Charles Gant
University of Virginia Medical School,USA
Title: Integrative Strategies for Supporting Patients with Mental Health Disorders
Biography
Biography: Charles Gant
Abstract
Biochemical individuality refers to the unique nutritional needs each person has based on their genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, various stressors, etc. Biochemical individuality has conventionally been defined phenotypically. Genotypic analysis allows for much more precise and sustainable determination of biochemical individuality, especially in relation to methylation. In many study results, two important methylation alleles, COMT and MTHFR, have been associated with mental disorders. The catecholamine’s dopamine and noradrenalin are degraded by methylation. Noradrenalin is perhaps the brain’s primary sympathetic, fight or flight neurotransmitter (similar to its role peripherally). Dopamine is more related to reward, happiness, compassion and mindfulness via prefrontal cortex activation. Addressing these catecholamine’s in those heavily laden with methylation defects can have profound effects on treatment outcomes. Laboratory assessment of methylation status is essential for a full picture. Often, impaired methylation, elevated oxidative stress and depletion of glutathione go hand in hand. Oxidative stress and inflammation, from toxins, leaky gut/food allergy, pathogens, or other causes upregulates transculturation to achieve more glutathione synthesis, and consequently downregulate Trans methylation. Thus those with comorbid proinflammatory disorders (chronic infections, toxic metals, sleep apnea, antioxidant deficiencies, etc.) and methylation defects are especially vulnerable to chronic, severe psychiatric and mental disorders. Such scientific evidence builds a case for the necessity of in-depth integrative and functional evaluations in patients experiencing significant dysfunction related to a mental disorder. Uncovering biochemical, toxicological, immune, or genetic risk factors opens the door to reversing the root causes, as opposed to “sealing over” symptoms. Benefits of the Presentation: The presentation will benefit those working with mental disorders who want to uncover biochemical, toxicological, immune, or genetic risk factors that may open the door to reversing the root causes, as opposed to “sealing over” symptoms. 1. Clinicians will learn how to apply targeted clinical action plans based on assessing a patient’s biochemical individuality; 2. Clinicians will have a clear understanding of methylation and mental disorders; 3. Clinicians will have a better understanding of the application of functional testing/specialty diagnostics.