Commentary

Articles

A psychiatrist steeped in the scientific method considers the healing power of the placebo effect.

Acknowledging the Place of Placebo

Dr Pies is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Lecturer on Bioethics and Humanities, SUNY Upstate Medical University; Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine; and Editor in Chief Emeritus of 

 (2007-2010). Dr Pies is the author of several books. A collection of his works can be found on

The risk of “false positive” screening in primary care settings is reduced by a thorough clinical evaluation.

Screening Instruments Do Work for Bipolar Disorder, But Not by Themselves

Bipolar disorder screening scales have modest sensitivity; thus, a negative result does not preclude a clinical evaluation.

Faith Is Not Enough: Self-Administered Questionnaire Screening for Bipolar Disorder

There are epidemiological and clinical reasons why we should drop that term.

Is the Country Experiencing a Mental Health Pandemic?

It is time for psychiatrists to tackle the toughest philosophical questions in their field.

A Resident’s Journey Into Conceptual and Critical Psychiatry

A psychiatrist considers the role of race in American culture, psychiatry, and his own life. 

Forty Years of Wrestling With Racism 

With partisan political warfare, civil unrest, and the presidential race, how can mental health professionals assess and address “election anxiety”?

Presidential Election Anxiety and the Role of Psychiatry

In many clinical situations to "do no harm" requires us to know what we know, know what we don’t know, and consult with a colleague who likely knows more than we do. 

The Practice of Medicine

The chairman of Psychiatric Times' parent company, MJH Life Sciences, introduces the October issue.

The Importance of Learning

A Psychiatrist Looks Back on His Career and Considers the Role of the Placebo Effect in Treatment.




Couch in Crisis