One of the qualities a psychiatrist is supposed to have is not getting too emotional when talking with a patient. We are supposed to try to be objective in our work. With that in mind, I will apologize in advance for not being as objective when it comes to talking about the current situation with the Big 12 Conference. I readily admit to being a lifelong Kansas Jayhawk fan. When I was hospitalized at age 5, I somehow managed to get special permission to listen to a KU basketball game after the usual allowed time. It was a thrill to see in person KU sports icons like Gale Sayers, JoJo White, and Jim Ryun, attending what was then the Big 8 Basketball Tournament and Indoor Track and Field Championships in Kansas City. They were highlights of the year. That interest in KU has withstood the test of time beyond my own graduation from med school at KU as well as my younger son's graduation from KU. [Read More]

When I attended the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry for my residency training in psychiatry, one of the real treats was having the opportunity to meet with the school's namesake, "Dr. Karl," himself. He along with his brother Will and his father C.F. founded the Menninger Clinic in the early part of the 20th Century in Topeka, Kansas. The clinic and hospital along with the training programs served as shining lights to those who wished to pursue a career in psychiatry and other related mental health disciplines. [Read More]

As August comes around, our thoughts tend to turn away from summer fun and drift more toward the start of yet another school year. I certainly remember the days when the school year basically went from Labor Day to Memorial Day and that schedule still exists in certain parts of the country. However, more and more schools are beginning earlier and earlier in August. This gives students a better chance to complete a semester before the winter break and not have to return for a short time period before taking finals. Also, with all of the days the kids have off for everything from teacher workdays to holidays to mid-winter breaks, it's no wonder why classes begin earlier to factor in those off days. These "Back to School" days can be very trying for students, parents, and even teachers. [Read More]

When patients come into the office for a session, the conversation often turns at some point to how things are at work. Sure, we go over compliance with the treatment plan, whether it relates to cognitive approaches or medication, but to me that's simply not enough. I have always believed that every meeting with a patient is a therapy session in its own way, even if the patient is there ostensibly for medication management. [Read More]

Many parents look forward to the day when the school year is over, they can spend more time with their children and the challenges revolving around school take a respite for two to three months. Or, so it seems. It is tough getting up, and it is even tougher getting a child up and ready to take to school. But the structure of the school day would typically keep the kids on task and, barring some unforeseen circumstances, keep them out of contact for several hours. For many parents, the real fun only begins when the kids come home from school. [Read More]