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues

06:05Building Resilience and Prevention Strategies

09:29Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Support

11:00Bridging the Gap: Awareness vs. Service Delivery

Questions

If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com

Resources

Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:
Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/
Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/
1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/
National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015
Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem
Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Episode 1 The Psychiatric Landscape

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen with interviewer Peter Dowling demystifies psychiatry and discusses the differences between counselling, psychology, and psychiatry. She explains that while all three disciplines work in the same space, they have different professional backgrounds, learning backgrounds, funding, and availability. Counselling focuses on here and now issues and is often shorter term, while psychology delves into the brain mechanisms of function and offers various subspecialties. Psychiatry, on the other hand, requires a medical background and involves a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health. The episode also touches on the regulations, barriers to entry, and referral processes for each discipline.

Keywords

psychiatry, counselling, psychology, differences, disciplines, mental health, regulations, barriers, referral process

Takeaways

· Counselling, psychology, and psychiatry are three different disciplines that work in the same mental health space.

· Counselling focuses on here and now issues and is often shorter term, while psychology delves into the brain mechanisms of function and offers various subspecialties.

· Psychiatry requires a medical background and involves a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health.

· Regulations and requirements for psychiatrists and psychologists are stricter compared to counsellors.

· Access to counselling is relatively easier, while access to psychiatry and psychology may require a referral from a GP.

· Law enforcement, under certain circumstances, can refer individuals to psychiatrists for their mental health needs.

Chapters

00:00Demystifying Psychiatry: Understanding the Differences

01:27Counselling: Addressing Here and Now Issues

02:26Psychology: Exploring Brain Mechanisms and Specialties

03:22Psychiatry: Comprehensive Assessment and Medication Prescribing

11:54Regulations and Barriers in Mental Health Disciplines

16:10Referral Process: GP as the Gatekeeper

17:38Law Enforcement and Mental Health Referrals

Key Mental Health Resources

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Reach out with questions at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com

Welcome to Barking Mad, the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of mental health. Ever wonder what really happens inside a psychiatrist's office? You've come to the right place.

Join psychiatrist Dr. Cathy Owen, who brings over 35 years of frontline experience, as she and co-host Peter Dowling tackle the big questions people ask about mental health. From debunking myths to diving deep into complex topics, this podcast offers a candid and compassionate look at the challenges and breakthroughs in mental health. Dr. Cathy’s warm, approachable style makes even the most sensitive discussions feel accessible, while Peter Dowling adds his irreverent humor and curiosity, keeping things lively and engaging.

Barking Mad provides thoughtful, informed conversations, but remember, it’s not a substitute for professional advice. We cover a range of topics—some of which may be distressing—so if something hits close to home, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

With a mix of expert insights and a touch of humour, Barking Mad shines a light on the complexities of mental illness—addressing the stigma and misunderstandings that too often surround it. We’re here to start the conversation, break down barriers, and remind you that mental health matters. Tune in, learn something new, and join the discussion—because understanding our minds is just as important as caring for our bodies.