Is Laughter the best medicine? We attempt to answer this and other pressing questions in Doctor Vs Comedian. Dr Asif Doja is a pediatric neurologist and Ali Hassan is a stand up comedian and actor (CBC‘s Laugh Out Loud, Designated Survivor, Goon) who are each fascinated by what the other one does. In each episode, Asif picks a topic for Ali from comedy and entertainment and questions Ali about it. Then Ali picks a topic from medicine and health and grills Asif on that subject. We talk about serious subjects in an unserious way. If you want to hear about comedy, entertainment, health and wellness and don‘t want to have to choose between being entertaining AND informed, then this show is for you.
Episodes
22 hours ago
Episode 153: Endometriosis (with Dr. Sony Singh)
22 hours ago
22 hours ago
Since March has been endometriosis awareness month, on today’s episode, Asif and Ali welcome gynecologist Dr. Sony Singh to discuss this common and often debilitating disease. Dr. Singh explains what it is and how it affects at at least 10% of women. He discusses how it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed how this delay in diagnosis can have long term impacts. He then discusses some tests that can be used in the diagnosis, while acknowledging that in the past endometriosis has easily been missed on ultrasounds and MRI’s. He talks about how it can be treated and the severe complications he has seen in some women. Finally, Dr. Singh discusses the importance of social media in the advocacy of this disease and celebrities that have been affected by it.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
7 days ago
7 days ago
Today, Ali and Asif discuss the controversial topic of whether you can separate the art from the artist (3:05). They discuss various opinion articles on this subject and the 'cancelling’ of historical figures such as Oscar Wilde and various politicians. They discuss how different types of art may allow this separation to be made easier or harder. They compare authors to actors/directors to stand up comedians and singers. They also discuss how weak versus strong apologies can change someone’s viewpoint on an artist. The guys conclude by discussing the case of Michael Jackson and the sexual abuse allegations against him. Because Jackson suffered from vitiligo, in the second half the guys discuss this skin disease (38:36). Asif talks about the presumed cause as well as how it is diagnosed. Ali then asks Asif about the psychological toll the disease can take as well as the treatment and prognosis.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
It’s Okay to Like Good Art by Bad People: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/05/separate-art-from-artist-cancel-culture-monsters-book/673497/
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Can You Love the Art and Hate the Monster https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/can-you-love-the-art-and-hate-the-artist
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This New Book Asks: Can You Separate the Art From the Artist? https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14867/monsters-a-fans-dilemma-claire-dederer-cancel-culturehttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/03/opinion/music-pop-culture-justice.html
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Can We Separate Art from the Artist? Should We? https://observer.com/2023/01/can-we-separate-art-from-the-artist-should-we/
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What do we do when the art we love was created by a monster? https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/11/17933686/me-too-separating-artist-art-johnny-depp-woody-allen-michael-jackson-louis-ck
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What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men? https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2017/11/20/art-monstrous-men/
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Rihanna: I have forgiven Chris Brown, I truly love him: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rihanna-chris-brown-112742317.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHQ_aSIGLrcQ0yotID_BwInwuH3Ebaz4Y2W_eqc6tfSey2PpDBXElC2YbC0tfdGCchWPoKs90wjV2aRkrvzLQKftF-gs-YXUQJmnuV0dTuQRUWG9g6EWkLmj5z-IjL-1QDDz4qrVz7rxLOXIR8C1jCG08XJ5Vhq8rsxUPT2yp4xj
-
Jian Ghomeshi found not guilty on choking and all sex assault charges: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jian-ghomeshi-sexual-assault-trial-ruling-1.3505446
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Rob Ford on drug use: 'You name it, I pretty well covered it': https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-on-drug-use-you-name-it-i-pretty-well-covered-it-1.2693774
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Why are celebrities accused of sexual harassment so bad at apologies? https://www.salon.com/2018/01/06/why-are-celebrities-accused-of-sexual-harassment-so-bad-at-apologies/
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I Made the Pizza Cinnamon Rolls from Mario Batali’s Sexual Misconduct Apology Letter https://www.everywhereist.com/2018/01/i-made-the-pizza-cinnamon-rolls-from-mario-batalis-sexual-misconduct-apology-letter/
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Aziz Ansari Is Guilty. Of Not Being a Mind Reader https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/15/opinion/aziz-ansari-babe-sexual-harassment.html
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Shane Gillis was fired from ‘SNL’ for racist and homophobic jokes. Now he’s going to host: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/shane-gillis-saturday-night-live-fired-now-hosting-rcna137161
