Reacting To The Rise Of Anxiety, Microplastics & Antidepressants - Doctor Mike

Medical Conversations on Social Media rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:00:00)

• Dr. Mike discusses the rise of evidence-based medicine conversations on social media, noting that he was an early adopter of this approach. He believes that social media has democratized access to health information, but this can lead to confusion and conflicting messages.
• Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of healthy skepticism in evaluating online health information, encouraging viewers to question the source and evidence behind claims. He acknowledges that skepticism can sometimes go too far, leading to negativity and distrust of experts.
• Dr. Mike highlights the importance of avoiding black-and-white thinking in healthcare, emphasizing that there are rarely simple answers to complex health issues. He draws a parallel to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients challenge negative thought patterns and avoid labeling themselves or situations as all good or all bad. Dr. Mike shares his own training in CBT, emphasizing the importance of primary care providers having a basic understanding of mental health principles. He acknowledges that the current healthcare system makes it difficult for patients to access mental health specialists in a timely manner.

What’s the Best Treatment for Anxiety? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:04:07)

• The most effective treatment for anxiety and depression, according to current evidence, is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, typically SSRIs. This approach is supported by the DSM-5, which defines generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
• The severity of the condition determines the treatment approach. Mild cases may benefit from bibliotherapy, reading self-help books and completing exercises. More severe cases may require working with a therapist and medication.
• CBT is a rational and practical approach to managing anxiety and depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to these conditions. While CBT may not eliminate all symptoms, it aims to give individuals a sense of control and prevent them from spiraling into extreme anxiety or depression.

Is There an Uptick in ADHD Diagnosis? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:08:21)

• There has been an increase in adult ADHD diagnoses, but it's unclear what's driving this trend. Doctor Mike acknowledges that more people are being diagnosed with ADHD, but it's difficult to determine if this is due to increased awareness, more patients requesting treatment, or doctors prescribing medication for performance enhancement.
• The benefits of treating ADHD are significant. Doctor Mike emphasizes that ADHD can have a major impact on a person's life, affecting their social relationships, work, education, and overall well-being. Treating ADHD can improve these areas and lead to a better quality of life.
• The relationship between smartphone use and ADHD is complex. While there's a correlation between increased smartphone use and attention problems, it's unclear if smartphone use can actually induce ADHD or if it simply creates similar symptoms. Doctor Mike suggests that the constant stimulation and dopamine rush from smartphones could have an impact on our neurophysiology, but more research is needed to understand the long-term consequences.

Current State of Prescribing SSRIs rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:14:26)

• SSRI prescription remains common: Despite some studies suggesting limited effectiveness, SSRIs are still widely prescribed as first-line treatment for major depressive disorder and, in some cases, generalized anxiety disorder.
• Misinformation and stigma surrounding SSRIs: There is a lot of misinformation about SSRIs circulating online, including inaccurate explanations of how they work. This misinformation contributes to the stigma surrounding these medications.
• Evolving understanding of SSRI mechanisms: While initially believed to work by increasing serotonin levels, the exact mechanism of action for SSRIs is still not fully understood. New theories suggest that SSRIs may work by downregulating the body's response to serotonin. This highlights the importance of acknowledging the evolving nature of scientific knowledge and being transparent about what is known and unknown.

Issues With the US Healthcare System rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:20:14)

• The US healthcare system is a hybrid system with government-funded insurance, employer-sponsored insurance, and individual plans, leading to a messy and complex system. Dr. Mike acknowledges that no country has perfected healthcare, but the US system is heading in a problematic direction due to the prioritization of profits over patients.
• Private equity's influence on healthcare is driving a shift towards scalable, profit-driven models like telemedicine and urgent care. This leads to a lack of continuity of care and a reliance on Band-Aid solutions, particularly impacting younger generations who may not have access to affordable primary care.
• The US healthcare system is plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies and a focus on profit maximization, leading to burnout among doctors and nurses. Dr. Mike highlights the disconnect between the desire to help patients and the reality of being forced to see too many patients, deal with insurance limitations, and navigate outdated systems. This creates a demoralizing environment for healthcare professionals.

