CAMH, Dr. David Gratzer: Physician and Educator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Quick Takes: A podcast by physicians, for physicians

newmedia@camh.ca (Dr. David Gratzer, Dr. Zainab Furqan, Dr. Juveria Zaheer)

  • What all physicians need to know about Ramadan and its clinical implications

What all physicians need to know about Ramadan and its clinical implications

Monday 12th April 2021

Learn how Ramadan affects mental health patients and get tips for culturally sensitive care from experts in this Quick Takes episode.
23 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Compassionate
Thought-provoking
Engaging

About this podcast

Quick Takes: A podcast by physicians, for physicians
Author:
CAMH, Dr. David Gratzer: Physician and Educator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Mindful Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Ramadan and Mental Health: Essential Tips for Physicians

Unfortunately, we have very limited literature in terms of research studies on this topic. These are health implications that might not be as obvious to us as some of the physical health implications, but are certainly there.
Ramadan is a significant time for many, but what does it mean for patients with mental health issues? Dr. David Gratzer invites Drs. Juveria Zaheer and Zainab Furqan to share their expertise on this very topic. With over 1.7 billion Muslims globally and around 80% of North American Muslims observing fasting, understanding the clinical implications is crucial for healthcare providers.
In this episode, they dive into how Ramadan can affect mental health patients, particularly those with conditions like bipolar disorder, where sleep disturbances can trigger mood episodes. The conversation is enriched with real patient stories and personal memories, making it both informative and heartfelt. Drs. Zaheer and Furqan also touch on the surprising lack of resources available when they first researched this topic for their Lancet paper.
They emphasize the importance of culturally safe care, suggesting practical ways to initiate conversations with Muslim patients about their treatment during Ramadan. From adjusting medication schedules to understanding the broader cultural context, this episode offers valuable insights for physicians aiming to provide compassionate and effective care during this holy month.