UTHealth Psychiatry Blog

Self-Advocacy – Standing up for what is right for yourself

Self-advocacy is a way to stand up for ourselves, make our own decisions, and go for what we believe is...

Read More Self-Advocacy – Standing up for what is right for yourself

Anti-Asian Sentiment and Mental Health Implications during COVID

Since the onset of COVID, anti-Asian sentiment and racism has been an ongoing issue worldwide. Between March and December 2020...

Read More Anti-Asian Sentiment and Mental Health Implications during COVID

A Challenge with Social Media: Self-Diagnosing Mental Health

There is a popular trend right now of utilizing social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where influencers post content leading children,...

Read More A Challenge with Social Media: Self-Diagnosing Mental Health

The impact of bullying on mental health

There has been a lot of conversation in the media lately about bullying and the damaging impact it can have...

Read More The impact of bullying on mental health

Substance Use, Misuse, and Dependence: When is it too far?

Did you know that dependence can happen at any age? Often times it starts at a younger age. It is...

Read More Substance Use, Misuse, and Dependence: When is it too far?

Giving yourself a break

Wow, what a week Texas experienced! Have you stopped to check in with yourself to see how you are feeling?...

Read More Giving yourself a break

Grief and Loss

Talking about grief and loss is never easy. Experiencing it can be even harder. There are many situations that cause...

Read More Grief and Loss

Maintaining a balance through life’s stressors and burnout

While life is forever evolving, many people are finding it hard to manage all of life’s stressors that come with...

Read More Maintaining a balance through life’s stressors and burnout

What if I suspect mental illness in my child?

Those who are parents know that parenting isn’t just a job; it is all the jobs. From cooking, cleaning, ensuring...

Read More What if I suspect mental illness in my child?

Reducing isolation during the pandemic

Many of us have adjusted our lives due to the pandemic. Vacations cancelled, concert tickets refunded, not watching our children...

Read More Reducing isolation during the pandemic

Human Trafficking…What is it, Who does it Affect, Where is it Happening

Human trafficking is the recruitment or transportation of a person or persons for the purpose of exploitation, which typically includes...

Read More Human Trafficking…What is it, Who does it Affect, Where is it Happening

How to talk to kids about big events and scary things

Monsters under the bed, strangers, and things they hear as their parents are watching the news, or things they may...

Read More How to talk to kids about big events and scary things

Managing the holidays and a pandemic

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….maybe. For many, the holidays bring added stress along with the expected cheer...

Read More Managing the holidays and a pandemic

Radical Acceptance During Difficult Times

It seems like an understatement to say we are in a time of unknown. We hope COVID is coming to...

Read More Radical Acceptance During Difficult Times

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

It would not surprise most people to hear that childhood trauma can have an impact across the lifespan.  What might...

Read More Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue: Helpful tips for our Frontline Workers

Frontline workers have been showing up and working hard to provide the best service possible in these trying times. Many...

Read More Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue: Helpful tips for our Frontline Workers

Transitioning In Times of COVID

The world feels so unknown right now and many families are faced with conflicting decisions, – do I send my...

Read More Transitioning In Times of COVID

Daily Tips to Support a Child With Autism As The School Year Starts

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely impacted the way we all live our lives and how we go about our daily...

Read More Daily Tips to Support a Child With Autism As The School Year Starts

Using DEAR MAN to Guide Difficult Family Interactions in COVID-19.

Written by: Melissa Goldberg, Psy.D COVID-19 has been tough on our family relationships.  Whether it’s a mother-to-be feeling anxious about...

Read More Using DEAR MAN to Guide Difficult Family Interactions in COVID-19.

What is Disordered Eating?

  Written by: Nicole Bartek, DNP What a “good, healthy meal and/or body” looks and feels like can become a...

Read More What is Disordered Eating?

What To Do If You Think Your Child Is Having Suicidal Thoughts

Written by: Meaghan Lightbody-Warner, LCSW-S In the United States, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among children/adolescents aged...

Read More What To Do If You Think Your Child Is Having Suicidal Thoughts

Teen Mental Health and COVID: A Letter for Parents

Written by: Meaghan LIghtbody-Warner, LCSW To say these are trying times for most is an understatement. Things are unpredictable, big...

Read More Teen Mental Health and COVID: A Letter for Parents

Story Time: Using Popular Media to Talk to Your Children About Mental Health

Written by: Jennifer Yen, MD, FAACAP Let’s face it: it’s tough to talk about mental health and mental illness. This...

Read More Story Time: Using Popular Media to Talk to Your Children About Mental Health

How to know when your child is experiencing everyday stress versus an anxiety disorder?

Written by: Angela Durbin-Garfield, APRN, PMHNP-BC Collectively, our nation is experiencing a multitude of events such as the Coronavirus (COVID-19),...

Read More How to know when your child is experiencing everyday stress versus an anxiety disorder?

Depression in Adolescents

  Written by: Meaghan Lightbody-Warner, LCSW-S Being a teenager can be a challenging time.  As a parent, it can sometimes...

Read More Depression in Adolescents

What’s so Important About Getting A Good Night of Sleep?

