First things First, Mental Health Good Medicine On The Go

This week, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. James Greenblatt, a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Greenblatt discusses why it’s critical to use genetic testing in the field of mental health and shares how understanding neurotransmitters and our genetic polymorphisms provides a path to help patients understand that their mental health struggle is not a character flaw, but possibly genetic vulnerabilities that can be supported with targeted nutrients and lifestyle changes. We also talk with Dr. Greenblatt about his Psychiatry Redefined educational program and give an update on the new Good Medicine practice development
Key Takeaways:
[1:32] The more we can understand ways to support our body, the more compassion and less shame we can have towards ourselves and others. Kara reflects upon her own journey of understanding that the effects of stress and depression she felt years ago had less to do with a flaw in her character, and more about her genetic vulnerabilities.
[5:38] Dr. Greenblatt is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine and has been in practice for over 30 years. He uses genetics to make decisions around what supplements may work best, and even what medications would be helpful.
[6:22] Dr. Greenblatt has said that 44% of adults and less than 2% of kids are actually getting the mental health treatment they need. With this time of pervasive stress and a loss of structure, it is more critical than ever to help patients feel comfortable to explore mental health options through Functional Medicine and Nutritional Genomics.
[7:12] The Functional Medicine community has a profound responsibility to provide education about biological vulnerabilities, and how mental illness is related to the genetic environment. 
[8:36] Even if we have a family history of depression, addiction, or suicide, it doesn’t mean that it’s our destiny.
[9:40] Dr. Greenblatt discusses 4 important polymorphisms that practitioners should be looking at with their patients: SLC6A4, MTHFR (A1298C and C677T), TPH2, and COMT.
[10:35] MTHFR SNPs are the simplest to understand and probably have the most profound implications in traditional psychiatry and functional medicine. The SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene helps practitioners understand how the patient will respond to SSI treatment.
[15:29] Dr. Greenblatt developed Psychiatry Redefined, which is an educational platform that provides clinicians with a new evidence-based treatment model for mental illness. He recommends beginning with the Depression course which includes guidance on using labs and Nutritional Genomics together.
[19:37] The twin engines of change are self-motivation and self-efficacy, and when we optimize their biological access to dopamine and serotonin patients can feel like they want to change ‘self-motivation”, and equally as important feel like they can change ‘self-efficacy’. 
[24:04] We discuss the patient flow in the new Good Medicine model. It is our mission to structure our business so our entire system is truly in partnership with patients, and the process feels welcoming, manageable, and sustainable.
Quotes:
“An important place for us to begin in a functional medicine practice is to first help people feel well and prepared for the process.” Kara Ware “The earlier we can understand these genetic vulnerabilities, the concept of prevention really screams out and its profound implications.” Dr. Greenblatt “If we utilize this genetic foundation and integrate it into our treatment plan, particularly in mental health, it has really significant implications for recovery and remission.” Dr. Greenblatt Mentioned:
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