News Mentions for the week of August 26, 2024
Our faculty often provide insight on current events and topics in the news.
Explore some of the articles that they have contributed to or been quoted in recently below.
San Francisco ChronicleS.F. is giving ‘chill packs’ to homeless meth users. Why it may be a promising intervention
San Francisco is handing out antipsychotic drugs to homeless methamphetamine users who frequent psychiatric emergency services to help them cope with symptoms such as paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. Michael Ostacher, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment on the program.
Stanford HAIUsing AI To Train Peer Counselors
A new collaboration demonstrates how large language models can effectively advise those who are offering emotional support to others. Bruce Arnow, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.
MedscapeBeyond One-Size-Fits-All: Precision Psychiatry Is Here
Precision psychiatry is replacing the one-size-fits-all, trial-and-error approach with objective, biologic measures to determine optimal, individualized treatments. Leanne Williams, the Vincent V.C. Woo Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Laura Hack, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Teddy Akiki, clinical scholar and postdoctoral medical fellow in psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are quoted.
Discover MagazineHow Has Neurodivergence Shaped Human History?
Did some famous people throughout history have ADHD? Researchers explain why yes, some could have been neurodivergent and why the traits may be increasing today. John Leikauf, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.
KQEDWhat Science Says About Ketamine’s Risks and Benefits
Ketamine is perhaps best known as a party drug, and it has long been used in hospitals as an anesthetic. In recent years, it has also been touted as a promising, experimental psychiatric treatment. But when Friends actor Matthew Perry overdosed on ketamine last year, it exposed a network of unregulated clinics and unscrupulous doctors distributing the drug for off-label uses. In this interview, KQED talks with Smita Das, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, about ketamine’s efficacy and safety.
Medical DialoguesSix distinct types of depression identified in Stanford Medicine-led study
In the not-too-distant future, a screening assessment for depression could include a quick brain scan to identify the best treatment. Leanne Williams, the Vincent V.C. Woo Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Laura Hack, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are mentioned. Leonardo Tozzi is interviewed about the study in this piece.