You can learn more about the speaker of today’s resource, Chris Palmer MD at chrispalmermd.com. You can learn about a program Dr. Palmer runs at mh2.health.
Dr. Palmer has written an outstanding book, Brain Energy, 2022, that is suitable for both physicians and patients:
[Dr. Palmer] has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders–conducting research in this area, treating patients, publishing academic articles, and speaking globally on this topic.
Most recently, he has developed the first comprehensive theory of what causes mental illness, integrating biological, psychological, and social research into one unifying theory–the brain energy theory of mental illness*.
*Google search: The brain energy theory of mental health.
Today, I link to and embed Metabolic Mind CME‘s Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness.
All that follows is from the above resource.
Program Description
Mental disorders are a growing crisis and one of the leading causes of disease burden and disability worldwide. Although current treatments can sometimes work, they fail for far too many people. The brain-energy theory integrates decades of clinical, epidemiological, basic science, neuroimaging, genetic, and metabolic research into one coherent theory: mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. This theory integrates biological, psychological, and social theories of mental illness and offers new treatments that come with the hope of long-term healing, as opposed to simple symptom reduction. This presentation will offer an overview of Dr. Palmer’s brain-energy theory and the treatments that it offers, addressing changes in diet, exercise, hormones, substance use, and sleep. It also touches upon some of the nuances and concerns regarding current treatments.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the brain-energy theory of mental illness.
- Outline some of the research that supports the brain-energy theory.
- Summarize treatment options for people with chronic mental illness.
AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM
Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of McLean Hospital and Dane Garvin Ltd. McLean Hospital is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physician Credit Designation Statement
McLean Hospital designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty
Christopher M. Palmer, MD
Founder and Director, Metabolic and Mental Health Program
Director, Department of Postgraduate and Continuing EducationAssistant Professor of Psychiatry
McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Belmont, MADr. Palmer receives royalties for a book: Brain Energy, but has no financial relations related to the content of this activity.
