Holistic Psychiatry Podcast

In the first episode of this three part series on Mold Toxicity, I discussed how mold toxins get into the body and what symptoms they can cause. The second episode focused on diagnosis and treatment of mold toxicity in the body. In this episode, I discuss an essential part of treatment -  addressing exposure.   Topics covered in this episode include: 00:52  Testing options for mold in our indoor e...

In this episode, I discuss testing and treatment for mold toxicity (in the body), which is a common root cause of brain-related symptoms.   Topics covered in this episode: 02:39 - Urine mycotoxin testing. 6:47 -  Binders for mold toxicity. 12:19 - Treatment considerations for strong vs sensitive constiution.  15:25 - Anti-fungal treatment for those who need it. 21:16 - Treatment interventions for...

Mold Toxicity is a very common root cause of brain-related symptoms. It is also a deeper root cause to the other root causes of brain-related symptoms. In this first of 3 episodes I'll give some historical context as well as address: the three types of mold-related illness, how we become mold toxic, explain mold colonization, discuss who is susceptible, and provide brain and body symptoms. Topics...

In this podcast, I’ll discuss ways we can all lower our exposure to mold toxins, EMF (electromagnetic fields) and chemicals in our homes, and why this is especially important for our mental health.  I'll also discuss why it is important for us to approach our homes with a healthy rather than fearful perspective.  Whatever we do to limit these exposures, we are removing some of the overall toxic lo...

In this episode (part 2 of 2) I discuss five more food families (FODMAPS, sulfur, copper, folate, and glutamate) that can contribute to brain symptoms in some individuals. The first two relate to food sensitivity and the next three relate to the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. I'll provide examples of foods, physical and brain related symptoms, and explain how certain food families...

In this podcast episode, I discuss particular food families.  Sensitivities can occur when someone is reacting to a naturally occurring component shared by foods in that family.  In this podcast I’ll focus on foods high in histamine, oxalates, salicylates or lectins.  I discuss potential deeper root causes of these issues, physical and brain symptoms and how these can be addressed without endless...

In this episode, I discuss ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a diagnosis given to approximately 11% of children in the U.S. The prevalence of ADHD appears to be increasing. I'll talk about: High Copper & Low Zinc - found in 68% of 5600 children and adults diagnosed with ADHD (by the Walsh Research Institute) and how this can contribute to inattention and hyperactivity Other pot...

In this podcast I discuss the paradox: that to have healthy relationships, there needs to be space and a recognition that we are separate beings with different desires, feelings, perspectives, and different life paths. This space can also be called a boundary. I also talk about: How we can know if the boundaries in a relationship are healthy or not. How we can manage the fear that can arise when w...

"More than 90% of people diagnosed with depression, behavioral disorders, ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia exhibit depleted plasma zinc levels, ranging from low-normal to severe deficiency." - Dr. William Walsh, PhD Zinc is incredibly important when it comes to our health, especially our mental health. Zinc also has a key role in our immune and gastrointestinal systems and appears to play a role in...

In this episode I'll discuss toxicity and oxidative stress. I'll describe what I mean by toxins, how they get in, where they go, and what they can do. I'll also talk about: The impacts of environmental toxins on the developing brain and their role in depression, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders. Why some of us are more vulnerable to toxicity and thus oxidative stress and heal...

In this episode I'll discuss: Symptoms of attachment disruption in children.  How we can strengthen the foundation in all of our relationships (with our children, adult children, spouses, partners, and friends).  How ultimately we can provide that loving responsive caregiver for ourselves. Subscribe to my newsletter (or learn more about root causes to brain symptoms)— https://www.courtneysnydermd....

In this episode I'll discuss:  The attachment spectrum. How attachment is measured. The four types of attachment styles. Information to help you recognize where you may fall on the attachment spectrum. I'll also provide tools that can help move all of us toward more secure attachment. To learn more about the vagus nerve (mentioned in this podcast) listen to my podcasts: The Healing Power of the Va...

