Brain-Subtyping Based Integrative Psychiatry Care & Optimization
KEY COMPONENTS:
All medical, counseling, questionnaire & laboratory components of this program are insurance-eligible. Top quality nutritional supplements are also offered at best prices (using a sliding scale based system – and also HSA/FSA-eligible). Medicinal foods are also utilized whenever possible (EBT/Food Stamps-eligible).
1a. Individualized Mind-Body Medicine and/or Mental-Spiritual Training Program (a key for enhancing motivation, purpose and overall removal of barriers to treatment success plus the most essential key for greatest long-term benefits including complete cure/remissions). These offering the most low to no cost only gain, long term-sustainable benefits for most psych and related outcomes like pain (e.g., mindfulness based stress reduction or cognitive behavioral therapy produced comparable effects alone and generally added with combined to conventional psych medications, as well as the most proven long-term strategies for chronic pain and even can reduce cardiovascular events as much as conventional methods such as in the case of CBT and transcendental meditation. Importantly, we are also clearly only in the infancy to adolescent stage of understanding and effectively utilize these therapies, with greater reach of these interventions than the rational mind can easily scientifically yet understand. In here, exercise also plays a role done mindfully as outlined on individual pathway pages. Individualized therapy also being an important plan for long-term psych success as voiced by directors of National Institutes Of Mental Health from time to time including
This component places considerable focus on discovering and empowering one’s personal sense of deeper purposes, motivation and inspiration. Plus gradual cultivation of right-minded ideas and more subtle awareness skills through utilization of one or more of the following therapies jointly chosen by patient and counselor. Examples of treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy including transcending automatic negative thinking (ANTs), avoid HALT (i.e., hungry, anger, loneliness and tired triggers – to improve behaviors, etc), using then what, is it true, etc., biofeedack (deep abdominal breathing like child/young animal), progressive relaxation and optimizing sleep, heart rate variability biofeedback, art, nature exposure, reflection exercises, mindful walking, exercise or movements [e.g., yoga, tai chi/qi gong, etc.], meditation, mindfulness, forgiveness and others) based on one’s interests, beliefs and apparent health/wisdom pathway.
Either initially or gradually (depending on one’s stage of wisdom), we also begin to align these right-minded pursuits including one’s unique skills/interests one toward greater good and shared interest focused pursuits. This approach is generally counselor-supported at least initially (and as long as is most helpful and effective for the individual overall) with gradually greater and greater emphasis being encouraged toward patient’s consistent self-study with strong supports – being the key for longest term benefits including complete cure/remission and greater overall life success.
1b. Brain-Subtyping Based Integrative Psychiatry Methods an essential key to relatively quick initial success while encouraging stable long-term benefits.
Utilizing using methods which may have improved efficacy over leading conventional psych institutes (e.g., quality of life to Mayo Clinic psych outcomes) based on Amen Clinics’ SPECT brain imaging-supported integrative psych methods. At this clinic via questionnaire developed by Amen Clinics and leading investigations into brain scan as is also utilized by Amen clinics, Salvation Army and in a low thousands of professionals certified in these methods. SPECT scan imaging determines circulation patterns and often +/- disruptions in blood circulation to main psych associated brain regions (prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, cingulate gyrus, limbic system, temporal and parietal lobes, cerebellum, cortex, etc.). This approach that has and continues to help hundreds of thousands of people find remarkable relief in regards to their mental and overall health. With 80% showing benefits including mostly being individual cases whom did not adaquete relief after having received multiple conventional pharmacological and related approaches.
As Amen Clinics’ brain imaging based methods are not yet a conventional psychiatric approach, it is not covered by insurances and comes with a several thousand $ initial price tag (not very practical for many people). Fortunately however, Amen Clinics has trained a number of healthcare professionals including Dr. Lee in their remarkable methods, including developing comprehensive questionnaire based alternatives to, and yet developed from, its sophisticated brain imaging based methods. Thus, it’s important methods are more readily available including insurance-eligible and affordable for the general public such as in our clinic. For this approach, a sophisticated 100+ items questionnaire is used to evaluate and then comprehensively treat (using a tailored combination of pharmacological and/or nutritional supplements, nutrition, psychotherapies, physiotherapies and/or other medical and lifestyle approaches) while effectively targeting:
i. 7 Subtypes Of DEPRESSION/ANXIETY including other mood and stress disorders
ii. 5+ Subtypes Of ADD/ADHD and other focus/concentration disorders
iii. 5 Subtypes of ADDICTIONS from overeating to substance abuse.
iv. MAJOR BRAIN REGIONS FUNCTIONS/DYSFUNCTIONS (e.g., prefrontal cortex, limbic, cingulate gyrus, basal ganglia, temporal lobes, cerebellum, cortex, etc.)
v. TOXICITIES AND BRAIN TRAUMAS (e.g., damage from traumatic brain injury, infections, toxicities, substance abuse, poor nutrition and others)
vi. RELATED DISORDERS (post traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, autism, bipolar, obsessive compulsive, etc.)
vii. HORMONES DYSFUNCTIONS (thyroid, adrenals, male/female hormones, etc) underlying many psych conditions (and/or via blood testing described below.
