Up, Down, and Diagnosed: A Bipolar Deep Dive

Masked, Missed, & Managed: The Reality of Living with ADHD

This week on Psych PAs on Call, we’re talking ADHD — but not just from a textbook. ⬇️🎙️ Join host Mariah and special guest Cassie Spalding, PA-C, for a fun, transparent, and insightful conversation on what it was like to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults, what got missed growing up, how ADHD shows up in women, and how they've learned to manage it in work and life. Whether you’re a provider, a student, or someone who thinks you might have ADHD… this one’s for you! 👉 Let’s keep the convo going! * Hit that Follow button so you never miss a fresh take from your fave Psych PAs. * Follow us on Instagram! — @psych_pas_on_call [https://www.instagram.com/psych_pas_on_call/]

Schizophrenia & the Psychosis Spectrum Explained

What exactly happens when a person loses touch with reality? In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Daniela tackle one of the most complex and frequently misunderstood topics in psychiatry: the psychosis spectrum.   Whether you are a student prepping for the PANCE or EOR, a practicing clinician looking to refine your diagnostic skills, or simply a curious mind, this episode moves beyond rote memorization. We break down the clinical nuances of schizophrenia and its related disorders in a way that is high-yield, practical, and deeply human.   In this episode, we’ll cover: * The Core of Psychosis: Defining what it means to lose touch with reality across perception, thinking, and behavior. * Differential Diagnosis: How to distinguish between various disorders on the spectrum in a real-life clinical setting. * Clinical Confidence: Insights to help you feel more prepared and empathetic when treating patients in clinic. Tune in to transform the way you see the psychosis spectrum—from a list of criteria to a clear, actionable clinical framework. 👉 Let’s keep the convo going! * Hit that Follow button so you never miss a fresh take from your fave Psych PAs. * Follow us on Instagram! — @psych_pas_on_call

Up, Down, and Diagnosed: A Bipolar Deep Dive

In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, we break down the different types of bipolar disorder in a way that’s clear for both PA students and non-medical listeners. We explain the differences between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder, including how to recognize mania versus hypomania and why accurate diagnosis matters. Through short case examples, we highlight how bipolar disorder presents in real life and discuss the risks of untreated illness. Whether you’re studying for exams or just want a better understanding of bipolar disorder, this episode offers practical, compassionate insight into a complex condition. 👉 Let’s keep the convo going! * Hit that Follow button so you never miss a fresh take from your fave Psych PAs. * Follow us on Instagram! — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠psych_pas_on_call [https://www.instagram.com/psych_pas_on_call/?next=%2Fapogeephysicians%2F#]

Pawsitive Psychology: The Mental Health Benefits of Pets

In this heartwarming and science-packed episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Byeolah explore the deep connection between humans and their pets and how that bond impacts our mental health. From lowering cortisol and boosting oxytocin to helping patients combat loneliness, pets are more than just companions — they’re co-therapists in fur. The hosts break down the neuroscience behind the “love hormone,” highlight studies on animal-assisted therapy in PTSD, depression, and autism, and discuss how pets can serve as powerful protective factors in psychiatric care. They also touch on the emotional challenges of pet ownership, from grief and financial stress to burnout among animal care professionals. Whether you’re a clinician, a pet parent, or just curious why your dog seems to sense your bad days, this episode blends heartfelt stories with hard science, reminding us that sometimes, healing doesn’t come from words, but from a wag, a purr, or a tiny paw on your lap. Resources Mentioned: * Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI.org) * Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program * ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline Science * (Nagasawa et al., 2015): Oxytocin-Gaze Positive Loop Between Humans and Dogs 👉 Let’s keep the convo going! * Hit that Follow button so you never miss a fresh take from your fave Psych PAs. * Follow us on Instagram and DM us pics of your cutie pets! — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠psych_pas_on_call [https://www.instagram.com/psych_pas_on_call/?next=%2Fapogeephysicians%2F#]

Conversations That Save Lives: A Suicide Prevention Special

In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Byeolah catch up on life changes, including Byeolah’s recent wedding, before shifting into an important conversation about Suicide Awareness Month. They discuss why suicide prevention matters, share key statistics, break down myths versus facts, and highlight the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors we should all be aware of. As providers and people, they reflect on how early intervention, supportive conversations, and community connection can truly save lives.   This episode emphasizes that suicide is preventable and that each of us can play a role, whether by checking in on a friend, offering a listening ear, or connecting someone to professional help. Resources Mentioned in This Episode * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime, day or night. https://988lifeline.org [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_BN5C5yrKoFMzQK1szfKtkB_DD?domain=988lifeline.org] * Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. https://www.crisistextline.org [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/p7INC68vKpfPgA9JT6hDt5ShPh?domain=crisistextline.org] * American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Education, advocacy, and support resources. https://afsp.org [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/YtJ1C73wVqiz0x6YSBiBto6nxq?domain=afsp.org] * National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Support and education for individuals and families. https://www.nami.org [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/K34kC82xKriXAZMgHMsltyzmTv?domain=nami.org] * The Trevor Project – Suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cwLnC9ryYvfz6gKjSPtEtqZOV1?domain=thetrevorproject.org] 👉 Let’s keep the convo going! * Hit that Follow button so you never miss a fresh take from your fave Psych PAs. * Follow us on Instagram! — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠psych_pas_on_call [https://www.instagram.com/psych_pas_on_call/?next=%2Fapogeephysicians%2F#]