Functional and Integrative Neuropsychiatry

Functional and Integrative Neuropsychiatry

Functional medicine rests on the assumption that the mind and brain are strongly influenced by the function of the body and one’s environment belying root causes of symptoms. Each patient is assessed very thoroughly at the level of gastrointestinal function, immune function (including infection and inflammation), detoxification and biotoxin burden, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, nutritional status and special nutritional needs, hormonal function, genetic and epigenetic function. This assessment is based on a very careful history, questionnaires, physical exam, and targeted laboratory testing.

Who might be best suited for this approach?

  1. Patients with chronic and complex illness
  2. Value longer visits and deeper conversations with their provider
  3. Want a team-based approach (e.g., health coach + doctor + nutritionist)
  4. Are looking for preventive and proactive care, not just symptom suppression
  5. Exercise, sleep, and stress management plans.  This approach works best for people ready to commit to change and do the work.
  6. Are frustrated with one-size-fits-all treatments
  7. Want to know the “why” behind their symptoms
  8. Are interested in lab testing for nutrition, gut health, toxins, genetics, etc.
  9. Have mystery symptoms that don’t fit a clear diagnosis
  10. Are dealing with multiple chronic conditions (e.g., fatigue, brain fog, gut issues, joint pain)
  11. Have been told “everything looks normal” but still feel unwell

Who Might not be suited for this approach?

  1. Patient who want fast results without lifestyle changes.
  2. Those unwilling to invest time, energy, or money (functional medicine often isn’t covered by insurance)
  3. Individuals uncomfortable with non-conventional lab testing or supplements
  4. Patients uncomfortable with uncovering hidden issues
  5. People who’s lifestyle is very busy and chaotic.
  6. Patients who lack support
  7. Patients who struggle to believe in healing and achieving progress they may not have seen before

Integrative Medicine combines the most well-researched conventional medicine with the most well-researched (western medicine), evidence-based complementary therapies (eastern medicine) to achieve the appropriate care for each person. Additional therapies are used in combination or in place of conventional medications to modulate or alleviate symptoms such as exercise, nutrition, Dietary and Herbal Supplements, Acupuncture, and Meditation. Integrative either looks for complimentary or alternative solutions to address symptoms. This is not a root cause approach but an open minded approach to different treatment options.

Who might be best Suited?

  1. Are open to a collaborative approach with their provider
  2. Want to be active participants in their own care
  3. Want to reduce reliance on medication
  4. Are dealing with side effects from medications
  5. Prefer natural or lifestyle-based interventions (e.g., herbal supplements, yoga, dietary changes)
  6. Value both science-based and complementary practices
  7. Are proactive about their lifestyle (nutrition, fitness, stress reduction)
  8. Want to optimize wellness and longevity

Who might not be best Suited?

  1. Patients seeking only quick fixes or strictly pharmaceutical solutions
  2. Individuals unwilling to make lifestyle changes
  3. Those who are skeptical or resistant to anything outside conventional medicine