For more information on this approach and its efficacy [with 80% of patients reporting improved quality of life] see Amen Clinic’s website, 200+ peer-reviewed research publications, 12+ NY Times best-selling books, countless patient testimonials, etc)
Table below is a summary of main brain/psych-subtype patterns to be evaluated for and offered therapy using an individualized integrative medicine strategy outlined on this page including i. mind-body medicine and/or mental spiritual approach, ii. herbal-nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical, iii. nutrition as a primary medicine iv. option of additional therapies including advanced laboratory testing, physiotherapies (light boxes for season affective, hyperbaric oxygen for ptsd and others, TMS for depression, EMDR for ptsds, To be assessed for using questionnaires produced by Amen Clinics for professionals trained and certified in their methods that correlate with brain scan and overall integrative including conventional psych methods.
2. Advanced Laboratory Testing & Integrative Treatment for physiological imbalances and nutrient deficiencies (an essential key for both quick acting and long-term benefits)
Most pertinent labs to mental health include (while being all treatable by integrative methods):
STANDARD LABS (all CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel tests plus elevated or low cholesterol readings).
(hs crp, crp or esr) and gut-specific (immunoglobin a levels, celiac status, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, calprotectin, etc)
ESSENTIAL HORMONES crucial for all psych conditions, overall brain/nerve growth and sense of well-being including insulin/glucose sensitivity, cortisol stress levels, comprehensive thyroid testing, progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, growth hormone, pregnenolone and/or prolactin depending on subtypes, age, gender and other medical indications. (E.g. low thyroid is a cause of depression in 1/3 of women and other populations, progesterone is womens leading anti-anxiety including sleep and natural tranquilizer, insulin resistance is leading risk factor for neurodegenerative and other conditions including Alzheimers plus elevated to low cortisol or estrogen, low testosterone, growth hormone in children and other including more novel hormone factors all can contribute to psych ailments.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS ESPECIALLY OMEGA-3S which are highly deficient in the population at levels near 90% while being as effective a several psych medications while supplying essential brain growth, overall nervous system, plasma membrane, anti-inflammation, heart, muscle, skin and other functions including some in born errors of metabolism and balanced concentrations of all EFAs essential (omega-3, 5, 6, 7, 9s, MCT, LA, GLA, omega-7 and more) required for proper energy productions, growth and transmission of nerves/brain and other physiological functions (heart, skin, gut, hormones, cellular, etc.) toward levels consistent with remarkable balance of nutrients supplied by mother’s to developing babies yet presently rarely maintained into adulthood.
ACTIVE B-VITAMIN STATUS including all b-vitamin plus homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and genetic methylation status (MTHFR, etc.) also essential for energy and brain plus other growth and development, generally low as in the case of requiring folic acid to mothers to prevent neural tube defects with
AUTOIMMUNITY a rising underlying cause for low thryoid, pain, gastrointestinal, nervous system, skin, heart, brain and other ailments capable of cured using integrative methods outlined on this site by 93% plus underlying infections such as lyme, cmv, mold, etc. treatments.
OVERALL DEEP IMMUNE SYSTEM STATUS a leading root cause for most infections, chronic disease and aging including anti-aging factors.
GENETIC FACTORS that are near crucial for determining underlying causes plus successful nutritional supplement and/or pharmaceutical treatment options (e.g., MTHFR, COMT, APOe, BDNF, Quest pharmacogenetic panels, 23 and Me testing, etc.) as is gradually becoming standard of care in conventional psychiatr
MAJOR ANTIOXIDANTS including co-factors like glutathione (for all psych and overall health), vitamin e (especially important for healthy blood viscosity including stroke prevention), melatonin, cysteine, coenzyme q10, GGT, vitamin c, vitamin e, selenium, etc) – particularly essential with any known or potential history of traumatic brain injury, PTSD, neurodegeneration, autism, poor nutrition, etc.
AMINO ACID AND POSSIBLY NEUROTRANSMITTER TESTING to help determine nutrient and neurotransmitter dysfunctions.
4. “Nutrition As A Primary Medicine” for mental health [including brain subtype-specific recommendations].
As is now established by prominent national and international research “nutrition is the most effective medicine for modern day people” and in no area is this more important than mental health!
For example, each of the following dietary recommendations have been shown to be essentially as effective as pharmacological interventions while enhancing their benefits. Importantly,
KETOGENIC is leading standard of care treatment for seizures and helpful for other temporal lobe defects, insulin resistance, weight and other ailments.
ELIMINATION that remove and then re-introduce non-allergy/sensitive foods into one’s diet is as effective as medication for ADD/ADHD.
ADEQUATE PROTEIN for dopamine production especially in majority but not all ADD/ADHD
POSSIBLY STARCHES yet not alone (i.e., well-balanced with healthy foods including adequate fats, vitamins/antioxidants and proteins) for adaquate serotonin production.
SUPPLYING INSULIN RESISTANCE including high and lows in blood glucose levels for practically all mental health conditions and among best treatment if done right.