-
Winnie Harlow: Her Emotional Story With Vitiligo: https://www.healthinsight.ca/advocacy/winnie-harlow-her-emotional-story-with-vitiligo/
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Bullies made Winnie Harlow suicidal but now Lewis Hamilton’s stunning girlfriend loves the skin she’s in: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/1752326/bullies-made-winnie-harlow-suicidal-but-now-lewis-hamiltons-stunning-girlfriend-loves-the-skin-shes-in/
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Vitiligo: A Narrative Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9586189/
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Vitiligo: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559149/
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Beyond skin white spots: Vitiligo and associated comorbidities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9995999/
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Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/5/4910
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Understanding the symptoms of vitiligo: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245081#treatment
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Episode 151: Dave Chapelle / Medical Complications of Cannabis
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
After some listener mail, the guys discuss the career of Dave Chapelle (2:21). They start off by discussing his early life and his notable family history. They discuss his early failures, his success and his first special “Killing Them Softly”. They then talk about the groundbreaking ‘Chapelle’s Show’ and how Dave abruptly left the show at season 3. Finally they discuss their thoughts on Chappelle’s most recent Netflix stand up special ‘The Dreamer’ and the controversy surrounding some his jokes about the trans community.
Then, in the second half, the guys talk about the medical complications of cannabis (25:03). Asif goes over the common effects of acute cannabis intoxication. He then discusses how despite what many think, you can become addicted to cannabis. Asif then reviews how cannabis may impair brain development and how it is related to psychosis. He also discusses whether cannabis can be considered a gateway drug. Asif then goes over some of the more severe side effects including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Ali then asks Asif about any updates regarding seizures and cannabis and also discusses the cultural role of cannabis in some societies.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Dave Chappelle - Inside The Actors Studio: https://vimeo.com/495346128
-
Dave Speaks: https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1061512,00.html
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What Does Neal Brennan Think White People Need To Know About Black People: https://www.buzzfeed.com/samgf/neal-brennan-would-like-to-be-black-americas-ambassador-to-w
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Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/
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Emergent Medical Illnesses Related to Cannabis Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690288/
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Review of systemic and syndromic complications of cannabis use: A review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9750691/
-
'Ganja is not a drug': Bob Marley's granddaughter on Rasta spirituality: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/connecting-with-your-roots-for-better-and-for-worse-1.4576663/ganja-is-not-a-drug-bob-marley-s-granddaughter-on-rasta-spirituality-1.4576668
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Episode 150: 96th Oscars Preview
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Ali and Asif are back! In their return episode, the guys preview the 97th Annual Academy Awards Preview, taking place on March 10, 2024 (no medical topic this episode). The guys start off by discussing how Robbie Robertson from ’The Band’ was nominated posthumously for writing the music for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. And they also mention how John Williams, at age 92, received his 54th academy award nomination for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. The guys then go over their Oscar picks in the following categories: Original and Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Picture.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Robbie Robertson earns posthumous first Oscar nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon: https://ew.com/oscars-2024-robbie-robertson-earns-posthumous-first-nomination-8548082
-
Legendary Composer John Williams Continues to Break His Own Oscars Record with 54th Nomination: https://people.com/oscars-2024-john-williams-breaks-his-own-record-with-54th-nomination-8548828
-
J.J. Abrams apologizes for overusing lens flare: 'I know it's too much': https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/30/4788758/j-j-abrams-apologizes-for-his-overusing-lens-flare
- How Killers Of The Flower Moon Connects To The Tulsa Massacre Highlighted In Watchmen: https://www.slashfilm.com/1423292/killers-of-the-flower-moon-tulsa-race-massacre-connection-watchmen/
- Ryan Gosling Doesn’t Want to Watch His Dancing Videos - The Graham Norton Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9fUqiav_SA
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Best of DvsC: ‘Singles’ Soundtrack / Borderline Personality Disorder
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Friday Mar 01, 2024
For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives.
