Medical Review by Chris Palmer, MD
Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. We need dramatic changes in mental health education, clinical care, and research. It is possible to put mental disorders into remission and this should be the goal of all treatments.
Find out more about the Brain Energy Movement.
For years, people living with mental illness, and their families, have been told some version of the same thing: “Take your medications.” “Go to therapy.” “Learn to cope.” Those interventions can absolutely help, sometimes dramatically. But many people are still...
I’ve never received more press attention than I have over the past two weeks—thanks, in part, to comments from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about the ketogenic diet and serious mental illness. I’ve been interviewed by the...
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to pause and reflect—not just on how much work has been done, but on what it represents. For decades, we’ve approached mental illness largely as a disorder of neurotransmitters, psychology, or social context. Those perspectives...
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on life’s blessings—family, relationships, and the purpose that gives life meaning. For many, this season brings warmth and connection, but it can also be a challenging time, especially for those who feel...
On September 4, the Coalition for Metabolic Health (CMH) officially launched in Washington, D.C., with an extraordinary $50 million seed commitment from the Baszucki family. This new alliance brings together leading scientists, clinicians, advocates, and policymakers...
One of the most frustrating and overlooked problems in psychiatry is the way diagnostic labels are too often mistaken for causes. It’s a subtle but profound error that shapes the entire field. Take these common examples: “She has hallucinations because she’s...
Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide. For those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), the stakes are even higher. A recent study by Pan et al. (2023) identifies a strong association between metabolic...
As the pressure mounts in the final seconds of an NFL game, all eyes fall on the kicker—a position often underappreciated until the stakes are sky-high. For Zane Gonzalez, placekicker for the Washington Commanders, his calm demeanor and ability to perform under...
Discover the powerful link between diet and mental health in this deep dive. It’s not nearly as simple as most people think. Learn six different ways that your food choices can impact mood, energy, and even severe mental health conditions. From nutrient deficiencies...
When asking whether mental health treatment works, it’s essential to begin by defining what “work” actually means. For many, it’s about finding relief from overwhelming symptoms. For others, it’s about regaining a sense of purpose, building meaningful relationships,...