  Written by: Nicole Bartek, DNP While most people know that sleep is important, if you ask most kids and...

Read More What’s so Important About Getting A Good Night of Sleep?

Making Sure Kids Stay Safe Online

Written by: Hikari Ward, LMSW COVID-19 has left many parents relying on technology to engage their children in learning and...

Read More Making Sure Kids Stay Safe Online

Can hiring a diverse staff actually help patients from different backgrounds open up more during sessions?

Written by: Zeshen Wu, MD Hello, I’m Zeshen Wu, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at UTHealth, and I was very...

Read More Can hiring a diverse staff actually help patients from different backgrounds open up more during sessions?

Suicide in bipolar disorder

  Written by: Gabriel Fries, PhD, MSc Being among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States...

Read More Suicide in bipolar disorder

Challenges for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research in COVID-19 Era

Written by: Deborah A. Pearson, PhD In a recent article, Drs. Michael Aman (Ohio State University) and Deborah Pearson (University...

Read More Challenges for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research in COVID-19 Era

Medical school education remains strong during COVID-19 pandemic

Written by: J. Chase Findley, MD The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous challenges throughout every aspect of our society. More...

Read More Medical school education remains strong during COVID-19 pandemic

The Research Track Residency Program at the Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Written by: Marsal Sanches, MD, PhD, FAPA The last several decades have witnessed an unprecedented shift in the way medicine,...

Read More The Research Track Residency Program at the Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Providing Project ECHO® to Support Our Community in Addressing Child Mental Health Needs When and Where it Matters Most

Written by: Elizabeth Newlin, MD As a mental health clinician, it has never been more important to reach out to...

Read More Providing Project ECHO® to Support Our Community in Addressing Child Mental Health Needs When and Where it Matters Most

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

Written by: Kimberly Samuels, PhD May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a time in which we focus on increasing the...

Read More Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

COVID-19; a professional and personal testimony

Similar to the experiences of most others, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused me to make many adjustments in my personal...

Read More COVID-19; a professional and personal testimony

Helping our patients with Telemental Health and Social Support in the times of COVID-19 and Social Distancing

Written by: Melba A. Hernandez-Tejada, PhD, DHA Telemedicine (or in the case of psychological and psychiatric services: telemental health), has...

Read More Helping our patients with Telemental Health and Social Support in the times of COVID-19 and Social Distancing

Managing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Leslie K. Taylor, PhD, spoke with Newsweek, offering tips for managing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.newswise.com/articles/managing-stress-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

Read More Managing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Alamo Area Housing Summit Review

Around 100 participants attended the Alamo Area Housing Summit. There were several presentations involving housing and homeless problems in the...

Read More Alamo Area Housing Summit Review

Written by: Valeria A. Cuellar, MD The external world became changed as in a dream. Objects appeared to gain in...

Read More Psychedelics: Where we started and where are we now

Electronic Cigarettes: The truths and myths

Written by: Jin Yoon, PhD Cigarette smoking continues to be a significant public health issue in the United States. The...

Read More Electronic Cigarettes: The truths and myths

The U.S. Opioid Crisis: How Did We Get Here?

Written by: Michael Weaver, MD, DFASAM In the 1990s, there was a concerted effort in the United States to address...

Read More The U.S. Opioid Crisis: How Did We Get Here?

2019 Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Holiday Party

The Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences celebrated the holidays with a dinner at Armadillo Palace. Food, fun, fellowship,...

Read More 2019 Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Holiday Party

Addressing Housing as a Social Determinant of Health to Improve Outcomes for People with Serious Mental Illness

Written by: Jane Hamilton, PhD, MPH, LCSW-S Social determinants of health (SDoH) are conditions in which people are born, grow,...

Read More Addressing Housing as a Social Determinant of Health to Improve Outcomes for People with Serious Mental Illness

What is CBT?

Written by:  Ana M. Ugueto, PhD Cognitive-behavioral therapy, commonly referred to as CBT, is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses...

Read More What is CBT?

Age-Friendly Health Systems Movement changes approach

The Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) is proud to be recognized as part of the “Age-Friendly Health Systems Movement.” The...

Read More Age-Friendly Health Systems Movement changes approach

Child Sexual Abuse and the Myth of Vampire Syndrome

Written by: Melissa Goldberg, PsyD During the Q&A section of a Grand Rounds presentation I gave last week titled “Classification...

Read More Child Sexual Abuse and the Myth of Vampire Syndrome

2019 Houston Mood Disorders Recap

  The 2019 Houston Mood Disorders Conference is going to be one we don’t forget for quite some time. In...

Read More 2019 Houston Mood Disorders Recap

Psychopathology, Life, and Society: Coulrophobia: Are you afraid of clowns?

Written by: Marsal Sanches, MD, PhD, FAPA Psychopathology, Life, and Society: Coulrophobia: Are you afraid of clowns? When we think...

Read More Psychopathology, Life, and Society: Coulrophobia: Are you afraid of clowns?

Mitochondrial hypothesis and its relationship to bipolar disorder

Written by: Giselli Scaini The “mitochondrial hypothesis” suggests that bipolar disorder is triggered, in part, via dysfunction of the cell’s...

