Chapter 22: Treatments & Discontinuation | Clinical Psychopharmacology (Podcast Style Summary)

In Chapter 22 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists, we explore emerging psychiatric treatments and medication discontinuation, covering new pharmacological advancements, alternative therapies, and best practices for tapering off psychotropic medications. This episode discusses the potential of ketamine, cannabis, and psychedelics for mental health conditions, as well as the risks of abrupt medication discontinuation and how withdrawal effects can impact treatment outcomes. Key Topics Covered: ✅ Ketamine for depression – How NMDA receptor modulation is changing psychiatric treatment ✅ Psychedelics in mental health – Research on psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD for depression and PTSD ✅ Medical cannabis – The debate over its efficacy for PTSD and anxiety ✅ Anti-inflammatory medications & mood disorders – The potential of NSAIDs, statins, and omega-3s ✅ The importance of gradual medication discontinuation – How abrupt withdrawal can lead to relapse or severe symptoms ✅ Why some medications lose effectiveness after discontinuation – The risk of treatment resistance in lithium, antidepressants, and antipsychotics ✅ Special considerations for withdrawal in newborns – How maternal psychotropic use can affect neonatal health Glossary of Terms: 📌 NMDA Receptor Antagonist – A drug that blocks NMDA activity, such as ketamine 📌 Psilocybin – A psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, being studied for depression and anxiety 📌 MDMA (Ecstasy) – A stimulant and psychedelic being tested for PTSD treatment 📌 Medication Discontinuation Syndrome – Symptoms that occur when tapering off psychiatric medications too quickly 📌 Neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt, often targeted in emerging treatments Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 22 summary, ketamine for depression, psychedelic therapy research, MDMA for PTSD, medication withdrawal symptoms, discontinuing antidepressants safely, lithium discontinuation risks, cannabis for mental health, psychiatric medication tapering, treatment-resistant depression