Academic Psychiatry Articles | Dr. Sidharth Sood

Academic Psychiatry Articles

Evidence-Based Clinical Insights

Academic articles, clinical research, and in-depth analysis of addiction psychiatry, naltrexone therapy, and circuit-based understanding of behavioral and substance-use disorders by Dr. Sidharth Sood.

About This Section

This section features peer-reviewed quality academic articles authored by Dr. Sidharth Sood, DM Addiction Psychiatry (AIIMS Delhi). Each article combines rigorous clinical evidence with practical clinical implementation strategies.

Articles focus on addiction neuroscience, evidence-based pharmacotherapy, behavioral addictions, and transdiagnostic applications of addiction psychiatry concepts. All content integrates the latest research findings with Dr. Sood's 10+ years of clinical expertise.

These articles are designed for medical professionals, researchers, psychiatrists, and healthcare providers seeking comprehensive understanding of addiction mechanisms and treatment approaches grounded in neuroscience and clinical evidence.

Featured Article

Naltrexone in Psychiatry: From Reward Circuits to Clinical Practice

A comprehensive exploration of naltrexone's mechanism, evidence base, and clinical applications across addiction and psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Addiction psychiatry is undergoing a paradigm shift from symptom-based treatment to circuit-based understanding. Naltrexone exemplifies this evolution—a μ-opioid receptor antagonist that directly targets reward system dysregulation. This article examines naltrexone's neurobiological mechanism, synthesizes evidence from landmark RCTs and meta-analyses, addresses safety concerns (particularly hepatic), and explores transdiagnostic applications beyond addiction. Clinical pearls and implementation strategies are provided for practicing psychiatrists.

Section Highlights

  • The Reward Circuit Model: VTA to nucleus accumbens dopamine pathway; dopamine's "wanting" vs. opioid "liking"; prefrontal modulation; and how naltrexone reduces reward salience
  • Alcohol Use Disorder Evidence: Volpicelli (1992), O'Malley (1992), COMBINE (2006); meta-analysis data; NNT calculations
  • Liver Safety - Modern Evidence: Outdated hepatotoxicity concerns; current evidence (Ayyala 2022, Thompson 2024); monitoring protocols
  • Transdiagnostic Applications: Gambling disorder, self-harm in BPD, autism SIB, binge eating disorder
  • Long-Acting Injectable Naltrexone: Adherence benefits; RCT evidence; clinical implementation
  • Clinical Pearls: Patient selection criteria, best for high-craving phenotype, safe in mild-moderate liver disease, underused in behavioral addictions

Key Takeaway

"Naltrexone is not just an anti-addiction drug—it is a reward circuit modulator with transdiagnostic potential. Understanding its mechanism enables clinicians to identify broader applications and optimize patient selection."

Publication Details

Author: Dr. Sidharth Sood, MBBS (MAMC), MD, DNB, DM Addiction Psychiatry (AIIMS)

Type: Peer-review quality clinical review article

Focus: Evidence-based practice, neuroscience translation, clinical decision-making

Target Audience: Psychiatrists, addiction specialists, medical professionals, academic researchers

Research & Academic Contributions

🎓 DM Thesis

Effectiveness of Theta Burst Stimulation on Craving and Alcohol Use among Inpatients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Original research conducted at AIIMS Delhi examining neuromodulation's role in addiction treatment. This thesis investigated non-pharmacological approaches to craving reduction in alcohol use disorder, contributing to the evidence base for brain stimulation therapies in addiction psychiatry.

Affiliation: National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS Delhi

🎤 Conference Presentations

CAMCON 1.0 - March 2026 (NIMHANS, Bangalore)

Key Symposiums: Leading expert talks on stimulant use disorders and the emerging role of psychedelics in psychiatric treatment. Presentations emphasize evidence-based approaches and neuroscientific understanding of these complex topics.

Clinical Relevance: Contributing to national-level conversations about addiction psychiatry, emerging treatments, and clinical decision-making frameworks for Indian practitioners.

🔬 Research Interests & Focus Areas

  • Addiction Neuroscience: Circuit-based understanding of substance and behavioral addictions
  • Neuromodulation Therapies: TMS, Theta Burst Stimulation, and emerging brain stimulation approaches in addiction
  • Pharmacotherapy Evidence: Naltrexone, buprenorphine, acamprosate, and other evidence-based medications
  • Dual Diagnosis: Integrated treatment of co-occurring addiction and psychiatric conditions
  • Treatment Outcomes: Long-term recovery trajectories and predictors of success in addiction psychiatry
  • Clinical Translation: Bridging neuroscience research with practical clinical implementation

Article Collection

Additional academic articles and clinical insights on addiction psychiatry and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Reward Circuits in Addiction: A Neuroscientific Perspective

Detailed examination of dopamine pathways, reward system dysregulation, and therapeutic interventions targeting these circuits

Behavioral Addictions: Beyond Substance Use Disorders

Comprehensive analysis of gambling, gaming, sexual behavior, and internet addictions from a psychiatric perspective

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Integrated Approaches

Strategies for managing co-occurring addiction and psychiatric conditions with emphasis on circuit-based treatment

Emerging Treatments in Addiction Psychiatry

Review of novel pharmacological and neuromodulation approaches and their clinical applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are these articles intended for?

These academic articles are designed for psychiatrists, addiction specialists, medical professionals, researchers, medical students, and healthcare providers seeking comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of addiction psychiatry and treatment approaches.

What is the research quality of these articles?

All articles maintain peer-review quality standards with extensive citations, integration of latest research, and clinical expertise. Each article incorporates evidence from landmark studies, meta-analyses, and contemporary research.

How current is the research and evidence?

All academic content incorporates the latest published evidence through 2026. Articles are updated regularly as new research emerges, ensuring that clinical recommendations reflect current best evidence.

Can I use these articles for professional education?

Yes. These articles are suitable for professional development, CME preparation, academic research, and clinical decision-making. They provide the evidence base for implementing evidence-based addiction psychiatry practices.

What is Dr. Sidharth Sood's academic background?

Dr. Sood holds a DM (Doctorate) in Addiction Psychiatry from AIIMS Delhi, MD in Psychiatry from IHBAS, DNB in Psychiatry, and MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College. He is AIIMS-trained with research contributions to addiction neuroscience.

How do I access the full articles?

Full articles are available through this platform. Contact section or registration enables access to complete academic content, references, and supplementary materials.

Deepen Your Clinical Knowledge

Access comprehensive academic articles and research-backed insights from an AIIMS-trained addiction psychiatry expert.