Today Ali and Asif discuss the legendary soundtrack from the movie ‘Singles’ which was released 30 years ago. The guys start off by discussing the movie ‘Singles’, Cameron Crowe and how the movie potentially influenced the creation of ‘Friends’. The guys then go through each song on the album and give their thoughts on each track. They highlight how the album gained exposure for some ‘up and coming’ bands at the time, including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and The Smashing Pumpkins. Then Ali asks Asif about borderline personality disorder (BPD). Asif starts off by talking about personality disorders and then explains the criteria for diagnosing someone with BPD. He then talks about risk factors for developing it as well as the neurobiology of BPD. He then concludes by discussing the treatment and prognosis of the disorder.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Cameron Crowe on the ‘Singles’ Soundtrack, Chris Cornell: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/cameron-crowe-on-the-singles-soundtrack-chris-cornell-194903/
- Personality Disorders: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/personality-disorders/why-is-it-controversial/
- BPD family: https://www.bpdfamily.com/
-
Borderline personality disorder: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673610614225?casa_token=_4MqATEboTMAAAAA:kFe4KpWO3I6GkTvJ17HxA0G_Ryhe3cRuh2ZKyOvePaT_A2Eu6mgAdpV4omjh7z0AhIlGYNldAg#box1
-
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/dialectical-behaviour-therapy
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Best of DvsC: Interview with Bif Naked
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives.
Today on a very special episode, the guys we will be interview the trailblazing Canadian Music Icon Bif Naked. They start off by discussing Bif’s somewhat surprising connection to South Asia. Then then chat about Bif’s book from 2016 “I Bificius” and the challenges of opening yourself up in a memoir. Asif then asks Bif about her long standing fascination with medicine. Bif describes her lifelong interest in the field of medicine. Bif and the guys touch on her diagnosis of breast cancer and how that has informed her volunteer work as a death doula. Bif discusses her philanthropy, activism and how she thinks social media is actually a good thing (!). Then, in recognition of October being breast cancer awareness month, Bif highlights how important “the pink ribbon” movement is for those suffering from breast cancer and how vital it is to support charities that fund research into breast cancer. Finally, the guys discuss Bif’s new single “Rollerdome” and her upcoming album Champion, as well as the fact that she is the focus of the upcoming documentary by Jennifer Abbott entitled “Bif Naked: One of a Kind”. .
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Toronto Tabla’s new single with Bif Naked: https://www.rootsmusic.ca/2022/03/19/check-out-toronto-tablas-new-single-with-bif-naked-album-release-tonight/
- I Bificus https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443419734/i-bificus/
- The Magnitude of All Things: https://www.themagnitudeofallthings.com/
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Best of DvC: ‘Is There Bacon in Heaven’ / Pulmonary Fibrosis
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives.
Today on a special episode, we will be hearing a preview of Ali’s new book ‘Is There Bacon in Heaven’, published by Simon and Shuster, coming out Sept 27. Before Ali gets started Asif discusses summer entertainment he has consumed including ‘Prey’, ‘Archer’, ‘She-Hulk’, ‘Harley Quinn’, ‘Rings of Power’ and ‘House of the Dragon’. Ali then treats us to a funny and poignant chapter focussing on his father’s life and death. During the excerpt, they guys take a brief digression to discuss pulmonary fibrosis, a disease which Ali’s father suffered from. Asif talks about what it is, how it is diagnosed and the risk factors for developing it. He then discusses the prognosis and the limited treatments for the condition.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
- Is There Bacon in Heaven: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Is-There-Bacon-in-Heaven/Ali-Hassan/9781982149178
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/301226-overview
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Best of DvsC - Interview with Dr. Glaucomflecken
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives.
In this very special episode, Ali and Asif interview ophthalmologist, comedian and social media sensation Will Flannary aka Dr. Glaucomflecken. In their hilarious and wide ranging chat they discuss:
- His comedic influences
- How he got started doing stand up and how he transitioned to social media
- His philosophy of comedy, ‘punching up’ and why one should be cognizant of power dynamics when doing medical comedy
- Doctor stereotypes
- The benefits of letting patients see your comedic side
- The charity ‘First Descents’ and the impact it has made in his life
PLUS Ali asks random eye questions to Dr. Glaucomflecken!!!
