Challenging and Critical Conversations

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Of all the fields in medicine, psychiatry is most attuned to the importance of conversations. Through dialogue, it is possible to share information, which in turn can help diagnose and treat patients. And, at the end of the day, improving patient care and outcomes is of utmost importance.

Perhaps that is why “Conversations in Critical Psychiatry” continues to be one of the most-read series in Psychiatric Times™. In this issue, Awais Aftab, MD, talks with child and adolescent psychiatrist Sami Timimi, MD. Together they explore the “McDonaldization” of child development and other challenges in the field. Never has this discussion been more critical, as we face what has been called a mental health epidemic in youth.

Conversations are likewise important in the one-on-one clinical encounters. Judith S. Beck, PhD, explains how cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can be useful in developing and maintaining strong therapeutic alliances. Similarly, in this installment of “Tales From the Clinic: The Art of Psychiatry,” Hai Le, MD, and colleagues illustrate the importance of conversations with patients to better understand their struggles and challenges, especially for patients with chronic psychosis.

As the voice of psychiatry, Psychiatric Times™ aims to foster those conversations that challenge and help propel the field to its finest. Cover to cover, our goal is to support you, our readers, in providing top-quality care for your patients. ❒

Mike Hennessy Jr

President and CEO, MJH Life Sciences™