Most Dangerous Cosmetic Trends rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:34:16)

• Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) are a popular cosmetic procedure, but they carry a significant risk of fatty embolism. This occurs when a piece of fat becomes lodged in an artery, potentially leading to a life-threatening blockage. The risk is estimated to be 1 in 3,000, which is considered high for a non-emergency procedure.
• BBLs involve liposuction and fat transfer, which increases the risk of complications. Unlike breast augmentation, which involves implant insertion, BBLs require the removal and reinsertion of fat, making it more likely for fat to enter the bloodstream.
• The cosmetic industry often promotes unrealistic expectations and fails to adequately inform patients about the risks involved. This is particularly concerning for individuals who are financially vulnerable and may be more susceptible to exploitation.

What You Need to Know About Posture rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:39:35)

• There is no perfect posture. While maintaining a neutral spine is generally beneficial, holding any single posture for extended periods can lead to pain and discomfort. The key is to have a healthy balance and vary your posture throughout the day.
• Mild scoliosis doesn't necessarily cause back pain. Many people have a slight curve in their spine, but this doesn't automatically mean they will experience back pain. It's important to consider other factors and not solely blame scoliosis for any discomfort.
• Varying your posture is crucial for back health. Moving between sitting, standing, and other positions helps to prevent strain and promotes circulation. This is why standing desks and other ergonomic solutions have become popular. The speaker, who has experienced back pain from bulging discs, emphasizes the importance of avoiding positions that irritate the spine and allowing for adequate recovery time.

How Our Mind Impacts Our Sense of Pain rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:44:46)

• Our minds can significantly impact our perception of pain. We can condition ourselves to feel pain more often, even if the underlying physical cause is minor. This is similar to how we can train ourselves to hear a faint sound more clearly by focusing on it.
• Emotional state plays a crucial role in pain perception. A person experiencing a physical injury will feel the pain more intensely if they are in a negative mental state. Conversely, a positive emotional state can help minimize the perceived pain.
• Mental health therapy can be an effective treatment for physical pain. By addressing underlying emotional issues and improving mental well-being, individuals can often reduce their experience of pain. This approach is particularly helpful for conditions where the physical cause is minor, but the pain is amplified by mental factors.

Have We All Got Microplastics Inside Us? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:54:17)

• Microplastics are a widespread concern. Dr. Mike acknowledges the presence of microplastics in the environment and the potential for them to be found in human bodies, including testicles. He highlights the pervasiveness of these chemicals, even in seemingly "clean" products like Lululemon leggings.
• The difficulty of avoiding microplastics is a major issue. Dr. Mike emphasizes the challenge of avoiding microplastics, even with conscious efforts. He uses the example of raw milk, which can be contaminated with microplastics through the milking process and packaging. He also points out that the ubiquity of microplastics makes it difficult to escape exposure.
• Microplastics are a growing concern that needs more attention. Dr. Mike believes that microplastics are a significant issue that is currently underreported and needs more scientific research. He compares the situation to a large boulder representing a health risk, suggesting that while microplastics may be a significant threat, other fundamental health concerns like diet, exercise, and mental health should be prioritized. He also emphasizes the need for humility in the face of scientific unknowns, cautioning against overconfidence in any one solution.

Are Health Influencers Helpful? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:01:21)

• Doctor Mike acknowledges the mixed bag of health influencers, with some providing valuable information while others stray into pseudoscience or prioritize profit over accuracy. He emphasizes his commitment to providing accurate information and correcting misinformation.
• Doctor Mike highlights Zubin Damania (ZG) and Mama Dr Jones as examples of health influencers who provide evidence-based content. He appreciates their focus on complex topics like moral injury and obstetrics/gynecology, respectively.
• Doctor Mike emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in healthcare research and education. He points out the historical bias towards white males in research, leading to misdiagnosis and potentially fatal outcomes for women and people of color. He advocates for more inclusive research and training to improve patient care.

