Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Health: Integrative Psychiatry and Brain Scans

In this episode of 'Live Well Bipolar,' we sit down with Dr. Lisa Parsons, an integrative psychiatrist at the Amen Clinics in Arizona.

Dr. Parsons shares her unique journey into psychiatry, driven by both personal and professional revelations during her medical school rotations. Despite initial hesitations due to her family's mental health challenges, she found her calling in understanding the intersection of mental health and medical illness.

Dr. Parsons discusses the transformative approach at Amen Clinics, emphasizing comprehensive diagnostics including brain scans, to offer more personalized and effective treatments. Addressing topics from the stigma associated with bipolar disorder to the critical role of asking 'why' to understand the root causes of psychiatric symptoms, the conversation shines a light on the importance of integrative medicine in mental health.

Highlighting cases of elevated free copper as an example, Dr. Parsons illustrates how specific treatments, informed by detailed scans and lab tests, can significantly improve patients' quality of life. The episode ultimately defines living well with bipolar as an empowered state, where individuals honor their journey and strive for a deeper understanding and mastery over their health.

Check out the work at Amen Clinics here!

00:00 Welcome to Live Well Bipolar: Introducing Dr. Lisa Parsons

01:18 Dr. Parsons' Journey into Integrative Psychiatry

05:13 The Intersection of Mental Health and Medical Science

06:08 Unveiling the Missing Pieces in Mental Health Treatment

12:39 Personalizing Treatment: The Amen Clinics Approach

30:25 Empowerment and Living Well with Bipolar

33:56 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect