Recently I attended a psychiatry conference at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University). There was so much to learn! It is a special event when you go with friends who are also colleagues in medicine. The two doctors I travelled with were excellent companions. It’s always interesting when doctors come together. It is a bonding and cathartic experience, or at least it is for me. You share knowledge, frustrations, challenges and general amazement at humanity and the human body.
At this conference I learned about diagnosis, treatment and care for psychiatric issues. The most helpful and eye opening information was learning about the book: “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by David D Burns. This is a book that can help most people recover from depression and general mood disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy. It’s as effective as many medications and the effects are long lasting. I wish I could buy a copy for everyone I knew! If you haven’t read it, read it. If you have read it, read it again.