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Course Presenter: James Greenblatt, MD
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Course Description:
…..Suicide is the observable result of what is often a complex array of problems. Strong scientific evidence suggests that suicide risk is moderated by underlying biochemical abnormalities and environmental factors, which together can impact brain function and alter the structure of the brain itself. Brain alterations that accrue as a result can place an individual along a path towards tragedy. In being a phenomenon that science has shown to involve myriad endogenous and exogenous factors, however, suicidality – and psychiatric disorders that confer increased risk – invites an integrative approach that may offer at-risk patients the very best opportunity for recovery.
This three-module course will introduce an integrative model for suicide prevention, one in which the concept of suicidality as the result of underlying biochemical, nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors is explored. Research illustrating the benefits of nutritional supplementation to mitigate risk factors will be presented; evidence-based interventions will be described; and a treatment approach centred upon objective biologic measurement and a concept of biochemical individuality will be presented.
Upon completion, participants will be able to elucidate the clinical utility of an integrative approach for suicide prevention, and safely incorporate evidence-based, individually-tailored augmentation strategies into treatment protocols to maximize the rehabilitative trajectories of the patients they serve.
This intermediate level course is intended for: doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
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Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify nutritional, biochemical, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors associated with suicidality, and explain how these factors affect changes in brain structure and/or function to confer increased risk
- Explain how exogenous and intrinsic factors can trigger systemic inflammation, and how inflammation negatively affects biochemical processes relating to neurotransmitter synthesis and immune response
- Appreciate the scientifically-established risks associated with the use of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications
- Describe the clinical utility of objective biologic testing as part of an integrative treatment approach
- Elucidate the biologic, psychiatric, and clinical ramifications of biochemical individuality
- Incorporate evidence-based testing and augmentation strategies into an integrative suicide prevention protocol
Continuing Education Credits:
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