“May Peace Be Upon Us” - Paper and acrylic on 36 x 48" canvas - Courtney Snyder
The "left hemisphere" isn't bad; it's just not an effective place from which to make important decisions.
We live in a world that often feels increasingly “left-brained.” While both hemispheres are always working together, they each have distinct traits, values, and ways of engaging with the world. In this podcast episode, I explore:
On a related note, I’ll soon be sharing details about an upcoming discussion group: "Strengthening the Right Brain in Left Brain Times."
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Undermethylation, High Activity at the NMDA Receptor, Glutamate, "Weak Memory Extinction," Walsh Research Institute, PANS & PANDAS, Candida, Mold & Other Biotoxins, Histamine, Estrogen
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a severe mental health condition characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsive, repetitive behaviors that can be highly time-consuming. It affects approximately 80 million people globally, including 2-4% of the U.S. population—or about 1 in 100 individuals. The impact of OCD is profound, not only for those experiencing it firsthand but also for their loved ones. Beyond the distress caused by obsessive thoughts and compulsions, individuals often grapple with feelings of shame and significant loss—loss of meaningful or enjoyable thoughts and activities, as well as valuable time that could be spent connecting with others or engaging in fulfilling pursuits. 
Attachment, Microbiome, Undermethylation, Low Zinc, Oxidative Stress, Mold Toxicity, Mast Cell Activation, RCCX Theory, Upper Cervical Instability, Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, Left & Right Brain
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu In this episode, I share my personal journey through illness and healing and how it has influenced my approach as a holistic psychiatrist. My hope for everyone listening is that your pursuit of health, happiness, or whatever it is you’re seeking brings you to a place of peace—and inspires a desire to support others on their own journeys. 
The Body Horror Movie "The Substance," Left & Right Brain Perspectives on Appearance, Undermethylation, NMDA receptor, Research on the Impact of Beauty Filters & Mental Health , Beyond the Nightmare
In this newsletter, using the story from the movie, ¨The Substance¨ I discuss likely factors contributing to the main character´s and our culture´s obsession with beauty and youth. I´ll discuss the role of:
Lastly, I discuss what I would hope to see in a sequel of this movie. 
How Symptoms Such as Tantrums, Shyness, Oppositional Behavior, Severe Carb Craving, Perfectionism, Tics, Compulsions and Drunken Like Behavior Can Point to Specific Biochemical Imbalances
This newsletter was originally shared with paid subscribers in May 2024. In previous newsletters, I’ve explored the common underlying factors—or “roots”—that contribute to brain-related symptoms. Each root comes with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. Because children’s brains and bodies are still developing, and they lack the same degree of hormonal influences as adults, their symptoms and related psychiatric diagnoses often differ. For instance, inattention, hyperactivity, and an ADHD diagnosis can arise from various underlying imbalances. While I’ll address these common imbalances individually, it’s important to note that multiple factors can coexist. Below, I outline the most frequent imbalances I encounter in my work. It’s worth mentioning that teenagers’ symptoms tend to align more closely with those seen in adults. Each of these topics is linked to a more in-depth description if needed.
Food sensitivities can be present and result in a range of symptoms; however, one or more imbalances are also usually present and underlying the food sensitivities. 
Data, Contributing Factors, Undermethylation, When Strengths Relate to Vulnerabilities, Self Reliance, a Medical Culture That Keeps Physicians From Seeking Help & What Can Be Done
It’s easy to overlook that medical professionals are vulnerable to stress, burnout, and both physical and mental health issues. Despite the expectation that they remain well, physicians experience higher rates of depression, and the rate of physician suicide is twice that of the general population. In this newsletter, I’ll explore how biochemical and environmental factors play a role in both the strengths and vulnerabilities of doctors. While the focus is on physicians, much of what I’ll discuss also applies to other medical professionals and caregivers.
Key topics include:
By Courtney Snyder, MD
The Zinc Link, Skin Symptoms of Common "Roots" of Brain Symptoms, Acne Treatment & Thinking Holistically. Skin conditions are frequently observed in individuals with brain-related disorders. Most discussions about this connection suggest that one condition might cause the other. For example, it is commonly believed that the stress of dealing with a skin condition can lead to depression and anxiety — a logical conclusion. Conversely, the stress of a mental health condition may elevate stress hormones or cause inflammation, resulting in skin symptoms, which also makes sense. In this podcast, I will explore the idea that skin and brain symptoms often share common underlying causes — with one key root in particular. By "brain symptoms," I mean conditions like depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), brain fog, inattention, hyperactivity, mood swings, psychosis, and cognitive decline.
I will cover:
This episode aims to shed light on how these interrelated factors contribute to both skin and brain symptoms, helping you better understand the importance of identifying and addressing the common roots. 
