Learning Objectives:
After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of antipsychotics in catatonia, identify the limited situations in which they are justified, and apply principles of low-potency agent selection, slow titration, and concurrent benzodiazepine use.
- Apply CANMAT guidance on time-limited antidepressant use in bipolar depression, weighing modest short-term efficacy against the nearly doubled one-year risk of manic recurrence when treatment continues beyond eight weeks.
- Determine when to initiate clozapine in first-episode psychosis, recognizing that treatment resistance is often present early and that time lost to ineffective treatment, rather than the number of antipsychotic trials, should guide the decision.
- Describe the association between soft drink consumption and major depressive disorder, including the sex-specific findings and gut microbiome (Eggerthella) correlates, and incorporate beverage intake into lifestyle counseling for depressed patients.
- Assess atypical depressive features such as hypersomnia, weight gain, and circadian disruption, and evaluate their implications for reduced SSRI and SNRI response and the potential.
Original Release Date: July 01, 2026
Expiration Date: July 01, 2029
Experts: Scott Beach, M.D., James Phelps, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D., Derick E. Vergne, M.D. & Paul Zarkowski, M.D.
Medical Editors: Flavio Guzmán, M.D. & Sebastián Malleza M.D.
Relevant Financial Disclosures:
Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:
– Karuna: Research grant to institution
– Medscape: Speaker honorarium
– Psychopharmacology Institute: Speaker honorarium
– Wolters-Kluwer: Royalties for medical writing
All the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.
None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity has relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com
Instructions for Participation and Credit:
Participants must complete the activity online within the valid credit period noted above.
Follow these steps to earn CME credit:
- View the required educational content provided on this course page.
- Complete the Post-Activity Evaluation to provide the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
- Download your certificate.
Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation Statement
Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Disclosure
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may have been used in limited stages of developing this activity (e.g., drafting or language refinement). The specific tool, version, and date of use are documented internally.
AI does not determine clinical recommendations. All content is reviewed, verified, and approved by the listed faculty and medical editors, and reflects independent human clinical judgment consistent with ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.
