In this engaging discussion, Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist focused on the link between mental and metabolic health, challenges the myths surrounding depression treatment. He highlights the limited efficacy of antidepressants and the little support for the serotonin theory of depression. The conversation shifts to the crucial role of nutrition and lifestyle in mental health, as well as the impact of childhood trauma. Dr. Palmer advocates for a more holistic approach that prioritizes preventative care, emphasizing healing through diet, sleep, and meaningful connections.
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Worst Mental Health Advice
If struggling with mental health, don't accept the premise of a lifelong chemical imbalance requiring pills.
Explore alternative treatments and root causes.
insights INSIGHT
SSRI Effectiveness
SSRIs can significantly improve or even save lives for some individuals struggling with depression.
However, a majority do not achieve full remission and remain clinically depressed.
insights INSIGHT
Chemical Imbalance Myth
The concept of chemical imbalances as the sole cause of mental health issues lacks scientific evidence.
Brain scans of depressed patients haven't revealed the hypothesized serotonin imbalances.
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A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More
Christopher Palmer, MD
Drawing on decades of research, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer outlines a revolutionary new understanding that unites existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. The book details the connections between mental illness and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions. It also sheds light on new treatment pathways that apply to various mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia. Palmer pairs cutting-edge science with practical advice and strategies to help people reclaim their mental health, emphasizing the role of metabolism in mental health and the potential of dietary and metabolic interventions for treatment.
Today, millions of people are suffering from depression worldwide. Major depression can negatively impact your relationships, deteriorate your health, and cause problems in all aspects of your life. And when it comes to treating depression, the most common course of action tends to be antidepressant medications. Today, you’re going to learn the truth about antidepressant efficacy, and the worst mental health advice coming from doctors’ offices today. Our guest is psychiatrist Dr. Christopher Palmer. His research encompasses the fascinating intersection of mental health and metabolic health. Dr. Palmer is back on The Model Health Show for another powerful discussion on what causes mental health symptoms, how our current treatment plans are actually me You’re going to learn why there is little evidence to support the serotonin theory of depression, and the important link between serotonin, metabolic health, and mental health. You’ll also hear about the important role that nutrition plays in supporting your mental well-being, how our culture can exacerbate depression and other disorders, and how to move the needle for better mental health.
In this episode you’ll discover:
The truth about SSRI efficacy.
What the difference between response and remission is.
The percentage of patients who experience total remission from antidepressants.
What the science says about chemical imbalances.
The role serotonin plays in metabolism.
Why the rates of depression are at an all-time high.
The connection between metabolic health and mental health.
How factors like trauma and stress can impact your metabolism.
The main components of healing from trauma.
Signs that you’re getting normal, restorative sleep.
Why ultra-processed food can damage your microbiome and metabolism.
How our culture perpetuates habits that cause mental health symptoms.
The major problems with the US healthcare system.
How to differentiate between normal feelings and mental health disorders.
The importance of getting to the root cause of mental health issues.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
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