Presenter: Hyla Cass, MD
Objectives: Participants completing this presentation will be able to:
- Describe how disorders in mood and cognition reflect an imbalance in internal biochemistry, especially in neurotransmitter function, and how psychoactive supplements can utilized to help restore balance.
- Utilize appropriate laboratory testing to diagnose imbalances in neurotransmitter activity.
- Utilize appropriate dietary changes and nutritional supplements to help enhance mood, performance, and tolerance to stress.
Description: Dr. Cass will review the
neurobiochemistry of depression,
stress, and anxiety, how to determine deficiencies by
history-taking and
lab testing, and how to restore balance with certain
nutrients. These
include vitamins and minerals, amino acids (5-JT,
tyrosine, DLPA, SAMe),
herbs (St. John's wort), and essential fats, especially the
omega 3 fatty
acids, EPA and DHA. She will then discuss "adaptogens,"
including herbs
such as ginseng, ashwaganda, and rhodiola, that help
regulate the
autonomic nervous system, enhance resistance to stress and
trauma, and
boost mood, energy, immunity, and performance.
Dr. Cass will also share the imagery-related suggestions
she utilizes when
employing relaxation and sleep-inducing nutrients such as
taurine, GABA,
glycine, theanine, kava, valerian, hops, and passion
flower. Much of this
information can be used personally by
health practitioners for their own
health and well being, too.