In this episode of Medicine Redefined, Dr. Altamash Raja and Dr. Darsh Shah sit down with psychiatrist Matt Bernstein, MD to question why mental health outcomes continue to worsen despite more medications and access to care.
Matt introduces metabolic psychiatry, a framework that looks beyond symptoms and diagnoses to the underlying biology of the brain — including metabolism, insulin resistance, and energy function. He explains why treating neurotransmitters alone often falls short, and how lifestyle-based interventions can lead to deeper, more lasting recovery.
They explore a new, human-centered approach to mental health that integrates nutrition, movement, circadian rhythm, and mind-body practices — challenging the way psychiatry is practiced today.
00:00 Introduction and Current State of Mental Health
01:20 The State of Psychiatry and Mental Health Outcomes
04:22 Understanding the DSM and Diagnostic Challenges
05:42 Introduction to Metabolic Psychiatry
06:31 Chemical Imbalance Theory vs. Metabolic Theory
17:27 The Role of Insulin Resistance in Mental Health
20:48 Assessing Metabolic Health in Psychiatry
25:37 Understanding Brain Energy and Mental Health
26:00 Insulin Resistance and Bipolar Depression
28:04 The Role of Fasting Insulin in Metabolic Health
28:43 Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Medications
30:20 Metabolic Health vs. Traditional Psychiatric Treatments
31:54 Innovative Approaches in Psychiatric Care
32:43 The Accord Program: A Comprehensive Metabolic Treatment
35:55 Challenges and Successes in Metabolic Interventions
46:10 Metabolic Dysfunction in Young Adults
50:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions
Resources & Studies Mentioned
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