Mental Health

At Infinity Functional Performance, we recognize that mental health is a fundamental component of overall wellness and longevity. Our mental health services are designed to address the psychological and emotional aspects of health in conjunction with our comprehensive functional medicine approach. We offer clinical psychology and mental health counseling tailored to the unique needs of each client. Using methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, we work with clients to process and heal from trauma, manage anxiety, alleviate depression, and address other emotional challenges.

Our services extend beyond traditional therapy to incorporate integrative and personalized care. We understand that mental health is often intertwined with physical health, so we collaborate with other wellness providers to offer holistic solutions. Whether through counseling sessions, lifestyle guidance, or mental health assessments, our goal is to provide our clients with the tools and support they need to achieve mental clarity, emotional resilience, and improved overall well-being.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment primarily used for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR involves recalling distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process is believed to help individuals reprocess traumatic experiences, diminishing their emotional intensity and reducing PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. EMDR's approach is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma memories are stored in an unprocessed form in the brain, leading to symptoms of distress when triggered. By engaging in EMDR, individuals are thought to integrate these memories into a more adaptive framework, allowing them to process the trauma in a less distressing way [oai_citation:6,The Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials](https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/18/5633) [oai_citation:5,Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) - EMDR International Association](https://www.emdria.org/resource/psychological-therapies-for-chronic-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-in-adults-cochrane-database-of-systematic-reviews/).

    Research over the past five years has continued to support the efficacy of EMDR for treating PTSD. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions than other trauma-focused therapies. For instance, a Cochrane review confirmed that trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) and EMDR are effective in treating chronic PTSD, with EMDR offering unique benefits in reprocessing traumatic memories more quickly for some individuals. Additionally, recent trials have explored enhanced forms of EMDR, such as EMDR 2.0 and the Flash technique, which aim to improve the treatment's efficiency and accessibility by focusing on additional elements of working memory. These modifications highlight EMDR's versatility and its adaptability to evolving treatment approaches within trauma therapy [oai_citation:4,The Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials](https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/18/5633) [oai_citation:3,Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) - EMDR International Association](https://www.emdria.org/resource/psychological-therapies-for-chronic-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-in-adults-cochrane-database-of-systematic-reviews/) [oai_citation:2,Frontiers | The effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of EMDR vs. EMDR 2.0 vs. the Flash technique in the treatment of patients with PTSD: study protocol for the ENHANCE randomized controlled trial](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1278052/full) [oai_citation:1,www.apa.org](https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/emdr-therapy-ptsd).

    References:

    • MDPI - "The Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Depression: A Meta-Analysis" (2024).

    • Cochrane Database - "Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults" (2022).

    • Frontiers in Psychology - "The effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of EMDR vs. EMDR 2.0 in treating PTSD" (2023).

    • APA - "What is EMDR therapy and why is it used to treat PTSD?" (2023).

    • EMDRIA - "Research Overview - EMDR Institute" (2023).

  • The gut microbiome plays a significant role in mental health by influencing the microbiome-gut-brain axis, a communication network that connects the gut and brain through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. Research has shown that certain gut bacteria produce or influence the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are essential for regulating mood and mental states. An imbalanced gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may lead to decreased levels of these neurotransmitters, potentially contributing to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression (Cambridge Core, 2023; MDPI, 2023).

    Moreover, studies have found that individuals with anxiety and depression often exhibit reduced microbial diversity and lower levels of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria are known to help reduce inflammation, a common factor in mental health conditions. Chronic inflammation from dysbiosis can lead to systemic inflammation, which is increasingly associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders (Nature, 2019; Psychology Today, 2024).

    In addition to anxiety and depression, research suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in attention-deficit disorder (ADD). The microbiome influences neurodevelopment by producing essential vitamins and metabolites, which impact cognitive functioning and attention, particularly in children whose microbiomes are still developing. Some studies indicate that children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADD, may have distinct microbial compositions compared to their neurotypical peers. This finding suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing gut health—such as dietary changes, probiotics, and even fecal microbiota transplants—may offer therapeutic benefits for mental health (Molecular Psychiatry, 2021; Psychology Today, 2024).

    These findings underscore the importance of a balanced gut microbiome in maintaining mental health and suggest potential treatment avenues that involve targeting gut health to support mental well-being.

    References

  • Pharmacogenetics plays a crucial role in selecting and optimizing psychiatric medications by analyzing a patient’s genetic makeup to predict how they may respond to specific drugs. This approach primarily focuses on identifying variations in genes associated with drug metabolism, such as those coding for cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP2C19), which are integral to the processing of many antidepressants and antipsychotics. By understanding these genetic variations, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, reducing the trial-and-error approach often involved in prescribing psychiatric medications. This can improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects, and enhance adherence to medication regimens [oai_citation:5,Frontiers | Editorial: Precision psychiatry from a pharmacogenetics perspective](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1159000/full) [oai_citation:4,Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics: The Evidence Base](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychiatric-pharmacogenomics-the-evidence-base).

    The state of pharmacogenetic testing in psychiatry is advancing, with increasing integration into clinical practice. Many labs now offer pharmacogenetic testing with a relatively quick turnaround, and tests are generally accessible to clinicians through specialized laboratories. While testing is more commonly available in larger healthcare centers, it is becoming increasingly accessible in outpatient settings as well. Coverage by insurance providers has expanded, especially for conditions like major depressive and anxiety disorders, indicating a growing acceptance of pharmacogenetic testing in mental health treatment [oai_citation:3,Frontiers | Editorial: Precision psychiatry from a pharmacogenetics perspective](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1159000/full) [oai_citation:2,Frontiers | Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry: An Update on Clinical Usability](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.575540/full). However, challenges remain, including inconsistent regulatory standards and a need for additional research to validate the clinical utility of these tests across diverse populations and psychiatric conditions [oai_citation:1,Clinical utility of pharmacogenetics in a psychiatric and primary care population | The Pharmacogenomics Journal](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41397-022-00292-6.pdf).