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Best of DvsC: Accents & Apu /Medical ‘Miracles’ & Doctor Distrust
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives.
In today’s episode, after a bit of listener mail about Ali’s love of Shonda Rimes (1:00), the guys discuss the issue of actors faking accents on movies and TV shows (2:09). Ali discusses Rizwan Manji from Schitt’s Creek and Aziz Ansari. Ali even discusses how he originally auditioned for the role of Ray Bhutani on Schitt’s Creek and his own experience with using an accent in roles. We also discuss the case of Paul Sun-Hyung Lee on Kim’s Convenience. They then discuss “The Problem with Apu”, the documentary by Hari Kondabolu, and Hank Anzaria. They discuss the historical example of Peter Sellers and “The Party”. Ali then talks about Hank Azaria’s recent appearance on “Armchair Expert” with Dax Shepard and Hank’s apology to South Asians. Then, Asif talks about so-called ‘miracle cures’ in medicine and his contempt of practitioners who peddle them (21:19). Ali then counters with the question of whether patients seek miracle cures because of a distrust of doctors and the medical system. They then discuss how distrust of the medical system can affect health outcomes and touch on the issue of race and its relation to medical distrust (and discuss Michael Che from Saturday Night Live). Asif then discusses what the medical community can do to improve trust.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes
-
Schitt's Creek Actor Rizwan Manji Doesn't Regret Giving His Character an Accent :https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/12/schitts-creek-ray-rizwan-manji-south-asian-accent
- Hank Azaria feels he should apologize for Apu 'to every single Indian person in this country': https://www.kezi.com/content/national/574196012.html?ref=012:
- Armchair Expert Podcast with Hank Azaria: https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/hank-azaria
- The Problem with Apu:https://gem.cbc.ca/media/documentary-specials/episode-39/38e815a-010f377caad
- Do You Trust the Medical Profession? By Dhruv Khullar
: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/upshot/do-you-trust-the-medical-profession.html
- Measuring Patients’ Trust In Physicians When Assessing Quality Of Care: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.23.4.124
- Linking primary care performance to outcomes of care: https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?v=2.1&it=r&sw=w&id=GALE%7CA21215648&prodId=AONE&authCount=1&u=nysl_me_weillmdc&selfRedirect=true
- Understanding and Ameliorating Medical Mistrust Among Black Americans
- Bad Medicine: The Harm That Comes From Racism: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/13/upshot/bad-medicine-the-harm-that-comes-from-racism.html Austin Frakt
- Harriet A. Washington: Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans From Colonial Times to the Present: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/185986/medical-apartheid-by-harriet-a-washington/
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Episode 144: Ricky Gervais / Depression
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Today, Ali and Asif discuss comedian Ricky Gervais. They discuss his early life, including his stint in a New Wave Band in the early 1980’s. They then discuss the groundbreaking success of ‘The Office’ and some of his subsequent shows including ‘Extras’ and ‘After Life’. They pivot to then discussing his stand up comedy, including his hosting of the Golden Globes (and comparing him to recent host Joy Koy). After a digression about Gervais’ podcast, they guys talk about his Netflix comedy specials, including the controversy surrounding his most recent special “Armageddon’.
Gervais’ show ‘After Life’ was about a man battling depression, so in the second half, Ali asks Asif about this disorder. Asif talks about how common it is, and what we think causes it. He then goes over the symptoms of depression and how “Major Depressive Disorder” is diagnosed. He goes over the relationship of depression and suicide and the prognosis of depression. Asif then goes over the treatment of depression (not with dogs), with both medication and therapy. He then briefly touches on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Seona Dancing - Bitter Heart HD Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDvYpOnN9Qk
-
Seona Dancing - More To Lose (Razzmatazz, 07/06/83): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABjYSxyUD98
-
Ricky Gervais - Golden Years (David Bowie homage): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQ019iAcQM&t=350s
-
Ricky Gervais – Golden Globes 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJOb9xHggS4
-
Willow: Behind The Magic Trailer | Disney+: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_l4qI0nXz8
- Depression: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759-overview#a4