The Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference 2017 (IMMH) runs Sept 28-Oct 1, 2017, in Orange County, CA (near Anaheim).
This is a conference I attend every year and I’ll be attending again this year – it’s that good! As IMMH mentions:
research has revealed that many disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders often have biomedical causes that contribute to symptoms, from nutritional deficiencies to chronic infections.
This is a practitioner-only event and attendees include psychiatrists, naturopathic physicians, family physicians, chiropractic physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, psychologists, nutritionists and registered dieticians, and other allied mental health professionals.
Here is a video with highlights from the 2016 conference
Here are just a few of the topics and speakers I am especially looking forwarding at the 2017 conference:
Integrative Medicine Approaches to Autoimmune Encephalopathy and PANDAS – KENNETH BOCK, MD
This lecture will discuss neuropsychiatric disorders with abrupt onset that include symptoms ranging from anxiety to intrusive thoughts and rage episodes. They may also include tics, dysgraphia (inability to write coherently), and dyscalculia (difficulty understanding numbers). These symptoms are triggered by infectious autoimmune encephalopathy (frequently referred to as PANS/PANDAS). Evaluation and treatment will be discussed from a comprehensive integrative medicine point of view.
Ion Channel Genetics in Mental Health: Associated Integrative Therapies – LAUREN FEW, PHD
Several studies have implicated genetic mutations in voltage-gated ion channels in the pathogenesis of mental health disorders. For example, both the CACNA1C calcium channel gene and ANK3 gene have been linked to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression in genome-wide association studies. This talk will focus on a number of integrative therapeutic options that target ion channels and have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of mental health symptomatology, including omega-3 fatty acids, lithium, magnesium, and N-acetylcysteine.
Mold and Mycotoxins: The Hidden Menace – MARK FILIDEI, DO
Mold and fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. However, particularly in “WDB”, water damaged buildings, mold can become a sinister force affecting physical and mental health. Not all molds are toxic and many just cause respiratory issues, but a subset of molds produce mycotoxins; powerful neurotoxins that can have a profound effect on the brain and mental health. The effects of mold, as well as testing, diagnosis, and treatment options will be discussed.
Mitochondria and Mood: Understanding the Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Psychiatric Illness – PETER BONGIORNO, ND
As the ‘powerhouse of the cell’ and nervous system, healthy mitochondrial function is an underlying key to healing mental illness. Dr. Bongiorno will explain what you need to know to help identify mitochondrial issues, understand the factors that contribute to poor function, and review the best natural treatments to restore mitochondrial health.
Helping Patients Follow Special Diets Despite Barriers – JULIE MATTHEWS, CNC
How do we support effective special diet implementation when our patients – both adults and children – face varied behavior, psychosocial, and environmental barriers? How do you determine the right diet for each individual? If it’s too complex or restrictive the patient may become overwhelmed and non-compliant. If it’s too basic, you may not see positive results. In this presentation, Julie will share keen insights gleaned from fifteen years of working with special diets for complex digestive, immune, and neurological conditions in both children and adults, audiences fraught with implementation challenges.
Discovery of a Novel Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease – DALE BREDESEN, MD
The cause(s) of Alzheimer’s disease have remained incompletely defined, although risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and the epsilon-4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE4) have been described. Precision medicine approaches have proven valuable for the evaluation and treatment of various malignancies. This presentation will review the metabolic profiling done by Dr. Bredesen and his team in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and pre-dementia conditions. The results suggested that mycotoxin exposure may be a novel cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Genetic SNP Testing for Neuropsychiatric Disorders – WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
Genetic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play a greater role in the metabolism of the human brain compared to almost all the other organs. A SNP called apolipoprotein E4 markedly increases the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease after 50. A SNP in protein HFe that absorbs iron improves brain function in populations that have dietary iron deficiency but greatly increases the risk of psychiatric disease in populations in which dietary iron is excessive. In this presentation, a survey of the most significant SNPs for psychiatric diseases and potential “fixes” for these SNPs will be reviewed.
Estrogen and Mental Health: Exploring Estrogen’s Vital Role Linking the Brain, the Gut Microbiome, and the Immune System – FELICE GERSH, MD
There is an amazing and complex interrelationship involving our gut microbiome, our brain function and emotional wellbeing, and our hormones, and most particularly estrogen. A dialogue has only recently been re-initiated, opening the door to a deeper exploration of the most advantageous ways and manner in which to deliver estrogen supplementation for the improvement and prevention of cognitive and mood disorders. This talk will review how this dialogue is unfolding and using this new information, provide practical ways to address mental health issues.
Botanicals for Depression: Rhodiola, St. John’s Wort, Curcumin and Saffron – JUDITH PENTZ, MD
Botanicals have long been a part of the healing traditions in many cultures for depression. Certain medicinal herbs have increasing evidence based research and thus can be part of toolbox for an integrative medical practice. Yet, having a greater understanding of the complexities that herbs present is critical in having a successful outcome when prescribing them for your patients.
Here is the entire schedule and all the topic outlines
And here is the link to register
This is a practitioner-only event and CEs and CMEs are available.
Hope to see you there! I’m not presenting again this year (as you saw in the video I did present last year) but will be there to support my dear friend and colleague Julie Matthews AND will also have a booth there to share The Antianxiety Food Solution message!