ANTIOXIDANT INCLUDING POLYPHENOLS AND OTHER MODERATE TO OPTIMAL DOSES OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUTROPHIC GROWTH FACTOR increasing agents including circulation, growth and development of most nervous system including brain tissue like temporal lobes, cortex, prefrontal cortex, etc via BDNF and related neuroplasticity important low mood, depression, adhd, known or unknown traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorders, all neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., alzheimers dementia, parkinsons, huntingtons, etc) and others. Very important for most to all psych support is supplementing with essential nutrient and possibly herbal BDNF boosters practically and patiently, while healthier development and optimization of essential dietary including supplement nutrients (omega-3, active b vitamins, vitamin d/k2, colorful plant polyphenols, etc.) and lifestyle factors (cognitive, mind-body medicines and/or mental-spiritual, exercise or otherwise activated lifestyle, sleep, social engagements, hormones, etc.) that are essential for overall health and development is obtained. Many prescription medications including SSRIs, lithium and related supplements also have BDNF effects, particularly if positive responders to treatment.
Foundational nutritional supplements to improve and maintain mental health, essential, proven effective and hard to obtain via modern human nutrition alone. All of which are also BDNF boosters (described just above) and with far reaching prevention and functional medicine associated added benefits:
i. High potency omega-3. DHA and EPA are essential fatty acid required for healthy human life and a most natural BDNF booster and works as well as many medications and/or supply added benefits for most psych ailments. Generally found with also important EPA (especially for ADHD) with a plethora of research supporting omega-3 deficiencies as causative factor for most to all psych ailments (through low BDNF and other mechanisms) with a growing number of peer-reviewed placebo controlled clinical trials showing effectiveness in prevention and treatment benefits of most psych ailments. Greater than 95% of people worldwide are deficient in omega-3 when compared to daily requirement for healthy life with additional needed for treatment level benefits. Therapeutic dosages range from 500-1000 mg and 1000-3000mg omega-3 (DHA + EPA) daily for children and adults respectively. Pregnant and breast feeding mothers require considerable higher amounts (1500-3000mg omega-3 per day) and DHA is also found while being required in practically all modern infant formulas – to support brain, nerve and overall plasma membrane development in the developing child. Vegetarians require algae omega-3s. Upon effective dosage many people notice rather clear improvement in mood, motivation and clarity rather quickly (even after first dosages) with more noticeable long-term overall benefits. This required clinically effective amounts is higher than most could consume diet although is possible through 3+ weekly servings of quality non-toxic sustainable fatty fish and other seafood especially sardines and wild Alaskan salmon. Insurance-eligible essential fatty acid lab panels are available to assess these.
ii. Adequate active B vitamin. Nearly impossible to obtain through nutrition alone due to modern day shifts from more traditional eating methods (generally requiring grass-fed/pasture raised liver or other organ intake of 4-8 oz per week, 2-3 cups of leafy greens per day, daily intake of non-fortified nutritional yeast or top quality sourdough breads, if not allergic or sensitive most days, and otherwise healthy b vitamin rich vegetables, nuts/seeds, beans, fruits, etc). Massive research database on all of the above. Most b vitamins including activity via homocysteine, genetic MTHFR methylation status (i.e., capacity to utilize more common synthetic b vitamins like folic acid and cyanocobalamin form of B12) and others can be tested by insurance-eligible labs.
iii. Vitamin D3 ideally with K2 at 1000-5000iu of D3 and 30-100mcg of K2 as menaquinone per day for children and adults respectively – or to maintain 25-OH vitamin d blood levels at 50-100 (normal range 30-100). Supplementation with this other natural BDNF booster and otherwise leading essential nutrient is necessary unless one lives at or near the equator for most of the year. Insurance eligible vitamin d lab testing is available to analyze these.
iv. Transulfuration related antioxidant/detox agents such as 1-3 tbsp of broccoli sprouts/microgreens daily (alternative is 2-3 serving of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard or other cruciferous vegetables with active sulforaphane) or Broccomax by Jarrow daily, medicinal mushrooms, n-acetyl cysteine 600mg per day or riboceine, msm, etc. Due to the high metabolic rate of brain and other nervous tissue, these agents are particularly important for health and leading strategies for many psych ailments including depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorders, autism, neurodegenerative conditions and others. Insurance-eligible glutathione, fatty acid panels and liver function lab tests are available to determine levels of these.
v. Other BDNF boosters, most notable is standardized saffron supplement (Affron, Safranal, etc.) which considerably publicized and growing research shows is as effective as many standard medications for depression, adhd, anxiety and other conditions with generally lower side effects risks. For many children, its effects may be effective alone for adequate psych concerns. For adults and some children, standardized saffron is a very effective secondary treatment option generally safe to add to other prescription and nutraceutical methods due no clear interactions and generally novel mechanism of action.
* SEE FULLSCRIPT PAGE for further description and to order our top choices (including best quality and priced) supplemental versions of these essential nutrients.
5. Learning and gradually correcting all pertinent BRIGHT MINDS factors (an Amen Clinic based foundation approach; as shown below).
