By Courtney Snyder, MD
Whether it's an older child with frequent tantrums or an adult who easily loses their temper, I view angry outbursts as a symptom pointing to deeper root causes. While external triggers may play a role, an individual’s inability to regulate emotions often indicates an underlying biochemical or inflammatory issue. In this newsletter, I'll explore:
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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.
The Shakers' philosophy revolved around three concepts: Honesty. Functionality. Simplicity. I took these photos at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, here in Kentucky.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
“Our lives are frittered away by detail…Simplify. Simplify.” - Henry David Thoreau. This quote, with its sense of urgency, serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality. It is one of my favorite quotes because it also brings a sense of comfort, a sigh of relief, and the permission to prioritize what truly matters in life.
There are many ways to simplify our lives, and one effective approach is by reassessing the items in our spaces. In this post, I'll explore how making changes to our external environment can lead to internal transformations, particularly when we feel lost, stressed, anxious, down, or stuck. A "space" could be anything—a drawer, the top of our desk, our car, our closet, or even a box we've stored away. This isn't about minimalism or neatness; it's about shifting from a left-brain mindset driven by accumulation and consumption to a right-brain perspective focused on the bigger picture of our lives.
Having pondered this topic for the past 15 years, I'm sharing 10 insights from both past and present. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Meet the RCCX gene cluster — a group of genes that may lie at the root of many psychiatric conditions and complex chronic illnesses, including mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Hypermobility, characterized by joints that bend beyond the normal range, is surprisingly common among individuals with brain-related symptoms. Using RCCX theory, I will explore why this connection exists.
Although this topic is complex, it is worth understanding. While hypermobility can be a red flag for an RCCX vulnerability, this theory can provide insights into brain symptoms, whether or not you are hypermobile.
I won’t revisit my personal health journey here — which I detailed in the 2017 blog post, "Hypermobility, RCCX Theory, and One Journey From Illness Towards Wholeness." However, if you've followed my writing, you know that I have been affected by many factors: undermethylation with a seemingly slow MAOA gene, copper overload, mast cell activation, candida overgrowth, mold toxicity, hypermobility with upper cervical instability, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. My health history is actually not unique. Many people suffer from what we refer to as chronic complex illness. Someone who has significantly impacted my understanding is Dr. Sharon Meglathery, M.D., a psychiatrist and internist with a health history similar to mine. We first connected in 2017, and her RCCX theory offers a compelling explanation for both chronic complex illnesses and psychiatric conditions in many individuals, regardless of hypermobility. RCCX theory is particularly useful in understanding how a person who was previously healthy can develop a range of health issues, including brain symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic, mood swings, and psychosis, following severe stressors or toxic exposures. 
“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. 
I like to think of the heron as my spirit animal. I love their patience, their stillness and their quiet confidence embodied by their beautifully aligned neck. Though this one paid me a visit in Florida, I’m always especially happy to see them here in Kentucky.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
The Impact of the Atlas, Flexibility, Neck Injury, Posture, Upper Cervical Instability, and the Vagus Nerve on Brain Symptoms. In today's digital age, with the constant use of cell phones and laptops, we frequently look down, increasing the risk of neck-related problems. A past neck injury or a natural tendency toward flexibility can make us even more susceptible. Flexibility is particularly common among individuals with brain-related or psychiatric conditions, a topic I’ll cover in detail in an upcoming newsletter. For now, it’s important to understand that misalignment in the upper part of the spine, specifically the atlas (the top cervical vertebra), is often an overlooked factor for those experiencing brain symptoms, chronic complex illnesses, or unexplained health issues. The vagus which runs through our neck is involved in all of our body systems and is what puts us into rest and digest. If it is impacted by cervical issues, we can more easily be in a state of fight-flight and shut down (as opposed to rest, digest and connect).
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Although both brain hemispheres are always working together in complex ways, certain attributes are more strongly associated with each side. We engage our left brain when we focus on details—like reaching for a berry. The right brain, on the other hand, scans the bigger picture, helping us spot those berries, notice the nuts nearby, and detect potential dangers in the distance. This distinction matters because many of us can get stuck grasping for berries—whether through addictions, obsessions, or focusing too much on details. We forget to "look up" and see the broader view. Conversely, some get lost in the big picture—overwhelmed by endless possibilities or potential threats—while neglecting the details needed to move forward.
What I love about the left brain vs. right brain model is that it helps us recognize when we need to call on the other half of our brain. Like muscles, if we don't exercise large groups of neurons, they won't be available when we need them. But just like muscles, we can strengthen the neural networks we've been neglecting. Understanding the traits of the left and right brain can highlight where our weaknesses lie.
Each week, I aim to alternate between left and right brain topics to balance things for both my mind and yours. Today, I thought it would be helpful to offer a refresher (or introduction) to this model. Much of what I discuss comes from the insightful book “The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World” by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a Scottish psychiatrist. It’s a valuable resource for understanding how our brain’s hemispheres shape our experience and behavior. 
One of the copper sunrises here this week - from my window.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
This comment was in response to my 2015 blog post, "Copper Overload: Too Much of a Good Thing”: “I am a primary care physician in Dublin and I attended the Dr Walsh course in Sydney in 2006. I learned a great deal there and I use his work almost every day. High copper in women is very common in Ireland and it is quite easy to bring it down after the first month of treatment. I have been to courses all over the world from Harvard to Cambridge but the course in Australia was the most useful of them all. Every week I utterly change the life of some people and it is a real privilege to have that opportunity.” He effectively articulates what many of us Walsh-trained physicians experience.
