Michael Posternak, MD.

Clinical Update

Binge Eating Disorder: Management and Treatment Options

November 9, 2023

Michael Posternak, MD.

At the time of writing, Dr. Posternak had no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

We regret that Dr. Posternak passed away after finishing this piece. He had a warm heart, a bright mind, and a keen eye for the needs of psychiatric patients.

We have one FDA-approved treatment for binge eating disorder (Vyvanse), but therapy is first line, and there are practical ways to start that process during a medication visit. We also cover off-label medications for times when a stimulant is not a good choice.

RESEARCH UPDATE

Psychological Benefits of Abstaining from Social Media

September 12, 2023

Michael Posternak, MD.

Dr. Posternak has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

A look into the impact of abstaining from social media on depression, anxiety, and well-being, with a focus on individuals with at least mild depressive symptoms.

Clinical Update

Are Two Antidepressants Better Than One?

July 3, 2023

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Psychiatrist in private practice, Boston, MA.

Dr. Posternak has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

New research calls to question the common practice of antidepressant combinations. Dr. Posternak makes sense of it.

Research Update

Can Abstaining From Social Media Help People Feel Better?

April 14, 2023

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

What happens when 154 volunteers are randomized to stay off the screen for a week?

Research Update

Adjuvant Clonidine for Mania

March 8, 2023

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Clonidine was a promising therapy for mania in the 1980s, but the ball got dropped. This study picks that up with a modern-day randomized-controlled design.

CLINICAL UPDATE

Trichotillomania: Diagnosis and Treatment

October 30, 2022

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Psychiatrist in private practice, Boston, MA. Dr. Posternak has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder that seems to lurk in the shadows. We hear about it but rarely see it.

Oral Zuranolone for Postpartum Depression

March 4, 2022

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

If approved, this alternative to IV brexanolone will be a more practical option for treating PPD.

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Severe PTSD

January 31, 2022

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

MDMA is being repurposed as part of drug-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, and this trial will help determine whether it gains FDA approval for that use.

Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Depression

September 10, 2021

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Psilocybin is inching its way toward FDA approval in depression, but will this trial from the New England Journal of Medicine help it along or set it back?

Pilot Study of Ketamine vs ECT for Major Depression

September 10, 2021

Michael Posternak, MD.

Michael Posternak, MD. Dr. Posternak has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

The first head-to-head comparison reveals a subtle difference between these two therapies