From the Walsh Research Institute’s original data.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
A Conversation About High Copper, Low Zinc, Pyrrole Disorder & Methylation Imbalances - Symptoms, Traits, Testing & Treatment I recently had the pleasure of joining Annika Taylor, a holistic health practitioner, on the Nourished By Nature: Mind Body Wellness Podcast. After sharing my journey into holistic psychiatry and defining what it means, Annika and I explored the following topics:
We also discussed a recent finding by Dr. Walsh that undermethylation is on the rise in the population, while overmethylation appears to be decreasing. Related Resources: Annika Taylor - nourishedbynature.com Walsh Research Institute For links to specific topics address see links in the description above. 
cut paper, ink - Courtney Snyder
By Courtney Snyder, MD
While rarely discussed in psychiatry, our ability to accept the inevitable uncertainty of life is crucial to our overall well-being. In this newsletter, I will explore:
The sun making an “i” with the lake during my afternoon walk.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
How Viewing Schizophrenia as a Single Condition Limits the Development and Recognition of Effective Treatments. “If things are not so good, you maybe want to imagine something better." John Forbes Nash, Jr. Many know John Nash, Jr. as the brilliant mathematician portrayed by Russell Crowe in the movie "A Beautiful Mind." While the film doesn’t stay true to Nash’s real story, it does effectively depict his descent into psychosis and severe chronic mental illness.
Schizophrenia affects 1 in 300 people, or about 24 million people worldwide (2.6 million in the U.S.), and remains the most treatment-resistant psychiatric condition.
In this newsletter, using Nash's story as a reference, I will discuss:
Most people with schizophrenia are not brilliant mathematicians or Nobel Laureates; many are homeless. I reference Nash's story because it is widely known and because he likely had the most common form of schizophrenia--undermethylation (shared by 70% of those with this condition). Here are my 10 insights on schizophrenia. 
“Worthy to Receive” - #2 (Cut paper and ink on dining room table)
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Roots, Common Traits, and Healing from Hidden Sources of Chronic Stress. Even if you don’t personally identify with one of the labels in the title, you likely know someone who does. These tendencies are particularly common among those of us in caring professions. However, like all labels, they don't define us completely. People who share these patterns are not identical, nor do they struggle to the same degree. Still, this psychological construct has been repeatedly recognized in mental health circles. Due to its prevalence, it isn't classified as a specific condition or personality disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Yet, this way of engaging with the world can be both painful and stressful, often limiting our ability to fully enjoy life. 
Common symptoms and traits associated with undermethylation. Having all of these is not necessary.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Approximately 70% of individuals with a mental health condition have a methylation imbalance, with the majority being undermethylated rather than overmethylated.
For those unfamiliar with methylation, it is a crucial biochemical process in which a methyl group is added to specific molecules. This process significantly affects gene expression, detoxification capabilities, and susceptibility to inflammation. When methylation is out of balance, it can contribute to a range of chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and various psychiatric conditions.
Undermethylation is particularly prevalent among those with mental health conditions. Here's a breakdown of the incidence of undermethylation in different groups:
Undermethylation is the most common biochemical imbalance found in individuals with depression, highlighting its significance in mental health.
Additional Resources
Nutrient Power - Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain by William Walsh, PhD Walsh Research Institute - Walsh trained practioners Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry Epigenetics, Methylation, MTHFR & the Brain, Made Easy...er Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World  “Mary Poppins Goes To the Beach” -Made by combining pieces from 3 collages in my Impermanent Art Series. By Courtney Snyder, MD
Half of my work day is spent honing in on details. For each person I evaluate and treat, I’m considering multiple symptoms, lab data, contributing factors, and treatment interventions. Left unchecked, this amount of detail hurts my brain - figuratively and literally. This type of work might be considered “left brain“ and appealing to someone who is “undermethylated,” which I am. The other half of my work day is involved with addressing how, from a spiritual perspective, we:
By spiritual, I mean our inner life. My writing and teaching about the intersection between neuroplasticity and spirituality is essentially about how we exercise those parts of the brain that relate to that inner work. Instead of honing in on details, this is about pulling back and looking at the bigger picture of our lives and our humanity. This right brain work feels good. Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry7/1/2016 
Courtney Snyder, MD
I first met Dr. Walsh in the fall of 2014, at his second physician training course here in the US. At the time, I was uncertain how useful nutrients would be in my psychiatric practice. What I learned seemed too good to be true. Upon returning home, I gradually began evaluating and treating specific nutrient imbalances in adults and children with depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism and other conditions. To my repeated surprise, most patients - children and adults alike improved… significantly - some dramatically, including those whose symptoms had failed to respond to other treatments. 
Courtney Snyder, MD
We’re not necessarily the same animal we once were. And, in many respects, especially when it comes to food, we’re increasingly different from one another. Describing a particular food (or nutrient) as “good” for you, depends on who “you” are. Due to our varied experiences, exposures (ie. to antibiotics, toxins, etc.) and genetics, we’re not all the same. The latest superfood may benefit some, but it may make others ill. Our complicated relationship with food can’t be discussed without considering inflammation, oxidative stress and epigenetics - the three exploding areas of medical research. 
Courtney Snyder, MD
Before I delve at length into the amazing process of methylation and its impact on personality and mental health, I'll lay some groundwork. For those who don't need or want such background, I've tried to make it easy for you to hit the highlights or jump ahead to your own starting point. |
Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
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