Bloodwork & The Chemical Imbalance Theory (Part 8: B2B Series)
Summary
Host Amanda Armstrong explains the importance of a physiology-first approach to healing anxiety and depression, arguing that comprehensive blood work reveals hidden imbalances that standard therapy or medication cannot address. She debunks the outdated "chemical imbalance" theory, sharing a client story to highlight the need for informed consent and root-cause analysis over simplistic diagnoses. The episode details specific biomarkers, such as thyroid hormones, nutrients, and inflammatory markers, that impact mental health and nervous system regulation. Armstrong emphasizes that optimizing …
Topics discussed
Introduction and Back to the Basics series context
Physiology-first approach to anxiety and depression
The role of lab work in reducing stress load
Whole human approach: physiology vs psychology
Case study: Teen client and medication management
Debunking the chemical imbalance theory
Introducing comprehensive blood work panels
Normal vs optimal: Understanding lab reference ranges
Challenges in integrating labs into mental health care
Specific biomarkers: hormones, nutrients, and inflammation
Three key takeaways from the episode
Call to action and closing remarks
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