Addressing the physical factors that may drive depression:

  • Sleep

  • Inflammation

  • Insulin resistance.

Metabolic Psychiatry in Fredericksburg, VA

What is metabolic psychiatry?

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.

Because depression is a whole body problem.

Areas We Assess

  • Insulin resistance and blood sugar

  • Inflammation and immune health

  • Sleep quality and circadian rhythm

  • Nutritional deficiencies and chronic conditions

Benefits of This Approach

  • More personalized treatment planning

  • Can improve response to medications, TMS, and Spravato

  • Focus on long-term recovery, not just symptom control

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 difficult 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.