Lively conversations between Courtney Snyder, MD and me about a wide range of topics related to Holistic Psychiatry.
Racism & Social Justice: From Passivity, Avoidance & Fear to Responsibility, Compassion & Courage
This is a conversation about our perspective on the importance of the acknowledgment of unconscious factors such as shame and guilt that contribute to our participation in creating the conditions that perpetuate racism and social injustice. We draw upon the important work of Robin DiAngelo and her concept of White Fragility.
Mold Toxicity: Testing & Treatment
In this second part of our mini-series on mold, we cover our approach to evaluating mold toxicity. This includes which laboratory studies test for mold toxicity and how testing can be ordered, and how does one go about testing the environment for mold toxins? We also discuss the steps involved in the medical treatment of mold toxicity, as well as what needs to be considered when undertaking remediation of the environment. We plan to host a live Q and A on Facebook next week, so that you can ask questions about mold toxicity or anything else on your mind related to holistic psychiatry. You can find us on Facebook at “2 Holistic Psychiatrists Talking”. If you would like to be notified of upcoming live events you must first “Like” the page and then hover over the “Liked” bubble and select “Get Notifications of facebook-posts”
Mold Toxicity: Symptoms and Associated Diagnoses
Mold Toxicity is a condition that can cause a wide variety of psychiatric and medical symptoms and can be the root cause of diverse diagnoses related to every organ system. When it is not identified, it obviously cannot be treated. Mold Toxicity is of particular importance in psychiatry, as it commonly presents as anxiety, depression, and cogntive changes. When patients have seen multiple practitioners and no one can help, it is often because mold toxicity has not been recognized.
This is Part One of three. Part Two will discuss testing and evaluation of the home, and Part Three treatment. We hope to host a live Part 4 where listeners can ask questions.
Undermethylation: Why it’s So Important in Psychiatry
Undermethylation is the most common biochemical imbalance found in depression. It is also very common in ADHD, addictions, eating disorders, antisocial personality disorder, autism and schizoaffective disorder.
In this conversation we discuss:
- the important role of methylation,
- the consequences of undermethylation,
- personality traits and symptoms,
- associated diagnoses,
- evaluation and testing,
- treatment and dietary recommendations, and
- controversies related to the use of folate in those who are undermethylated.
Lesser Known Root Causes of Depressed Mood: Episode 4 THPT
Nutrient imbalances, inflammation, and toxicity, but more specifically:
- Under and Overmethylation
- Pyrrole Disorder
- Copper Toxicity/Overload
- Mast Cell Activation
- Mold toxicity
- Food Sensitivity
- Candida/Yeast Overgrowth
(with brief mention of Lyme, Bartonella, EMF sensitivity, head and neck trauma and instability of the upper cervical spine)
We also discuss the challenges people can experience as they discontinue psychiatric medication when these underlying issues haven’t been addressed.
Grounded in the Midst of Uncertainty During COVID 19 and Beyond
Uncertainty is an inevitable part of the human condition. In this third episode of “Two Holistic Psychiatrists Talking” we discuss how to cultivate an increased tolerance for it using mind, body and spiritual strategies. These practices can help to ground us in this time of the pandemic when the experience of uncertainty is magnified.
“Things Keep Getting Scarier” Interview with Jack Kornfield New York Times
“Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” Susan Jeffers
Navigating Aloneness, Togetherness & Conflict During COVID 19
In Episode 2 of “2 Holistic Psychiaristrists Talking” we address a number of challenges to relationships that have come about with social distancing and wearing masks: including those that relate to:
- introverts and extroverts,
- older teens and young adult children living with their parents,
- roommates,
- those living alone,
- those in vulnerable populations,
- medical workers and their patients,
- mothers and infants,
- conflict between those who fear COVID 19, and
- those who fear the economic impact of social distancing.
Self Care and Covid 19 – THPT Ep. 1
This is the inaugural episode of “Two Holistic Psychiatrists Talking…” Courtney Snyder MD and Judy Tsafrir MD discuss holistic approaches to self-care during these uncertain times.