In this episode I'll discuss: The factors that impact this formative time in our and our children's lives. The potential role of attachment in genetic expression and how it appears to impact the differentiation of the right and left hemispheres of the  brain. There doesn't have to be overt abuse or severe neglect. As parents, we can project our own unresolved conflicts onto our children. Subscribe...

In this episode I'll discuss: How we are shaped by our first three years of life and our earliest attachment experiences. How and why nature wired us for attachment. How our environment impacts this time. Becoming conscious or curious about this early time in our lives can bring clarity to why we think, feel, and act they way we do. Subscribe to my newsletter (or learn more about root causes to br...

In this podcast, I'll discuss:  What is EHS? How do electromagnetic fields (EMF) impact the brain? What symptoms (brain and physical) can EMF cause? How are children impacted? How is EHS diagnosed and treated? How can those with or without EHS lower exposure to EMF? Resources mentioned in this podcast:  Environmental Health Trust Printable Fact Sheets - includes information about how to set up a s...

In this podcast, I discuss Copper Overload (or Toxicity) - a nutrient imbalance that impacts specific neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) and contributes to many brain related symptoms.   This imbalance is impacting many with: ADD or ADHD High anxiety or panic Depression (90% of women with postpartum depression have high copper levels) Bipolar Disorder Angry outbursts, temper and rage...

In this episode I discuss Pyrrole Disorder - a common biochemical imbalance in brain disorders caused by an excessive production of HPL (a hydroxyhemopyrrolin).   A hallmark of Pyrrole Disorder is poor stress intolerance.  Other common symptoms can be social avoidance and/or temper outbursts.  In this episode I'll answer: What are pyrrols? How does an overproduction contribute brain symptoms? What...

In this podcast, I introduce the work of Dr. William Walsh and the Walsh Research Institute which studied nutrient levels in blood, urine and hair samples of 30,000 individuals with psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism and dementia. Through this research, they found "only six or seven nutrients (either by way of deficiency or overload) h...

In this episode, I discuss what candida overgrowth actually is, what symptoms, from physical to brain related (brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, inattention and more), why it occurs, how it is diagnosed and treated, why some people can have difficulties moving past yeast overgrowth and how this can be addressed.  Subscribe to my newsletter (or learn more about root causes to brain symptoms)...

Of individuals with behavioral or mental disorders, 70% have a serious methylation imbalance. This is relative to 30% of the general population. In this podcast you'll learn about the role of methylation in brain health.  I'll discuss how one can become undermethylated, symptoms, traits and associated diagnoses.  And, I discuss how undermethylation (from a Walsh Research Institute perspective) is...

In this episode I'll discuss signs and symptoms of vagal nerve dysfunction, how vagal tone can be measured using heart rate variability and the many ways to access the vagus nerve.   Accessing the vagus nerve is important for everyone, but especially those with psychiatric conditions, autoimmune or other chronic health conditions.  Subscribe to my newsletter (or learn more about root causes to bra...

The proper functioning of the vagus nerve is what allows us to feel calm and relaxed and thus is one of the most important determinants of our physical and emotional wellbeing. In this podcast, I’ll discuss the many roles of the vagus - from peacemaker, overseer of many bodily functions, activist against inflammation, filter of sensory input to influencer of social communication (all the subtletie...

In this episode, I'll be discussing what I would say is the root cause to suicide.  When someone dies by suicide, the cultural story focuses on an emotionally stressful event.   I'm going to be telling another story one that involves inflammation of the brain,  Just as the joints and other parts of the body can be inflamed, so can the brain.   It is likely when someone takes their life they've alr...

In this episode, I explain through my personal story, how and why I moved into this type of psychiatry.  I explain the less know root causes of symptoms that I evaluate and address as a holistic psychiatrist, including nutrient imbalances, inflammation, the health of the microbiome, toxicity including biotoxins such as mold toxins, structural issues involving the head and neck impacting the crania...

Courtney Snyder, MD is a functional medicine physician and holistic child and adult psychiatrist.  In these podcasts, she will be using a common cultural reference - be it something from the news, the arts, media, or politics, as a starting place before delving into the fascinating and less known roots to our brain related symptoms and mental wellbeing.  Along the way, she'll be discussing new and...