Metabolic Mind
Metformin, Insulin Resistance and Bipolar depression: From research to clinical care
Mar 24, 2023
Dr. Cynthia Calkin, a pioneering researcher in the field of bipolar disorder, reveals groundbreaking insights into using Metformin for treatment-resistant cases. Her work shows that improving insulin resistance can dramatically enhance depression outcomes. Calkin emphasizes the importance of recognizing metabolic dysfunction as a significant factor in mental health. This innovative approach challenges traditional psychiatric methods, advocating for metabolic strategies to transform patient care. It's a call to integrate physical health into mental health treatments!
45:03
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Calkin's research indicates that treating insulin resistance with Metformin can significantly improve depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder patients.
- The connection between metabolic dysfunction and mental illness highlights the need for a paradigm shift in how psychiatric care is approached.
Deep dives
The Transition from Family Medicine to Psychiatry
The transition from family medicine to psychiatry is shaped by a clinician's desire to treat the whole patient rather than focus on isolated symptoms. Initially drawn to family medicine for its holistic approach, the clinician encountered numerous patients with psychiatric conditions while managing chronic illnesses. This led to a realization that psychiatric illnesses, particularly severe cases, often co-occur with metabolic disorders such as diabetes and insulin resistance. The decision to shift to psychiatry was driven by the need to provide comprehensive care to these complex patients, reinforcing the importance of understanding the interplay between mental and metabolic health.
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