Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health—and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More

by Christopher M. Palmer

•Psychiatric medications have helped countless people with mental disorders. They will continue to play a role for many. •The brain energy theory offers new ways to understand how and why medications work. •It’s important to understand what impact your medications are having on your metabolism and mitochondria. •Medications that increase metabolism and improve mitochondrial function can improve symptoms of underactive cells, but they come with the risk of exacerbating symptoms related to overactive or hyperexcitable cells. •Medications that impair mitochondrial function should be used cautiously. Although it’s clear how and why these can reduce symptoms of hyperexcitable cells in the short run, it’s possible that they might interfere with your ability to heal and recover in the long run. In some cases, they might even be the cause of symptoms. Nonetheless, in dangerous and life-threatening situations, these medications can be lifesaving.