Read More Mitochondrial hypothesis and its relationship to bipolar disorder

A year in review: from Dr. Soares

Written by: Jair C. Soares, MD, PhD The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to the mission of...

Read More A year in review: from Dr. Soares

UTHealth-HCPC Program Shows Promise for Psychosis

Written by: Alia Warner, Ph.D. Individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, often experience substantial...

Read More UTHealth-HCPC Program Shows Promise for Psychosis

What is test anxiety and how can we support students when they experience it?

Written by: Leslie K. Taylor, PhD As the first day of school approaches, parents and children gather their backpacks as...

Read More What is test anxiety and how can we support students when they experience it?

Using extracellular vesicles to study bipolar disorder

Written by: Dr. Gabriel R. Fries, PhD In the search for ways to better understand bipolar disorder and develop better...

Read More Using extracellular vesicles to study bipolar disorder

Psychopathology, Life, and Society: On being a psychiatrist in the XXI century

Written by: Marsal Sanches, MD, PhD, FAPA In a recent article published in Academic Psychiatry(1), the authors discuss the progressively...

Read More Psychopathology, Life, and Society: On being a psychiatrist in the XXI century

Ketamine – Could it Bridge Treatment Gaps in Postpartum Depression?

Written by: Sudhakar Selvaraj, MD, PhD Maternal depression is a seriously disabling form of mood disorder that occurs in 1...

Read More Ketamine – Could it Bridge Treatment Gaps in Postpartum Depression?

Am I aging faster than I should be?

Written by Dr. Gabriel Fries The concept of “accelerated aging” was first introduced after researchers started studying biological markers of...

Read More Am I aging faster than I should be?

How can families prepare for hurricane season?

Written by Dr. Leslie Taylor It’s the end of the school year and many children and families are ready for...

Read More How can families prepare for hurricane season?

Vicarious Trauma

Written by: Jennifer B. Hughes, PhD At times, it can feel nearly impossible to find the motivation to keep showing...

Read More Vicarious Trauma

Alcohol Use Disorder: An Overview

Written by: Austin Lin, MD Although the opioid epidemic garners national attention, alcohol use remains a major problem. According to...

Read More Alcohol Use Disorder: An Overview

How Talking to Your Child about Sexual Health can Help Protect them from Child Sexual Abuse

Written by: Melissa Goldberg, PsyD Recent reports highlight the alarming prevalence of child sexual abuse. According to the National Sexual...

Read More How Talking to Your Child about Sexual Health can Help Protect them from Child Sexual Abuse

Suicide in Teens

Written by: Ana Ugueto, PhD Despite best efforts in public health to reduce youth suicide, rates of teen suicides have...

Read More Suicide in Teens

How Genes may Lead to Psychiatric Disorders

Written by: Gabriel Fries, PhD Psychiatric disorders are known to have a high heritability and a strong genetic component. This...

Read More How Genes may Lead to Psychiatric Disorders

“It hurts doc!”— The Complex Relationship between Sickle Cell Disease, Pain, and Psychiatry

Written by: Kairav Shah, MD Sickle cell disease is an inherited group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red...

Read More “It hurts doc!”— The Complex Relationship between Sickle Cell Disease, Pain, and Psychiatry

TMS and Treatment-Resistant Depression

Written by: Bobby Nix, MD The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences continues to be on the forefront of revolutionary...

Read More TMS and Treatment-Resistant Depression

ADHD vs. Bipolar: Diagnosing the Difference in Kids

Diagnosing behavioral conditions can be challenging, especially in kids. Consulting a specialist with a trained eye, who follows best practices...

Read More ADHD vs. Bipolar: Diagnosing the Difference in Kids

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Silent Epidemic

Written by: Dharmendra Kumar, MD, and Reena Kumar, MD Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and...

Read More Traumatic Brain Injury: A Silent Epidemic

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an Effective Treatment Option for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a localized, non-invasive outpatient procedure, in which magnetic energy is directed towards specific areas...

Read More Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an Effective Treatment Option for Depression

Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep  — Part 4

Silvia’s Corner is written by Silvia Hafliger, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry. In her posts, Dr. Hafliger will discuss a...

Read More Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep  — Part 4

Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 3

Silvia’s Corner is written by Silvia Hafliger, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry. In her posts, Dr. Hafliger will discuss a...

Read More Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 3

Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 2

Silvia’s Corner is written by Silvia Hafliger, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry. In her posts, Dr. Hafliger will discuss a...

Read More Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 2

Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 1

Silvia’s Corner is written by Silvia Hafliger, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry. In her posts, Dr. Hafliger will discuss a...

Read More Silvia’s Corner: The Mystery of Sleep – Part 1

Being a Spouse or Partner of a Person Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Can Be a Roller Coaster

Written by: Thomas D. Meyer, PhD Spouses and partners of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience specific challenges. Being...

Read More Being a Spouse or Partner of a Person Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Can Be a Roller Coaster

Exploring Inroads to Schizophrenia

Consuelo Walss-Bass, Ph.D., is on a quest. Currently, she is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences...

Read More Exploring Inroads to Schizophrenia