Maggie Schneider, MD, PhD
@pursuitofsanity.bsky.social
Emergency child psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and medical educator. ADHDer, obsessed with live music, fiction reader, wife, cat mom to three Maine Coons. Here for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, fighting misinformation, and decreasing mental health stigma.
It is difficult to express how profoundly troubling this is. The Trump Administration’s attack on the scientific/medical research apparatus and the basic norms of science will directly harm to the health of Americans. I’m glad NEJM isn’t standing for it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/h...
‘Vaguely Threatening’: Federal Prosecutor Queries Leading Medical Journal
The New England Journal of Medicine received a letter suggesting that it was biased and compromised by external pressure. Other journals have also received the letter.
www.nytimes.com
April 26, 2025 at 2:59 AM
It is difficult to express how profoundly troubling this is. The Trump Administration’s attack on the scientific/medical research apparatus and the basic norms of science will directly harm to the health of Americans. I’m glad NEJM isn’t standing for it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/h...
I know I’m leaving soon, but I am so so proud to be @harvard.edu affiliated at this moment.
When the moment came, Harvard didn’t hedge or flinch—it stood up. A reminder that integrity isn’t complicated, it’s just rare.
April 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
I know I’m leaving soon, but I am so so proud to be @harvard.edu affiliated at this moment.
I am a very avid #music fan. I saw a post earlier about all of the issues with #spotify. Sincere question: assuming that I am not going to stop #streaming music, aside from the obvious things, what should fans be doing to support the artists we love in the streaming era?
Photo for algorithm.
Photo for algorithm.
April 25, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I am a very avid #music fan. I saw a post earlier about all of the issues with #spotify. Sincere question: assuming that I am not going to stop #streaming music, aside from the obvious things, what should fans be doing to support the artists we love in the streaming era?
Photo for algorithm.
Photo for algorithm.
Just a friendly reminder that getting good grades ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT mean that a child can’t have ADHD. Kids with ADHD often struggle in many areas of social and emotional functioning even when they are OK academically, and the right treatments and supports can help.
March 20, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Just a friendly reminder that getting good grades ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT mean that a child can’t have ADHD. Kids with ADHD often struggle in many areas of social and emotional functioning even when they are OK academically, and the right treatments and supports can help.
Tournament of Books 2025 starts today! The here’s my checklist so far. I should have everything read before its first match. Come join us for literary bloodsport and fun friendly commentary!
@tournamentofbooks.com
@tournamentofbooks.com
March 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Tournament of Books 2025 starts today! The here’s my checklist so far. I should have everything read before its first match. Come join us for literary bloodsport and fun friendly commentary!
@tournamentofbooks.com
@tournamentofbooks.com
NIH’s role in training the next generation of scientists is so vital. My time at NIMH before med school gave me critical skills and helped me understand that I truly wanted to pursue dual-degree training. Cancelling these programs makes America weaker and poorer.
So much of the cutting that has been happening in US-government funded science threatens the future of scientific discovery in this country. @usha.bsky.social reports on yet another, the termination of a summer internship program at #NIH for college students. www.statnews.com/2025/03/05/t...
Cancellation of NIH summer internships disrupts ‘vital’ training program for U.S. scientists
The NIH cancelled an internship program that gave more than 1,000 college students hands-on research training each summer
www.statnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
NIH’s role in training the next generation of scientists is so vital. My time at NIMH before med school gave me critical skills and helped me understand that I truly wanted to pursue dual-degree training. Cancelling these programs makes America weaker and poorer.
Reposted by Maggie Schneider, MD, PhD
Vitamin A does not *prevent* measles - the measles vaccine does.
Vitamin A *may* reduce the severity of measles - but that data comes from patients who had vitamin A deficiency, which most Americans don’t.
Vitamin A *is* toxic on its own at high doses.
The best approach is to not get measles.
Vitamin A *may* reduce the severity of measles - but that data comes from patients who had vitamin A deficiency, which most Americans don’t.
Vitamin A *is* toxic on its own at high doses.
