Orthomolecular psychiatry was first introduced by Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. This word gives a treatment of disease with nutrients. Ortho means “right” and molecular means to give the body the right mix of nutrients.
In Orthomolecular Psychiatry, it is known that the wrong balance of nutrients affects mental health. Needing the correct combination of nutrients is essential for proper brain functioning. This treatment approach also acknowledges that biological interactions with pollutions and toxics can contribute to mental health as well and it’s not just genetically based.
Examples include:
drinking water with aluminum can cause senility
copper plumbing/pipes can cause too much copper in the body
food allergies may cause allergies.
Orthomolecular Psychiatry coined the terms Histapenia and Histadelia. These are now known as Over methylation and Under methylation in Epigenetics.
Orthomolecular practitioners also look at other factors such as:
brain allergies
pyroluria
hypoglycemia
Treatment Approach
An individualized protocol of nutrition, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and supplements, along with the best modern psychiatric medicine is the best method of healing here for an orthomolecular psychiatric approach. This promises a rapid action of medication combined with the therapeutic effects of nutrition, vitamins, and amino acids, antioxidants, and supplements.
For example, a common vitamin mix used in Orthomolecular medicine is Niacin or B3, and vitamin C in high doses for Schizophrenia. Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C may help with psychosis. With that being said, these nutrients may work for hallucinations and delusions and may help treat the root causes of the disorder rather than mask symptoms as conventional medicine does.
If you want to try this healing approach for you or a loved one or try a combination of nutrient therapy along with your medications, it’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner first. They will be able to assess your symptoms and do proper testing to determine your individualized needs.
References:
Fabbri C, et al. (2014). Genetics and epigenetics of psychiatric diseases. Neural Plast, 2014:463784.
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