Functional Psychiatry: A New Perspective on Mood Disorders and Brain Health
Introduction:
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are committed to an evidence-based, functional approach to psychiatry. We continually update our knowledge with the latest research, including insights from "Exploring Mood Disorders and Brain Health Through the Lens of Functional Psychiatry" by Wattles, ND, and Stein, DO. This approach allows us to treat mood disorders like depression and anxiety by looking beyond symptoms to underlying physiological, biochemical, and psychosocial imbalances.
Functional psychiatry seeks to identify somatic root causes of mental health disorders, integrating conventional and functional medicine for a holistic balance of body, mind, and spirit. Unlike conventional psychiatry, which often focuses on diagnosis and medication, functional medicine delves into the patient's complete history, including birth and medical history, to understand symptom patterns.
Key aspects of functional psychiatry include:
Holistic Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of a patient's life and medical history.
Gut Health: Recognizing the gut's role in mental health and prioritizing its healing.
Medication Management: Tailoring medication use to individual needs, especially during initial stages of treatment.
Time Frame: Understanding that functional medicine is a process, often taking six months to a year or more.
Stigma and Treatment Accessibility: Addressing the challenges individuals face in seeking help for mental health issues.
Dietary Influence: Acknowledging the significant impact of diet on mental health.
Individualized Causes: Exploring varied root causes of depression and anxiety, such as food sensitivities and gut health.
Comprehensive Testing: Essential blood work to rule out common issues like hypothyroidism or B12 deficiency.
SHIFT Model: Stress, Hormones, Infections, Foods and Toxins are considered key factors in this model.
DRESS Protocol: Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress and Supplements form the basis of patient-friendly treatment plans.
Medication Integration: Patients can maintain their psychotropic medications while adopting lifestyle changes.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Techniques like cold showers, exercise and laughter are used to stimulate the vagus nerve.
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and integrative approach to mental health. If you are seeking a path to wellness that combines the latest research with a holistic view of health, visit us at www.phillyintegrative.com or call 610-999-6414 to start your journey. We unite families and healthcare providers to offer the best in mental health care.