If there is enough interest I’m going to arrange a small group meet-up with Julie and I and some of the speakers so please let me know in the comments below if this is of interest.
P.S. If you are NOT a practitioner and are interested please pass this on to your doctor, nutritionist, social worker, therapist, naturopath etc. The event is also recorded and will be available to purchase after wards so please leave me a note in the comments if you’re interested in the recordings.
Kristina says
Is it possible for non-practitioners to purchase the recording of this event?
Trudy Scott says
Kristina
Yes! The recordings will be video and powerpoints and I’ll make an announcement once it’s ready (typically a month or so after the event).
Cindy Heneghan says
I am very interested in all of the presentations. Depending on cost, I would be interested in the recordings from the conference. I am a mother of a 25 year old with autism.
Trudy Scott says
Cindy
It will be video and powerpoints and I’ll make an announcement once it’s ready
Kim says
I would be very interested in seeing this event recorded if possible. I am a holistic health coach with much focus On nutrition and the mental health.
Trudy Scott says
Hi Kim
The event is recorded and I’ll be sure to share when the recordings are ready (typically a month or so after the event). Keep up the good work!
Debbie, NTP says
I so badly want to go to this, but am not sure I’m going to be able to make it!! Still trying (but re-building our moldy house is taking all the money!!)
The speaker line-up looks so amazing! I’ll probably buy the recordings if I can’t make it to the conference.
Trudy Scott says
Debbie
I am sorry to hear you are dealing with a mold issue – I wish you much healing.
And yes the line-up this year is as excellent as always – and as you can see there are even a number of mold experts. Great Plains will also be launching their new mycotoxins testing too – it’s called GPL-MycoTOX Profile. I’ve seen some of the literature on it and am impressed.
If things come right for you with the mold issues perhaps you can still register nearer the time – or get the recordings.
Charlene says
Interested in transcripts from IMMH if not too pricey, please let me know (not a health professional). Thx!
Trudy Scott says
Charlene
It will be video and powerpoints and I’ll make an announcement once it’s ready
Luba says
Trudy,
I am very interested in all recorded forms of presentations. I’d love to attend, but may not be able to.
Trudy Scott says
Luba
Great – stay tuned for an announcement via email and a note here on the blog about a month after the event
David says
Hi Trudi – something by way of a general question. Your very detailed and helpful book recommends (in some instances at least) avoiding gluten and/or grains and also increasing consumption of red meat. From my own interest in this area, and also as a former vegetarian, I am aware there is a fairly large body of research that documents a) the health benefits of whole grains and b) the health risks of red meat. As someone who has had a long history of anxiety I am interested to try your suggestions. As someone who recently had a cancer diagnosis (now in remission) I am also keen to avoid dietary changes that could increase risk of cancer or other chronic diseases. It is a very confusing area of research, given the very conflicting claims made by different nutritional ‘camps’ (i.e. paleo/traditional foods vs plant based etc). I expect that on an individual level it is perhaps a matter of experimentation and ‘what works’. This approach can certainly be taken with anxiety, however it is more difficult to do so with less tangible potential long term health effects. I was wondering whether you have any comments on this. Thanks David
Trudy Scott says
Hi David
This is a great question and one I hear a lot. The best answer I’m hearing on this is from of a functional medicine hero of mine, Dr. Mark Hyman – he explains some of it in this blog http://drhyman.com/blog/2016/01/22/is-meat-good-or-bad-for-you/ – this is a great quote: “Studies that take a pro- or anti-meat stance often miss the bigger picture. They overlook the fact that most meat eaters who participate in the studies that show harm from eating meat are also eating a boatload of sugar and refined carbs alongside a highly processed, inflammatory diet. They certainly aren’t eating small to moderate amounts of grass-fed or organic meat along with a pile of colorful fruits and veggies.”
For a more detailed account with references I encourage you to read Dr. Hyman’s latest book “Eat Fat, Get Thin” (on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2fUSkAV). It has whole sections addressing red meat and cancer (and heart disease) – why quality is key and how best to cook it to prevent cancer.
David says
Thanks for your suggestions Trudy. I’m certainly noticing that in my own diet – whilst I’m incorporating animal protein I’m minimising grains and eating a heap more vegetables ! Will definitely take a look at Dr Hymans book.
Trudy Scott says
David
And don’t forget more healthy fats too.
Carla Boswell says
I’d be interested in getting either transcripts or notes.
Sara Boak says
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for the all the wonderful information that you provide!
I am interested in the recording of this conference.
Kathleen says
My sister, an RN in Michigan was wondering if, as a nurse, they would get continuing education credits and how many? How much will the DVDs be after the presentations?
Trudy Scott says
Kathleen
CE/CMEs are offered https://www.immh2017.com/accreditation/ If she wants to check with IMMH here is the contact info https://www.immh2017.com/contact/.
Last year they were $260 for everything and $30 per lecture (for online access).
Becky says
I am interested in the conference videos. Do you know if they are only sold as a set or also by individual sessions? Do recall the price they were last year just to get a ballpark idea what they might cost this year? Thank you for sharing about them!
Trudy Scott says
Becky
Last year they were $260 for everything and $30 per lecture (for online access).