This week on the podcast Mikki talks to Professor Julia Rucklidge about her research around mental health and nutrients, and the recently released book The Better Brain. We chatted about how she got into the field, her early discoveries in nutrients and ADHD before turning her attention to post traumatic stress disorder post the Christchurch Earthquakes. 

We also discuss why the field of psychology hasn't embraced nutrients as therapy, and the appropriate use of medication for mood disorders. Mikki spoke to Julia while she was in MIQ back from a trip to the UK for family reasons, and they discuss the impact Julia noted of COVID lockdowns on the population, as the UK was just opening up. A really interesting, thought-provoking discussion.

Julia Rucklidge, PhD, is Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Toronto, she did her training in neurobiology (McGill) and clinical psychology (University of Calgary). Her interests in nutrition and mental illness grew out of her own research showing poor outcomes for children with significant psychiatric illness, despite receiving conventional treatments for their conditions. For the last 14 years, she has been investigating the role of micronutrients in the expression of mental illness, with a specific focus on ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and PTSD associated with the Canterbury earthquakes. Her current research interests can be found at www.mentalhealthandnutrition.co.nz, and her research  at http://www.psyc.canterbury.ac.nz/people/rucklidge.shtml

Julia Ted Talk: https://www.tedxchristchurch.com/julia-rucklidge

The Better Brain https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/the-better-brain-9781785043567

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