Specialty Testing and Root-Cause Treatments

Conventional medicine often uses medications to “turn off the ‘check engine light.” Doing so can lead us away from exploring the cause of misalignment or dis-ease. Although we rightly want to ease suffering and feel better, what if we can use the support of effective treatments to stabilize ourselves (sleep better, reduce depression or psychosis) while also addressing underlying causes or exacerbating factors?

Although not all psychiatric conditions can be cured by improving the flora of your gastrointestinal tract or increasing a micronutrient, research has ample data demonstrating that many syndromes can be effectively treated or markedly improved by addressing underlying health problems and improving the client’s health status.

Basic lab studies, specialty lab testing, integrative and functional medicine all can play a role in a patient’s care depending on their appetite for exploring the underlying drivers of health issues and psychiatric symptoms. I recommend that all clients receive basic lab studies that insurance typically covers. As hormone imbalances, gut microbiome dysbiosis, and accumulated toxins can disrupt the balance of psychobiological functions, I am in favor of clients exploring additional tests if they are interested and will make specific recommendations where indicated. Examples of these can include organic acid testing (OAT), gut microbiome testing (GI MAP, GI Effects), mycrotoxin or heavy metals testing, adrenal testing or hormonal testing (the Dutch Test). These tests are not typically covered by insurance but identifying and treating problems can play a life-changing role.