Recap
In the previous newsletter, I explored copper overload, its causes, symptoms, and the situations where I suspect high copper levels. These include postpartum depression, ADHD, panic, anger, rage, agitation, hormonally related mood changes or anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
I'm always eager to share insights on high copper levels, both from what I’ve learned from Dr. William Walsh, PhD, and from my own clinical experience. Copper overload is a common contributor to brain-related symptoms. It's relatively easy to treat, and addressing it can significantly improve a person's quality of life, as well as the lives of those around them. I've previously discussed copper overload in a blog post and podcast episode, this newsletter will focus on the conditions or situations where I often suspect high copper levels. Since copper overload rarely occurs in isolation, I’ll also explore how it interacts with other underlying root causes, such as low zinc, pyrrole disorder, and even mold toxicity. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Mold toxicity is a surprisingly common and significant factor in brain-related symptoms. While you won’t find it frequently mentioned in research on psychiatric conditions, those of us who treat mold toxicity recognize it as a very common cause of these issues: 
Mold toxicity is not the only cause, but it often triggers or interacts with other underlying factors, making it the "root of the roots.
“Seemingly 25% of people are unable to make antibodies to mold toxins. Add to that the 50%* of buildings that have water damage, and you have a lot of people who are unknowingly becoming toxic while spending time in affected homes, schools, workplaces, cars, dorms, and nurseries.” (from my 2019 blog post)
Mold-literate doctors now estimate that around 75% of buildings have some form of water damage, though many inspectors believe it could be closer to 100%.
Mold toxins can affect the brain in numerous and often profound ways. Given its prevalence and the substantial improvement in symptoms we typically see with treatment, I recommend testing for mold toxicity in most (but not all) of the individuals I treat. 
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 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
In this podcast, I'll cover:
 "Worthy to Receive" cut paper and ink on wood. By Courtney Snyder Courtney Snyder, MD
Prior to a 10 year sabbatical from psychiatry, I trained and sub-specialized in treating children with attachment related issues - many from international orphanages or foster care. When I returned to psychiatry, the focus of my work (and my own healing) was more physiologic - addressing areas such as nutrient imbalances, toxicity, inflammation, etc. That I was seeing good responses to such treatments, even for children with attachment issues, confirmed for me that these were the topics to write about and share. Inevitably, my work (and approaches to my own health and my daughter's health) has come full circle. I'm realizing that we can't fully understand topics like inflammation or mast cell activation, the autonomic nervous system, right and left brain hemisphere differences, or even methylation without putting them into the context of our first three years of life. 
Whirling Dervishes (Accessing Their Vagus Nerves) Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood panel by Courtney Snyder
Courtney Snyder, MD
The proper functioning of the vagus is one of the most important determinants of physical and mental health, social communication, compassion and even creativity. If you have a psychiatric condition or a complex chronic illness (or your child does), understanding the vagus may help demystify what has likely been a confusing and demoralizing experience. In this post, I'll discuss the many roles of the vagus nerve, the many body systems it influences, and the many seemingly unrelated symptoms it can impact when it’s not working well. My hope is that the vagus will become as awe inspiring for you, as it has for me, and that you’ll want to help it help you. There are many ways to improve vagal "tone" to access healing and well-being. Perhaps because they're fun and life affirming, they’re often not taken seriously. In my own journey, I spent years trying to dominate my biochemistry, improve my microbiome and avoid and remove toxins. This narrow attention held me (and my daughter) back. If this is where you’re at, then I write this for you. 
“Tree” - Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood canvas, 12 x12” (by Courtney Snyder)
By Courtney Snyder, MD
This post goes out to those who are unknowingly deep in the throes of mast cell activation and/or brain inflammation. Though our culture is only starting to consider psychiatric conditions as inflammation of the brain, if you or someone you know has panic attacks, depression, mood swings, ADHD, brain fog, chronic fatigue, PTSD, autism, cognitive issues or even dementia, then you know the destruction neuroinflammation plays in people’s lives.  “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.  "Light Showers on Tidy Town" paper, acrylic on 24 x 48" canvas "Inspired by the coastal towns of Ireland." By Courtney Snyder
One of the challenges of writing blog posts that explore root causes of brain related symptoms is that what we are learning is constantly evolving. There's so much we still and will never know. Another challenge - everything is interconnected. The best I can do is to write about these root causes separately. While some contributing factors can occur in parallel, one condition is often leading to other downstream conditions that themselves contribute to things like depressed mood, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog/inattention and so forth. Mold toxicity is a perfect example. It can contribute to Pyrrole Disorder due the stress it puts on the body. It can lead to elevated copper by overwhelming one of the antioxidants in the body that regulates copper. Because it interferes with the immune system, it can lead to a susceptibility to candida/yeast, Lyme and its co-infections. It also frequently worsens mast cell activation (see last post). I consider it a root of the roots. In my daily work, I find mold toxicity to be very common. Here’s why -  by Courtney Snyder, MD
The human body is a mystery. As much and as fast as we’re learning, we still know very little. This post is about a recent discovery. I call it a “discovery,” because I’ve lived out what this theory holds to be true, as have a number of patients I work with, and perhaps some of you reading this. RCCX theory is quite complex. The best I can do is share my personal experience with the hope that doing so will help make this information more accessible. We all have traits that make us different - whether it’s our appearance, how we react to our world or the natural abilities we possess. Some traits, we may take pride in, others not so much. Ask me why I’m flexible and I’ll tell you I did gymnastics when I was young. Why do I have low blood pressure? I exercise regularly. My flat feet? Just one of those genetic things. As a child I worried...a lot. In my second year of college, I could have been diagnosed with depression. I’m the kind of person who can’t watch Cirque du Soleil without turning away for fear I’ll witness someone plunge to their death. Never had I imagined each of these traits could be related, or that they would foreshadow a ten year health struggle that I’m only recently coming out of. 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, 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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