Interested in a different approach to mental health?

Metabolic psychiatry in Fredericksburg, Virginia and online throughout Virginia.

What is metabolic psychiatry?

Metabolic psychiatry is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the connections between metabolism and mental health. Traditionally, psychiatry has focused on the brain and neurotransmitters when understanding and treating mental disorders. However, recent research suggests that metabolic factors, such as those related to the body's energy regulation, may play a significant role in mental health.

Metabolic psychiatry may incorporate nutritional interventions such as eating pattern changes (Mediterranean, low carbohydrate, ketogenic), lifestyle changes including improving sleep or increasing physical activity, or using medication like metformin to manage insulin resistance.

State of the Research: By understanding and addressing these metabolic factors, researchers and clinicians in metabolic psychiatry aim to develop novel therapeutic interventions and preventive strategies for mental health disorders. This integrative approach acknowledges the intricate interplay between the brain and the rest of the body in maintaining mental well-being. It's important to note that the field is still evolving, and ongoing research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships between metabolism and mental health.

Several key areas of study within metabolic psychiatry include:

Nutritional Psychiatry: Examining the impact of diet and nutrition on mental health. There is growing evidence that certain dietary patterns and nutritional factors can influence mood, cognition, and the risk of developing mental disorders.

Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health: Exploring the relationship between metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Exercise and Mental Health: Studying the effects of physical activity on mental well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mood, cognition, and overall mental health.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Investigating the connections between disrupted sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and mental health. Sleep disturbances have been associated with an increased risk of various psychiatric disorders.

Here’s what we’ll do together

We will start by looking at where you have been and where you are today in terms of your mental health and your metabolic health as well as how those two aspects of your health maybe interacting.

Based on your story, laboratory data, and your goals we will identify a number of possible levers from among diet, sleep, and medication tools. We will review the evidence and risks and benefits and create an individualized treatment plan that fits your life and your goals.

From here we will get started with a plan and then work together to revise that plan based on what works and what doesn’t until we find a mix of strategies that feel doable and are making a positive difference in your life.

Change is possible.

Change is possible.

Questions?

FAQs

  • I’m happy to meet to review your goals, your medical history, and identify metabolic treatment options for you to explore with your current team or to work with you on an ongoing basis to support metabolic treatment while you continue working with the rest of your current team

  • Yes! My goal is to incorporate metabolic interventions into good psychiatric care. My approach is pragmatic not legalistic. I want us to do things that work for you whether that means psychotherapy, nutrition, psychiatric or metabolic medication and I will give you my professional opinion about what strategies I think make most sense for you, not just my ‘favorite’ ideas.

  • Many people have this difficulty experience. When folks don’t get better in the way that was expected the first step is to take a step back and think about how we are thinking about your situation in terms of causes and diagnosis.

    Once we do that we can decide what moves make sense going forward whether that includes diet, therapy, or medication changes.