Course Description:

$129
Course registration fee subsidized by the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine

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 structure and function.

Developed in collaboration with the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine, this course plumbs the underlying biochemical, nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors that lead to a diagnosis of suicidality. Research illustrating the benefits of nutritional supplementation to mitigate risk factors will be presented, along with evidence-based interventions and a biochemical individualized treatment approach.

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Modules:

1. Suicide Prevention from an Orthomolecular Perspective

We begin the course by discussing the current global suicide crisis, highlighting some of the inadequacy of the current treatment protocols. Empirical evidence highlighting the risks and side-effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication will be presented. Then, we examine trauma and genetics for their role in the presentation of suicidality, along with a new, biologic model of suicide prevention.

2. Risk Factors and the Role of Inflammation in Suicidality

In Module 2, we clinically investigate inflammation, nutrition, biochemistry, and the role of fats and lipids—particularly omega 3 fatty acids—along with cholesterol as precursors to suicidality in patients.

3. Nutritional Interventions for Suicide Prevention

In the third module, we review treatment protocols for suicidal patients, focusing, in particular, on the ramifications of sleep deprivation, hypovitaminosis D, and low-dose nutritional lithium.

Learning Objectives

This intermediate level course is intended for: doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the key genetic, nutritional, metabolic, and environmental causes of suicidality
  • Understand the role that sleep deprivation and hypovitaminosis D play in the presentation of symptoms of suicidality
  • Know how to identify trauma and critical genetic factors in suicidal patients
  • Run and read diagnostic tests in the evaluation of patients’ symptoms
  • Employ a functional medicine approach for better clinical patient outcomes at your practice

Course participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine.

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