2008 Lecture Archive 

Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Toolkit for People with Mood Disorders

May 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Susan Palmgren, PhD.

Stress and anxiety are particularly prevalent among people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder - and particularly hard to manage. But there are ways to cope. Psychologist Susan Palmgren, an expert, discussed hands-on techniques and tools you can use to battle these persistent problems. She involved the audience in an interactive, question-and-answer format.

Susan Palmgren is the Director of the Adult Case Management Clinic at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center.

Personalized Psychopharmacology

April 1, 2008
Richard A. Friedman, M.D.

Imagine a future where a simple blood test could tell doctors which psychiatric medication is most likely to work on an individual patient. The agonizing trial-and-error process that so many sufferers of mood disorders must endure before finding the right medication might be completely avoided. The truth is, such a blood test is only a few years from being ready to use in clinical practice. “Soon a simple genetic test will be able to help psychiatrists biologically personalize treatment,” says Richard Friedman, a leading psychopharmacology researcher. Don’t miss the chance to hear him explain the exciting possibilities of this cutting edge area of research.

Richard A. Friedman, MD, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Director of the Psychopharmacology Clinic, Weill Medical College, Cornell University. Dr. Friedman also writes on Behavioral Science for the New York Times science section. See his articles.

Care for the Patient, Care for the Family:
Family Inclusive Treatment for Mood Disorders

March 4, 2008
Igor Galynker, MD, PhD. Director of Beth Israel’s Family Center for Bipolar Disorder

A new wave is sweeping the psychiatric community: the idea of involving families closely in the treatment of mood disorders early on. Many doctors feel that it’s the key component to successful outcomes that’s been missing for too long. Input from the family helps psychiatrists more accurately gauge the depth and intensity of symptoms, and the general quality of the person’s life, explains psychiatrist Igor Galynker, one of the leaders in this approach and our March lecturer. “As a result, doctors have a more complete picture to work from when prescribing medication,” he says.

Anyone who wants the best treatment for themselves or a loved one will want to come hear the latest thinking on family-based treatment from one of the leading experts on the subject. Be sure to attend this important lecture.

The Family Center for Bipolar Disorder at Beth Israel

Social Security Disability and Mental Health:
Getting What You're Entitled To

February 5, 2008
Marc Strauss, Esq.

Come hear how to cut through the red tape and get the Social Security disability benefits that you deserve. When it comes to getting mental health benefits covered by social security disability, all the red tape can be daunting. "Psychiatric conditions don’t seem as straight-forward because you can’t look at something like an MRI to decide," says Marc Strauss, Esq., one of the top attorneys in this field and our February lecturer. But getting educated on your rights can pay off. Come hear Mr. Strauss’s advice for these often-frustrating situations. He has years of experience with Social Security Disability cases and a wealth of knowledge to share. Don’t miss him.

Marc Strauss is an attorney specializing in SSD and a partner at the firm of Pyrros and Serres LLP.

A Psychopharmacologist Talks About Talk Therapy

January 8, 2008
David Brody, M.D.

CBT, DBT, RET, interpersonal, group - there seems to be plenty of options when it comes to talk therapy, but sometimes it’s hard to choose the right approach. Which ones are the most effective at treating mood disorders? What does the research say? Should you see separate clinicians for medications and therapy or take an integrative approach? "There’s a lot to consider," says David Brody, our January lecturer. Dr. Brody will give the lay of the land on therapy from his perspective as both a top psychopharmacologist and therapist. Be sure to attend this important lecture.

David Brody, MD. Chief, Psychiatric Outpatient Service, Beth Israel Medical Center