The best approach is to not get measles.
What to know about vitamin A and the measles
In the CDC’s first public statement on the measles outbreak, it suggested vitamin A as a type of supportive care.
www.nbcnews.com
March 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Vitamin A does not *prevent* measles - the measles vaccine does.
Vitamin A *may* reduce the severity of measles - but that data comes from patients who had vitamin A deficiency, which most Americans don’t.
Vitamin A *is* toxic on its own at high doses.
The best approach is to not get measles.
Vitamin A *may* reduce the severity of measles - but that data comes from patients who had vitamin A deficiency, which most Americans don’t.
Vitamin A *is* toxic on its own at high doses.
The best approach is to not get measles.
Pubmed seems to be back in the US, but I am getting results that seem to emphasize side effects and complications of SSRIs, can we get some other science folks or comp sci folks to do some searches or look at this and see if they changed the algorithm? I’m not savvy enough to verify my concern.
March 2, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Pubmed seems to be back in the US, but I am getting results that seem to emphasize side effects and complications of SSRIs, can we get some other science folks or comp sci folks to do some searches or look at this and see if they changed the algorithm? I’m not savvy enough to verify my concern.
Pubmed was apparently down for several hours. I just searched “SSRI” and the top three pages of “best match” results are all about discontinuation syndrome and sexual dysfunction.
They can’t change the science by changing the database, but I am still absolutely fucking terrified.
They can’t change the science by changing the database, but I am still absolutely fucking terrified.
March 2, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Pubmed was apparently down for several hours. I just searched “SSRI” and the top three pages of “best match” results are all about discontinuation syndrome and sexual dysfunction.
They can’t change the science by changing the database, but I am still absolutely fucking terrified.
They can’t change the science by changing the database, but I am still absolutely fucking terrified.
There is now a confirmed case of Rubella in Texas in addition to the nearly 150 cases of measles.
I am so sad, and so very angry.
Vaccines work, this is completely preventable.
cbsaustin.com/amp/news/nat...
I am so sad, and so very angry.
Vaccines work, this is completely preventable.
cbsaustin.com/amp/news/nat...
Texas school confirms case of rubella as measles outbreak in state reaches 146
cbsaustin.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:09 PM
There is now a confirmed case of Rubella in Texas in addition to the nearly 150 cases of measles.
I am so sad, and so very angry.
Vaccines work, this is completely preventable.
cbsaustin.com/amp/news/nat...
I am so sad, and so very angry.
Vaccines work, this is completely preventable.
cbsaustin.com/amp/news/nat...
On this National Rare Disease Day, I would like to make sure that all other metaphor-loving health care professionals are aware that the official awareness ribbon for the National Organization for Rare Disorders is zebra print. 😂🦓❤️
February 28, 2025 at 8:04 PM
On this National Rare Disease Day, I would like to make sure that all other metaphor-loving health care professionals are aware that the official awareness ribbon for the National Organization for Rare Disorders is zebra print. 😂🦓❤️
Reposted by Maggie Schneider, MD, PhD
The Precision Psychopathology + Dynamic Immunopsychiatry Lab at UPenn will be hiring 1-2 post-bacc RAs and potentially a postdoc this year
Immune/phlebotomy/blood preprocessing exp will be a plus. Formal posting will follow in a few weeks
Excited to recruit the founding members of this team :)
Immune/phlebotomy/blood preprocessing exp will be a plus. Formal posting will follow in a few weeks
Excited to recruit the founding members of this team :)
February 27, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The Precision Psychopathology + Dynamic Immunopsychiatry Lab at UPenn will be hiring 1-2 post-bacc RAs and potentially a postdoc this year
Immune/phlebotomy/blood preprocessing exp will be a plus. Formal posting will follow in a few weeks
Excited to recruit the founding members of this team :)
Immune/phlebotomy/blood preprocessing exp will be a plus. Formal posting will follow in a few weeks
Excited to recruit the founding members of this team :)
An American child died of measles yesterday. This is a completely preventable tragedy. My heart goes out to their family and community.
