In 1987 Psychiatrist Priscilla Slagle, MD published a remarkable book. It was entitled The Way Up from Down. The book detailed the connection between nutrition and mental health. In this groundbreaking work she expressed an idea that startled many psychiatrists: that disregard of nutritional factors in a depressed person might constitute an ethical breach. She wrote, "… to put things bluntly, the research and results indicate we are almost to the point where ignoring such chemical factors in a person with major depression might constitute negligence, if not malpractice."

Negligence? Malpractice? Mental health practitioners new to the area of nutrition are likely to ask: "How in the world could nutrition be an issue of ethics, or of professional competence?" The answer to this question comes both from science and from standards of responsible professional practice. The science shows that diet – and dietary deficiencies – have a profound effect on our neurotransmitters. A cascade of recent studies show common mental health problems – including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism – respond well to dietary changes or nutritional supplementation. Standards of professional practice suggest a responsibility to use this science to benefit our clients.

"Nutrition and Mental Health: Professional Issues and Ethics" is a course for practicing mental health professionals. It is designed to introduce the clinician to the connection between nutrition and mental health. Summarizing a wealth of research, it documents two things: that this connection is real, and that it can no longer be ignored by conscientious practitioners.

This course details the precise nutritional causes of many common mental health problems. It also outlines dietary and nutritional approaches to correcting these problems. Further, the course explores the implications for ethical practice by mental health professionals -- psychotherapists, social workers, counselors, and drug/alcohol workers. It offers concrete suggestions for professional practice, based on solid research and professional standards of practice.

Continuing Education Credit. Provides 12 hours of continuing education credits, with 3 of those hours in the area of professional ethics. CEU-USA.com is an NBCC-approved Continuing Education Provider (Provider No. 6262).

Who would benefit from this course? Any mental health professional who wants to better understand the nutrition/MH connection, and use the information ethically in clinical practice. It is appropriate for LPC, MSW, LCSW, and drug/alcohol counselors.

The course is divided into four sections:

Section 1 – Nutrition and supplementation basics. This section presents essential information about nutrition and dietary supplementation. Nutritional deficiency and nutritional supplements are defined and described. The differences between nutritional and pharmaceutical approaches to health issues are explored. Section 1 contains the following topics:

  * Nutrition Concepts
  * Nutritional Requirements
  * Dietary Supplements
  * "Expensive Urine"
  * Supplementation Benefits
  * Confusion about Safety
  * The Nutrition-MH Connection
  * MH Impact of Deficiency

Section 2 – Nutritional substances that impact mental health. In this extensive section the impact of nutrient deficiency on some common mental health issues is documented through research findings. Two especially important ideas are highlighted -- ideas the authors call the "Golden Keys" to understanding mental health nutrition. References are included, with Web links to studies or abstracts where possible. Included are many suggestions for further reading. Also explored in this section are common herbs that may have a desirable effect on mood or mental status. Section 2 contains the following topics:

Topic 1: Depression Pharmaceutical Antidepressants: "Strong Medicine"? Nutrition: A "Weak" Approach to Depression? Causes of Depression       1: Low neurotransmitter levels       2: Vitamin / Mineral Deficiency Interlude: The Methylation Cycle       3: Excessive Neurotransmitter Levels       4: Fatty Acid Deficiency       5: Thyroid Disorder       6: Part of a Bipolar Pattern       7: Abnormal histamine level       8: Low testosterone levels in males       9: Pyroluria Topic 2: Anxiety 1: Pyroluria 2: Imbalance of neurotransmitters 3: Low blood sugar 4: Caffeine

Topic 3: Eating Disorders 1: Anorexia Nervosa 2: Bulimia Nervosa 3: Binge Eating Topic 4: ADHD 1: Imbalance of Essential Fatty Acids 2: Serotonin deficiency 3: Toxic metal poisoning 4: Vitamin and mineral deficiency 5: Special sensitivities Topic 5: Autism 1: Mercury poisoning 2: Nutrient deficiency Final Note on Nutritional Intervention

Section 3 – Ethical use of nutrition information in MH practice. This section deals specifically with ways to ethically use nutritional information in practice. To this end relevant language from various codes of ethics are examined for their possible implications. A model is presented for the responsible use of nutritional information for the benefit of clients. Section 3 contains the following topics:

  * General Ethical Considerations
  * Specific Ethical Considerations
  * Suggestions for ethical use of nutritional information

Section 4 – Clouding the issues: Pharmaceutical biases. This final section addresses an important complication. In recent years pharmaceutical interests have expanded their sphere of influence over physicians’ understanding and treatment of illnesses, and even over legislation governing treatment. Some believe conflict of interest has become unmanageable. Section 4 presents an overview of this interesting topic, an essential backdrop for any realistic discussion of ethics within this arena. The following topics are addressed:

  * An Unfortunate Conflict of Interest
  * The Impact of Money
  * Role of the FDA

References – A comprehensive list of references is included, with many web links.

Appendices

  * Appendix A - Zung Depression Rating Scale
  * Appendix B - Some vitamins essential for mental health
  * Appendix C - Sample Acknowledgement Form

Satisfaction Assured! If you aren't happy, we aren't happy. We believe you will enjoy "Nutrition and Mental Health: Professional Issues and Ethics." But if you are not satisfied, simply let us know at any point prior to printing your Certificate of Completion. We will refund your course fee in full.