In Module 1, Dr. Greenblatt explains functional and integrative medicine treatment protocols for depression, along with the broader polypharmaceutical crisis as it pertains to this clinical diagnosis. In particular, we review biochemical individuality and key biomarkers of “depressogenic” processes—genetics, inflammation, and dysbiosis, namely. Lastly, Dr. Greenblatt will describe integrative interventions to rebalance abnormalities, and elucidate our best practices in the assessment and treatment of depression.

For Module 2, Dr. Greenblatt will take you on a deep dive into nutritional causes of depression and the incorporation of dietary interventions in your practice. Among other topics, students will find information on the role amino acids play in neurological health and how to prescribe free-form amino acids to patients, explore the link between essential fatty acids (EFAs), cholesterol, and lipids and depression, and unravel connections between depression and sugar consumption.

While in Module 2 Dr. Greenblatt demonstrated the connection between macronutrients and depression, in Module 2 he examines minerals, such as lithium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper for their role in brain function and neurologic health. He explores the physical and cognitive ramifications of a mineral deficiency or excess, along with the intrinsic and exogenous factors that impact mineral absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability as they relate to symptoms of depression. Lastly, he will review clinical tests for assessing mineral status in patients, along with recommendations for supplements to rectify micronutrient imbalances.

In the final module, Dr. Greenblatt offers an overview of vitamins—B vitamins, vitamin D, and folates—exploring how they rebalance and influence the transmission and synthesis of neurons, cell receptor activation, and neuroendocrine responses. Variants of the MTHFR gene and effects on folate metabolism will be examined, along with guidelines for testing for vitamin deficiencies, achieving repletion, interpreting the results, and treating with key supplements.

We begin by examining current DSM classifications and pharmacological interventions in the treatment of anxiety. Dr. Greenblatt then shifts to a discussion of “THE ZEEBRA” method, which is his acronym for a comprehensive evaluation of all the factors that lead to affective disorders. The final section is devoted to key nutrients associated with the symptoms of anxiety—magnesium, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12—and lab testing protocols and supplementation for its treatment.

Module 2 commences with one of the fastest-growing areas of research in functional psychiatry: the gut-mind connection. For our purposes, we examine gut dysbiosis and Clostridia overgrowth, and the current probiotic therapies in the treatment of anxiety. Next, we look at misdiagnoses of OCD disorder, and how amino acid depletion fits with an orthomolecular model of anxiety.

Module 3 explores the contributing factors of folate deficiency, opioid peptides (derived from wheat and dairy), systemic inflammation, and vitamin D deficiency in the presentation of anxiety symptoms. We will also take a close look at inositol as a mechanism for serotonergic signaling.

The final module provides functional and integrative medicine treatments for anxiety, including N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), nutritional lithium, I-theanine, GABA, ashwagandha, cannabidiol, along with “vitamin E” (exercise) and “vitamin Y” (yoga).

In the first module, we present a neurobiological model of ADHD that relies on discovering and treating nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and environmental factors, primarily as they relate to lead or copper exposure.

Module 2 explains the role of macronutrients—lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates—in the presentation of ADHD symptoms, along with the factors contributing to altered glucose metabolism that are commonly observed in ADHD populations. Dr. Greenblatt will also examine the roles of amino acids and vitamin D, therapeutic applications of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and a patient’s genetic profile in the absorption of particular lipids.

The last module in this course, we examine micronutrients and provide orthomolecular strategies for treating ADHD—copper/zinc balance, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and lithium. Guidelines for testing, recommendations for supplementation and augmentation, and specific clinical pearls will be provided, with an emphasis on the practical ramifications of biochemical individuality in the treatment of this complex disorder. We conclude our course with “Beyond Biochemistry,” a discussion on the importance of patient collaboration, and listening more attentively to our patients, rather than merely directing them.