In this comprehensive lecture, Chris Palmer, MD, introduces groundbreaking insights into the metabolic origins of mental health disorders. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Palmer presents a compelling case for viewing mental illnesses as metabolic disorders affecting the brain. He discusses the widespread prevalence of mental disorders, their rising rates over the past decades, and how current treatments, though effective for many, often fall short for a significant portion of the population.

Dr. Palmer explores the role of metabolism and mitochondria in mental health, highlighting strong bidirectional correlations between mental disorders and physical illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. He suggests that addressing metabolic dysfunction may be key to better mental health outcomes, advocating for integrated healthcare models that consider diet, nutrition, exercise, and metabolic medications as part of mental health treatment.

Key topics covered include:
The metabolic theory of mental disorders
The role of mitochondria in brain function
Treatment-resistant mental illness and current challenges
Potential for metabolic interventions, including the ketogenic diet
The future of mental health treatment and the need for more research

Dr. Palmer also discusses his new book, *Brain Energy*, and announces the establishment of a new Metabolic and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital aimed at offering cutting-edge treatments to patients.

For those interested in the intersection of mental health and metabolic science, this talk provides a hopeful and innovative approach to addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges today.

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