This presentation will offer a concise background on the “psychopharm” revolution of traditional psychiatry, and will assess both the intended and unintended results of this revolution, i.e., antidepressant side effects and over-prescribing. Finally, it will explore how an integrative, Functional Medicine model – an evidence-based approach that prioritizes testing and essential nutrient repletion – offers effective solutions for deprescribing.

Session Learning Objectives:

1.) Identify key physiologic, neurologic, and cognitive symptoms associated with antidepressant discontinuation / deprescribing syndromes.

2.) Identify biologic imbalances and nutritional deficiencies most commonly identified among patients suffering severe antidepressant side-effects and/or antidepressant deprescribing symptoms.

3.) Elucidate the clinical utility of essential amino acid precursor supplementation to support antidepressant deprescribing.