This is the book that will forever change the way we understand and treat mental health. If you or someone you love is affected by mental illness, it might change your life.
We are in the midst of a global mental health crisis, and mental illnesses are on the rise. But what causes mental illness? And why are mental health problems so hard to treat? Drawing on decades of research, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer outlines a revolutionary new understanding that for the first time unites our existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain.
Brain Energy explains this new understanding of mental illness in detail, from symptoms and risk factors to what is happening in brain cells. Palmer also sheds light on the new treatment pathways this theory opens up—which apply to all mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and even schizophrenia. Brain Energy pairs cutting-edge science with practical advice and strategies to help people reclaim their mental health.
This groundbreaking book reveals:
why classifying mental disorders as “separate” conditions is misleading;
the clear connections between mental illness and disorders linked to metabolism, including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, pain disorders, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy;
the link between metabolism and every factor known to play a role in mental health, including genetics, inflammation, hormones, neurotransmitters, sleep, stress, and trauma;
the evidence that current mental health treatments, including both medications and therapies, likely work by affecting metabolism; and
new treatments available today that readers can use to promote long-term healing.
Palmer puts together the pieces of the mental illness puzzle to provide answers and offer hope. Brain Energy will transform the field of mental health, and the lives of countless people around the world.
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"“Brain Energy” by Christopher M. Palmer is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the potential role of metabolism in mental health and exploring alternative treatment approaches for mental disorders. The book challenges conventional wisdom in psychiatry and offers new possibilities for those frustrated with the limitations of the DSM-5.However, readers seeking specific, actionable advice may find the book’s prescriptive section lacking detail.Brain Energy” by Christopher M. Palmer is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves into the fascinating world of brain optimization and energy management. Palmer, a renowned expert in neuroscience, presents a comprehensive guide that helps readers harness the full potential of their brains and improve their overall cognitive performance.One of the standout features of this book is its clear and accessible writing style. Palmer takes complex scientific concepts and presents them in an easily understandable way for both technical and non-technical readers. He avoids unnecessary jargon, making it a highly engaging read for anyone interested in enhancing their mental abilities.The book covers a wide range of topics related to brain energy, including nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise, and cognitive exercises. Palmer offers practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and actionable steps that readers can incorporate into their daily lives to optimize brain function. Including real-life examples and case studies further enhances the book’s practicality and applicability.What sets “Brain Energy” apart is its holistic approach. Palmer recognizes that brain optimization is not just about one aspect but involves a combination of lifestyle factors. The book provides a comprehensive roadmap for readers to follow by addressing various elements that impact brain energy.The book is also supported by extensive research and Palmer’s expertise. He presents scientific studies and evidence to support his claims, lending credibility to his recommendations. Including additional resources and references allows readers to delve deeper into specific subjects if desired.While “Brain Energy” excels in providing valuable insights and practical advice, some readers may find certain sections more technical or detailed than others. However, the overall flow and structure of the book remain coherent and engaging throughout.In conclusion, “Brain Energy” is an exceptional book offering knowledge and practical guidance for optimizing brain function. Christopher M. Palmer’s expertise and ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and overall well-being.Key Points:- Palmer argues that mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain, which have significant implications for treatment.- The book explores the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet for psychiatric disorders, with Palmer gaining recognition as “the keto psychiatrist.”- The author provides a unified theory that connects various conditions categorized as “mental disorders."- Palmer’s work has the potential to revolutionize the field of psychiatry and promote a more integrative approach to mental health.While the book offers groundbreaking insights into the origins of mental disorders and their treatment, some readers have noted that the prescriptive section, “Developing Your Metabolic Treatment Plan,” is too general; it lacks specific, actionable recommendations that readers can implement independently, instead directing them towards professional clinicians."
— ADEL A.K (5 out of 5 stars)
“Brain Energy is a book all psychiatric professionals should read as a useful criticism of our field’s major deficits. It is a book all people should read to understand how much they can do (and not do) for the sake of their mental health.”
— LoisW. Choi-Kain, MD, director of the Gunderson Personality Disorders Institute and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School“Psychiatry will never be the same…Christopher Palmer poses the hypothesis, supports it with data, and, in my humble opinion, nails the treatment: Feed the brain what it needs.”
— Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL, professor emeritus of pediatrics at University of California, San Francisco, and New York Times bestselling author“Takes a provocative and insightful look into the origins of mental disorders, which have profound implications for how we treat the disease.”
— Jason Fung, MD, author of The Diabetes Code“Brain Energy is a dramatic breakthrough in understanding mental illness by a leading Harvard psychiatrist who provides a revolutionary road map for people suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, [and] in fact, almost any brain disorder.”
— Mark Hyman, MD, New York Times bestselling author“Brain Energy provides a long-awaited unifying mechanism underlying a vast spectrum of mental illness conditions. And this new paradigm will undoubtedly usher in potent therapeutic interventions for pervasive psychiatric conditions for which standard pharmaceutical approaches have proven minimally effective.”
— David Perlmutter, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author" Loved it. Very enlightening "
— Peter, 7/13/2023Dr. Christopher M. Palmer is a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.