Science & Soul with Dr Kristen Holmes

Harvard Psychiatrist: Does This Diet Treat Depression? Rethinking Mental Health Treatments

Apr 23, 2025
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ANECDOTE

Mother's Struggle Inspires Career

  • Dr. Chris Palmer's mother suffered severe mental illness, including depression, psychosis, and delusions, and never got better despite extensive treatment.
  • Her chronic condition and the failure of psychiatric medicines deeply influenced his career and approach to psychiatry.
INSIGHT

Current Treatments Often Fail

  • Many patients with chronic mental illness do not improve because current treatments often fail rather than patient resistance.
  • Severity and chronicity of mental illness mean some patients' conditions are considered untreatable with existing methods.
ADVICE

Reduce Polypharmacy Harm

  • Avoid polypharmacy by reducing the number of psychiatric medicines when possible, as excess meds can worsen symptoms.
  • Prioritize strategies to taper off unnecessary medications to reduce side effects and improve patient stability.
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