There is Definitely a Common Pathway for Mental Illness: The Beginning of Brain Energy Theory

Introduction: Power to Bind Scattered Puzzle Pieces into One

In the previous post, we looked at the limitations of the diagnostic system of modern psychiatry. There were thousands of symptoms, but there was a suspicion that there might be some common ‘malfunctioning’ at its base. Dr. Christopher Palmer found that common pathway based on clinical inspiration and the latest scientific data obtained from treating tens of thousands of patients.

That is the core of the Brain Energy Theory I will introduce today.

1. Only One Cause, But Tens of Thousands of Results

We wonder why some people become depressed, some become anxious, and some hear hallucinations. According to Brain Energy Theory, all these phenomena start from one root called ‘imbalance of energy metabolism of brain cells.’

The brain accounts for only 2% of our body weight, but it’s an ‘energy-intensive’ organ that uses 20% of total energy. What if energy is not properly supplied to brain cells or if a problem occurs in the process of using energy? Certain parts of the brain will lose function, and some parts will be abnormally over-activated. The result is the various ‘mental illness symptoms’ we witness.

2. Mitochondria: Powerhouse and Regulator of Our Body

Then who is the subject that makes energy at the cellular level? It is Mitochondria. That’s right, the ‘intracellular powerhouse’ you learned in biology class. However, recent studies have revealed that mitochondria do not just make energy, but also determine the death of brain cells, control the secretion of neurotransmitters, and even regulate inflammatory responses.

When the function of mitochondria decreases, brain cells become vulnerable to stress, and errors occur in information processing circuits. In the end, the health status of mitochondria becomes the measure of our mental health.

3. Why ‘Energy’?

The word ‘energy’ has been alienated in psychiatry for a long time. However, the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors we feel all require electrical and chemical activation, and this activation consumes enormous energy.

Just as a smartphone with low battery suddenly turns off or apps freeze, a brain with low energy also malfunctions. Dr. Palmer defines that “All mental illnesses are essentially ‘metabolic disorders of the brain.’” This definition transforms mental illness from a vague metaphor like ‘a cold of the heart’ to a ‘manageable biological problem.‘

Conclusion: We are Connected

The greatest virtue of the Brain Energy Theory lies in ‘integration.’ This is because it can explain everything from genetics, environment, lifestyle, and physical health how they affect the brain in the language of ‘metabolism and energy.’

Now we have to change the question. Not “What is my serotonin level?” but “Are my brain cells producing enough energy healthily?”. The process of answering this question will soon become a process of true healing.

In the next post, we will look in more detail at how the physical diseases of our body are connected with this Brain Energy Theory.