In context, these HHS actions are appalling and embarrassing. If you are not frightened and furious, you’re not paying attention.
newrepublic.com/post/192059/...
In context, these HHS actions are appalling and embarrassing. If you are not frightened and furious, you’re not paying attention.
newrepublic.com/post/192059/...
RFK Jr. Takes a Sledgehammer to Two Major Vaccine Developments
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is already implementing his dangerous anti-vax views at HHS.
newrepublic.com
February 27, 2025 at 5:59 PM
An American child died of measles yesterday. This is a completely preventable tragedy. My heart goes out to their family and community.
In context, these HHS actions are appalling and embarrassing. If you are not frightened and furious, you’re not paying attention.
newrepublic.com/post/192059/...
In context, these HHS actions are appalling and embarrassing. If you are not frightened and furious, you’re not paying attention.
newrepublic.com/post/192059/...
Right. One of the Texas measles cases went to several major tourist attractions while contagious (before being symptomatic). This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
Get vaccinated. Make sure the people you love get vaccinated.
www.tpr.org/public-healt...
Get vaccinated. Make sure the people you love get vaccinated.
www.tpr.org/public-healt...
Measles alerts issued in San Antonio, New Braunfels and San Marcos as Texas outbreak spreads
The largest measles outbreak in decades has reached San Antonio and San Marcos. Officials say an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one o...
www.tpr.org
February 25, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Right. One of the Texas measles cases went to several major tourist attractions while contagious (before being symptomatic). This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
Get vaccinated. Make sure the people you love get vaccinated.
www.tpr.org/public-healt...
Get vaccinated. Make sure the people you love get vaccinated.
www.tpr.org/public-healt...
The DSC community is so positive, warm, and welcoming. Please come join us! Meetings are free and open to anyone that has been affected by addiction, either in themselves or someone they love. Feel free to message if you have questions!
February 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The DSC community is so positive, warm, and welcoming. Please come join us! Meetings are free and open to anyone that has been affected by addiction, either in themselves or someone they love. Feel free to message if you have questions!
Measles has a 10-14 day incubation period on average, meaning that people don’t show symptoms for a while after they’re infected… it is insanely contagious. This is so frightening.
Get vaccinated and make sure your loved ones are vaccinated. Please.
apnews.com/article/meas...
Get vaccinated and make sure your loved ones are vaccinated. Please.
apnews.com/article/meas...
Measles outbreaks rise to nearly 100 cases between Texas and New Mexico. Here's what you should know
The measles outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of Tuesday. Eight people in neighboring eastern New Mexico also have been diagnosed with the highly contagious disease.
apnews.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Measles has a 10-14 day incubation period on average, meaning that people don’t show symptoms for a while after they’re infected… it is insanely contagious. This is so frightening.
Get vaccinated and make sure your loved ones are vaccinated. Please.
apnews.com/article/meas...
Get vaccinated and make sure your loved ones are vaccinated. Please.
apnews.com/article/meas...
Decided to spend some time more time actually reading and trying to understand the EA on the "Make America Healthy Again" Commission.
I made it to the second paragraph. The cancer numbers cited didn't sound right to me...
That's because, as far as I can tell, they are just completely untrue.
🧵
I made it to the second paragraph. The cancer numbers cited didn't sound right to me...
That's because, as far as I can tell, they are just completely untrue.
🧵
February 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Decided to spend some time more time actually reading and trying to understand the EA on the "Make America Healthy Again" Commission.
I made it to the second paragraph. The cancer numbers cited didn't sound right to me...
That's because, as far as I can tell, they are just completely untrue.
🧵
I made it to the second paragraph. The cancer numbers cited didn't sound right to me...
That's because, as far as I can tell, they are just completely untrue.
🧵
February 18, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The scariest thing about all this is that I have no idea what nonsense to counter, because the things that RFKJ says have *no basis in reality.*
If you have questions or worries, ask! If you encounter something that you suspect isn’t true but you’re not sure about the evidence, let me know!
