5 Minutes With... Psychopharmacology Update Chair Dr. Henry Nasrallah & Faculty Dr. Brian Fuehrlein
Welcome back to the Psychiatry Newsletter! As we move into fall, we are approaching the upcoming dynamic, in-person conference that is Psychopharmacology Update 2025. This year’s conference, with a theme of “Reimagining the Science of Pharmacotherapy,” is October 17 and 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Hyatt Regency. One of the best sources of education in the realm of pharmacotherapy, Psychopharm Update is a critical opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the field while also networking with your colleagues. Register here!
In this issue, we speak with Meeting Chair Dr. Henry A. Nasrallah, as well as faculty Dr. Brian Fuehrlein. Dr. Nasrallah is a Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, & Neuroscience; Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Mentorship; Director, Neuropsychiatry and Schizophrenia Programs; and Director, Psychiatry CME Programs at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Fuehrlein is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Room for the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in New Haven, Connecticut. These thought leaders share thoughts on this meeting’s use of the workshop model to tackle addiction treatment education, what addiction is the most difficult to treat, and how they translate cutting-edge science and advice gained at meetings into effective patient education.
Keep up to date as well on current research with this month’s Psych Resource section, featuring articles from MDEdge Psychiatry, New England Journal of Medicine, and JAMA Psychiatry—check them out below!
Thank you to Dr. Fuehrlein and Dr. Nasrallah for this month’s interview! Please contact me at colleen@cmhadvisors.com with any comments. –Colleen Hutchinson
Need CME? We’ve got you covered—Don’t Miss!
Psychopharmacology Update 2025
October 17-18, 2025; Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Full 2-day meeting with interactive presentations, discussion and networking opportunities in addition to the scientific sessions.
- Stellar agenda! Explore the latest advances in everything from judicious psychopharmacology, evidence-based combinations and management of treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, to addiction and psychedelics—in addition to other urgent issues for practitioners.
- Hear from internationally renowned faculty who present the most up-to-date, clinically relevant information and research.
- Take home the kind of breakthroughs that can make a difference in your patients’ lives!
- Register by clicking here!
Interview
This year at Psychopharmacology Update we utilize a workshop model to tackle the most challenging-to-treat addictions that we as clinicians face. What should we expect from the Cannabis, Alcohol, and Tobacco Workshop?
Dr. Brian Fuehrlein: We plan to use the workshop model to maximize audience engagement to provide clinically relevant pearls for patient care. This will include evidence-based, easy-to-digest strategies to enhance the care of patients with various substance use disorders.
You also are facilitating the Opiates, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Workshop. Are there new strategies attendees will be able to take home to implement in their treatment paradigms?
Dr. Fuehrlein: Many substance use disorders (including stimulants) do not have FDA indicated medications available. As part of the workshops, we will discuss emerging therapeutics and up to date research findings.
Vital Topics in Pharmacotherapy includes optimal algorithms, psychopharmacology alternatives, psychedelics and even repurposed drugs. Do you feel positive about all of the non-traditional and/or novel treatment options we see being researched?
Dr. Nasrallah: YES! Clinicians need to be updated about these.
What addiction do you find the most challenging to tackle in patients?
Dr. Nasrallah: Opiates, tobacco, and cannabis (in that order).
Dr. Fuehrlein: Management of any of the substance use disorders comes with significant challenges. In my daily work, what's common is common. And to me, the most challenging substance use disorder remains alcohol use disorder, which impacts the majority of the patients that I care for.
Any topic or faculty member in particular you are excited to have included at Psychopharmacology Update?
Dr. Fuehrlein: The topic of gambling is particularly interesting to me, especially in the context of psychopharmacology.
Dr. Nasrallah: The keto diet topic (Masterclass I: Metabolic Dysregulation in Psychiatric Brain Disorders: Evidence for Beneficial Effects of the Keto Diet) is particularly interesting to clinicians, but all 10 Masterclasses are very exciting this year!
How do you translate the cutting-edge science and advice you gain at meetings into patient education that is understandable and empowering?
Dr. Fuehrlein: I find that using medical analogies makes things easy for patients to understand. There tends to be stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health and substance use disorders and normalizing them makes them easy to understand. This applies to cutting edge science and complicated research as well.
This year’s Keynote focuses on aging and mental acuity. Why is this a topic for a keynote now, in 2025?
Dr. Nasrallah: Because aging should be celebrated and not bemoaned…and Dr. Agronin will deliver an uplifting message (especially to Baby Boomers..).
Psychiatry Resource Section
Medscape Medical News : A Global Roadmap for Precision Psychiatry
Medscape Medical News Article: Can a Mediterranean Diet Offset Genetic Alzheimer’s Risk?
Medscape Medical News Interview: Energy Drinks May Triple Suicide Risk, Coffee Does the Opposite
Medscape Medical News MedBrief: Music Strikes a Chord for Brain Health
New England Journal of Medicine Clinical Perspective: Addressing Alcohol Use
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