    References

  • Methylation, an essential biochemical process, has been increasingly linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and addiction. Methylation involves adding a methyl group to DNA, which can influence gene expression, particularly genes that regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Abnormal methylation can disrupt these neurotransmitters, potentially leading to mood and attention disorders. For instance, individuals with methylation defects, such as those involving the MTHFR gene, often exhibit increased anxiety due to altered neurotransmitter synthesis and higher homocysteine levels, which can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. These factors are thought to play a role in both anxiety and depression [oai_citation:5,Mental Disorders and DNA Methylation | SpringerLink](https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-031-32035-4_148-1) [oai_citation:4,Study Discovers New Biomarker For Anxiety-Related Risk](https://www.anxiety.org/methylation-biomarker-anxiety) [oai_citation:3,MTHFR and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection](https://neurolaunch.com/mthfr-and-anxiety/).

    Recent studies have shown that addressing methylation defects through personalized treatment plans, such as supplementation with methylated B vitamins (e.g., L-methylfolate and B12), can help alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders. For instance, proper methylation is critical for the synthesis and regulation of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters heavily implicated in ADD, ADHD, and mood disorders. Additionally, abnormal methylation patterns have been observed in individuals with addiction, suggesting a potential link between methylation, reward processing, and susceptibility to addictive behaviors. By identifying methylation defects, healthcare providers can tailor interventions, which may include dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and supplements, to support more balanced neurotransmitter production and improve mental health outcomes [oai_citation:2,Mental Disorders and DNA Methylation | SpringerLink](https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-031-32035-4_148-1) [oai_citation:1,Log in | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/holistic-psychiatry/201711/mthfr-methylation-and-histamine-in-psychiatric-conditions).

    References

  • Nutritional testing can indeed be helpful in identifying deficiencies in amino acids, essential fatty acids, micronutrients, and neurotransmitter metabolites that may be associated with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADD, and ADHD. These nutrients play crucial roles in brain function, including neurotransmitter synthesis, energy production, and the regulation of inflammation, all of which can impact mental health.

    Deficiencies in amino acids such as tryptophan and tyrosine, for example, can lead to reduced production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters directly linked to mood and attention regulation. This is especially relevant for individuals with depression or ADHD, as low levels of these neurotransmitters have been associated with symptoms characteristic of these conditions. Similarly, essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, have been shown to play a critical role in reducing neuroinflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by protecting brain structure and function. Studies highlight that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may help improve mood and cognitive function in people with these disorders (BMJ, 2023; MDPI, 2020).

    Micronutrients, including vitamins B6, B12, folate, magnesium, and zinc, are also vital for mental health. These nutrients are co-factors in neurotransmitter synthesis and are involved in reducing homocysteine levels, an amino acid linked to inflammation when elevated. Testing for these micronutrients can guide personalized treatment approaches, especially as studies have shown that deficiencies are common among individuals with various mental health disorders, potentially exacerbating their symptoms (SpringerLink, 2020; Frontiers, 2023). Additionally, neurotransmitter metabolites can be assessed to further understand the specific imbalances that might contribute to symptoms, enabling targeted interventions that address unique biochemical needs (MDPI, 2023).

    In clinical practice, identifying and correcting these nutritional imbalances can provide a more holistic approach to treating mental health disorders. Functional medicine providers often utilize nutritional testing as part of an integrated treatment strategy, combining dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle interventions to improve mental health outcomes (Frontiers, 2023; BMJ, 2023).

    References

    • BMJ. (2023). Food and mood: How do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?. Retrieved from www.bmj.com

    • Frontiers in Nutrition. (2023). The impact of nutrients on mental health and well-being. Retrieved from www.frontiersin.org

    • MDPI. (2020). Diet and mental health: Review of recent updates on molecular mechanisms. Retrieved from www.mdpi.com

    • SpringerLink. (2020). Nutrition and brain functions in health and disease. Retrieved from link.springer.com

    • MDPI. (2023). Nutritional psychiatry: An emerging field in mental health. Retrieved from www.mdpi.com

  • Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on mental health, influencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulties with concentration. Hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, and testosterone play key roles in regulating mood and emotional well-being. For example, elevated cortisol levels, often associated with chronic stress, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Similarly, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone—especially around menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause—are linked to mood swings and irritability, making hormonal health a crucial component in managing mental health symptoms (MDPI, 2023; Nature, 2022).

    Thyroid hormones are also integral to mood regulation, and both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Hormone testing can provide valuable insights into these imbalances and help guide treatment strategies. For example, individuals with low testosterone levels may experience low energy and depressive symptoms, which could potentially be addressed through hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle adjustments. Such interventions can improve emotional well-being by targeting the underlying hormonal imbalances contributing to mental health symptoms (SpringerLink, 2023; Current Psychiatry Reports, 2023). Hormone testing, therefore, offers a personalized approach to treating mental health disorders by addressing one of their possible root causes.

    References

    • MDPI. (2023). Reproductive Hormones and Female Mental Wellbeing. Retrieved from www.mdpi.com

    • Nature. (2022). The hormonal keys to depression. Retrieved from www.nature.com

    • SpringerLink. (2023). Endocrine Disorders and Psychiatric Manifestations. Retrieved from link.springer.com

    • Current Psychiatry Reports. (2023). The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle and Underlying Hormones in Anxiety and PTSD. Retrieved from link.springer.com

    • News-Medical. (2023). Can fluctuating reproductive hormone levels cause mental health conditions?. Retrieved from www.news-medical.net