Dr. Myriah Hinchey and Dr. Jaquel Patterson discuss neuroinflammation, tick-borne infections, psychiatric symptoms, Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, neurotransmitter imbalance, integrative psychiatry, herbs for mental health, MIND diet, sleep optimization, and lab-guided treatment for infection-driven mental health issues. 

In this episode of LymeBytes!, I sit down with Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, IFMCP, a naturopathic physician and integrative psychiatry expert, to explore the profound connection between tick-borne infections and mental health. We discuss how chronic infections like Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia can “set the brain on fire,” leading to psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and even psychosis.

Dr. Patterson explains the biological mechanisms behind this connection, including blood-brain barrier disruption, microglia activation, and thinning of gray matter in critical brain regions. We also break down how inflammation alters neurotransmitters, decreasing protective calming chemicals like serotonin and GABA, while increasing excitatory, inflammatory glutamate.

This episode covers practical ways to identify infection-driven psychiatric symptoms, including treatment resistance, abrupt personality changes, and new-onset mental health crises. Dr. Patterson shares her multi-benefit approach, combining herbs, nutrients, and lifestyle strategies—such as curcumin, rhodiola, passionflower, the MIND diet, and sleep optimization—to calm neuroinflammation and restore brain function.

Specialty labs like OAT panels and neurotransmitter testing are emphasized to guide personalized treatment. This conversation offers insight, validation, and actionable steps for anyone navigating mental health symptoms connected to chronic Lyme or other tick-borne infections.

Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, IFMCP, is a naturopathic physician specializing in integrative psychiatry, mental health, and tick-borne infections. She helps patients identify infection-driven neuroinflammation and restore brain function using personalized labs, herbal medicine, lifestyle strategies, and mind-body approaches.

https://www.fairfieldfamilyhealth.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/drjaquelND/ 

https://www.instagram.com/naturopathic.physician/ 

Myriah Hinchey, ND, FMAPS

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