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 introduction of e-cigarettes in the past decade has resulted in myriad of both positive and negative feeling and responses. On…
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 pain as “the fifth vital sign,” while at the same time newer long-acting opioid analgesics such as extended-release oxycodone and…
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, and door prizes were all at the party. 2019 was a great year for the department, and we’re looking forward…
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 on changing maladaptive patterns of thoughts and behaviors to improve a person’s feelings, solve problems, and enhance functioning. The goal…
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 John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic…
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 and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse,” I was asked a question about whether sexually abused children are more likely to…
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 the week leading up to the conference, which is always the most stressful, tropical storm Imelda hit Houston with almost…
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 of clowns, one of two visions usually come to mind. It’s either the playful, friendly clown at your birthday party…
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 powerhouses. This can be intimately linked to a wide range of processes associated with treatment outcomes and disease progression or…
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 education, research, and patient care. Each year we train students, residents, and fellows of today to become the mental health…