How Harmful Are Scented Candles? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:05:34)

• Burning candles releases harmful chemicals, especially during the initial lighting and extinguishing processes. This is due to incomplete combustion, which creates soot and other harmful byproducts.
• The speaker's personal experience with Yankee Candles led to a significant amount of soot buildup on his bedroom ceiling. This caused him to be ridiculed online and ultimately led him to repaint his entire ceiling.
• The speaker acknowledges that candles are a relatively small contributor to overall health concerns. However, he believes that focusing too much on eliminating every potential health risk can be detrimental to overall well-being, leading to anxiety and stress.

Future Implications of GLP-1 Drugs rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:09:03)

• The future of obesity treatment with GLP-1 drugs is uncertain but potentially revolutionary. While these drugs offer significant health benefits and could reduce healthcare costs, they also raise ethical concerns about removing willpower from the weight loss equation.
• The impact of GLP-1 drugs on various industries is being debated. Some industries, like food companies and confectionary companies, may see decreased profits, while others, like sportsware companies, may see an increase. The overall impact on society is still unclear.
• Access to GLP-1 drugs is a major concern. The high cost of these medications means that many people, particularly those targeted by the food industry with unhealthy options, may not be able to afford them. This creates a cycle of disadvantage and reinforces existing inequalities.

Doctor Mike’s Chat With Steven Gundry rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:24:01)

• Doctor Mike expresses his mixed feelings about Steven Gundry, acknowledging his influence but also highlighting concerns about the potential for misinformation in his messaging. He cites an example of Gundry's statement about grapes being problematic, which could be misinterpreted by parents as encouraging processed sugar over fruit.
• Doctor Mike believes that the short-form video format prevalent on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts exacerbates the issue of medical misinformation, as it often lacks context and can be easily misinterpreted. He also acknowledges that misinformation is not limited to short-form content, as long-form podcasts can also contribute to the problem.
• Doctor Mike praises Andrew Huberman for his focus on evidence-based health information, particularly in the early stages of his podcast. He believes that Huberman's approach has helped to shift the focus away from the more experimental and often unevidenced practices associated with the "old school" biohacking community. However, he also expresses concern about Huberman's occasional tendency to make irresponsible statements, despite his overall positive impact on promoting health awareness.
• Doctor Mike emphasizes the importance of nuance and responsible messaging in health communication, highlighting his own approach of using humor to make science accessible without overselling it. He contrasts this with the potential for corruption of medical information, which he sees as a spectrum ranging from outright misinformation to the use of corny humor.
• Doctor Mike expresses his desire to have a conversation with Huberman, believing that it would be beneficial for both individuals and the public. He emphasizes that his motivation for engaging in health communication is not driven by ego or financial gain, but rather by a genuine desire to help people. He shares his personal experiences as an immigrant and his commitment to providing free medical care, demonstrating his dedication to serving those in need.

Being a Public Figure & a Doctor rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:33:23)

• Dr. Mike discusses the challenges of balancing his role as a public figure with his role as a practicing physician. He explains that his online fame has led to patients requesting his services specifically because they recognize him from YouTube. However, he remains committed to his existing patients and the community health center where he works.
• He highlights the stark contrast between the topics discussed on social media and the real-life problems his patients face. This difference has inspired him to use his YouTube platform to address relatable and honest health concerns, debunking misinformation and providing accurate information.
• Dr. Mike emphasizes the humbling nature of his work, both in the medical field and on social media. He acknowledges that he is constantly learning and being challenged by his staff and patients. He values the long-term relationships he has built with his colleagues and finds it rewarding to share his experiences and expertise with his online audience.

Where to Find Doctor Mike rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:35:57)

• The speaker expresses gratitude to the person they are speaking with, acknowledging their pro bono work and contributions to online health advice.
• The speaker emphasizes the personal and spiritual value they derive from practicing medicine, even though they acknowledge the financial benefits of their social media presence.
• The speaker encourages viewers to follow their podcast for more content and highlights the availability of a compilation of the best clips from recent episodes.