Dr. Chris Palmer | Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness | The Metabolic Link Ep. 47

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More than a billion people around the world suffer from mental and neurological disorders, and the numbers are escalating rapidly. Current treatments often fail to provide relief, resulting in many patients struggling with persistent symptoms and resistance to available therapies.

In this episode, we’re sharing a full presentation by world-renowned Harvard Psychiatrist, Dr. Christopher Palmer, filmed at Metabolic Health Summit 2024. Dr. Palmer presents a novel perspective that examines the potential link between metabolic dysfunction and mental illness. His theory, Brain Energy, proposes that metabolic dysfunction may serve as a unifying mechanism underlying various mental health conditions.

Key highlights from this episode include: 

• A dive into the surge in prevalence of mental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and depression
• Current limitations and challenges within traditional treatment options
• Emerging evidence suggesting metabolic dysfunction as a potential root cause of mental illnesses
• The role of the ketogenic diet and other innovative treatment

Join us for an insightful exploration with Dr. Palmer as we examine how metabolism could reshape our understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

About Dr. Chris Palmer
Dr. Christopher M. Palmer is a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Founder and Director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program and the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For almost 30 years, he has held administrative, educational, research, and clinical roles in psychiatry at McLean and Harvard. He has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders—conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. Most recently, he has proposed that mental disorders can be understood as metabolic disorders affecting the brain, which has received widespread recognition in both national and international media outlets.

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may