If you have questions or worries, ask! If you encounter something that you suspect isn’t true but you’re not sure about the evidence, let me know!
a man is sitting in front of a counter and asking for help .
Alt: a man is sitting in front of a counter and saying “help me help you”
media.tenor.com
February 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The scariest thing about all this is that I have no idea what nonsense to counter, because the things that RFKJ says have *no basis in reality.*
If you have questions or worries, ask! If you encounter something that you suspect isn’t true but you’re not sure about the evidence, let me know!
If you have questions or worries, ask! If you encounter something that you suspect isn’t true but you’re not sure about the evidence, let me know!
In light of reports that the NIH post-bacc program is likely at least “on hold,” I want to find and promote other options for young scientists! Tell me about your program! This one at the University of Minnesota looks amazing!
Our #MINDS post-bacc program is accepting applications til March 1st! ✨
✅ two-years full-time PAID research
✅ $41,000 annual salary +benefits
✅ personalized grad school prep & cohort of peers
✅ $1,500 to relocate + $1,500 in prof dev funds
✅ dedicated mentors
+ more!
z.umn.edu/minds
Please share ✨
✅ two-years full-time PAID research
✅ $41,000 annual salary +benefits
✅ personalized grad school prep & cohort of peers
✅ $1,500 to relocate + $1,500 in prof dev funds
✅ dedicated mentors
+ more!
z.umn.edu/minds
Please share ✨
February 17, 2025 at 7:54 PM
In light of reports that the NIH post-bacc program is likely at least “on hold,” I want to find and promote other options for young scientists! Tell me about your program! This one at the University of Minnesota looks amazing!
A good reminder that anti-vaccine is *checks notes* pro-cancer.
A vaccine that prevents cancer: ‘Scientists say the HPV vaccine works so well that this type of cancer could be eradicated in the near future.’
Over 99% of cervical cancers are caused by this virus—so preventing the infection prevents the cancer. Amazing news!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Over 99% of cervical cancers are caused by this virus—so preventing the infection prevents the cancer. Amazing news!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
February 17, 2025 at 5:24 PM
A good reminder that anti-vaccine is *checks notes* pro-cancer.
Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in Americans 18-44, and SSRIs are a first line treatment for the vast majority of people in that age group.
I am seeing a lot of “we need SSRIs because they are useful for *x indication that is less stigmatized than depression.*”
I am seeing a lot of “we need SSRIs because they are useful for *x indication that is less stigmatized than depression.*”
February 17, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in Americans 18-44, and SSRIs are a first line treatment for the vast majority of people in that age group.
I am seeing a lot of “we need SSRIs because they are useful for *x indication that is less stigmatized than depression.*”
I am seeing a lot of “we need SSRIs because they are useful for *x indication that is less stigmatized than depression.*”
Here are some great online resources for finding images and descriptions of how dermatological findings present for people of color:
guides.ucsf.edu/anti-racism/...
guides.ucsf.edu/anti-racism/...
February 16, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Here are some great online resources for finding images and descriptions of how dermatological findings present for people of color:
guides.ucsf.edu/anti-racism/...
guides.ucsf.edu/anti-racism/...
For recruiting relay teams - my qualifications: (1)MD (2)PhD in Neuroscience (3&4)Board Certification in General & Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (5)Lived experience with depression & ADHD (6)A dark sense of humor (7)3 super cute cats (8)extensive collection of mood-specific rock & punk playlists.
Make your calls. Go to your town halls. Ask your state and local officials what they are doing under state and local law. Rest. Hydrate. Make soup for the hungry. Don’t let people tell you that you’re doing it wrong. Not a sprint. Not a marathon. A relay. Find your team. Thank you.
February 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
For recruiting relay teams - my qualifications: (1)MD (2)PhD in Neuroscience (3&4)Board Certification in General & Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (5)Lived experience with depression & ADHD (6)A dark sense of humor (7)3 super cute cats (8)extensive collection of mood-specific rock & punk playlists.