Existing Treatments Through the Lens of Brain Energy Theory: Why Do Some Work and Others Not?

Introduction: A Puzzle Piece That Tilts Scattered Treatments Into One

Numerous treatments exist in psychiatry, ranging from medication like antidepressants to psychological counseling like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and even physical stimulus treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Until now, we haven’t been able to perfectly explain why each of these treatments is effective. However, Dr. Christopher Palmer presents a common denominator through all these treatments in Brain Energy: ‘Restoring cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function.‘

1. Medication: Metabolic Effects Beyond Neurotransmitters

Antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs are mostly known for regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, the latest research shows that these drugs also have a direct impact on mitochondrial function.

For example, some drugs improve the metabolic state of cells by aiding mitochondrial energy production or reducing oxidative stress. Conversely, some drugs can cause metabolic diseases (weight gain, diabetes, etc.) by damaging mitochondria during long-term use. Both the pros and cons of medication can be explained from the single perspective of “metabolism.”

2. Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Regulating the Brains Stress Response

How can talk therapy cause biological changes? According to the Brain Energy theory, the act of managing stress and changing thought patterns through counseling stabilizes the brain’s “stress response system.”

When stress is reduced, cortisol levels lower, which helps mitochondria escape from overload and return to a normal energy production mode. In other words, psychological counseling is an act of physically improving the metabolic environment of brain cells while healing the invisible mind.

3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and TMS: Electrical Stimulation That Awakens Cells

ECT and TMS are treatments that apply direct electromagnetic stimulation to the brain. This powerful stimulus has the effect of “rebooting” the mitochondria of brain cells.

Through forced stimulation, they promote mitochondrial biogenesis (new creation) and help remove old or damaged mitochondria. It’s like restarting an old computer; by giving a strong stimulus to brain cells in a severe metabolic crisis, they’re brought back to the normal track.

4. Limitations of Existing Treatments and New Directions

Why do many patients still suffer despite the effectiveness of existing treatments? Dr. Palmer points out that as long as “fundamental metabolic problems (diet, sleep, exercise, etc.)” are not resolved, any treatment can only be a temporary fix.

Even if mitochondria are temporarily awakened through medication or electrical stimulation, if the overall metabolic environment of the body is a mess, the brain cells will fall back into an energy famine. This is why we must pay attention to the integrated approach of “metabolic treatment.”

Conclusion: All Roads Lead to ‘Metabolism’, Not Rome

The future of psychiatric treatment lies in strategically placing techniques within the large framework of metabolic health rather than simply listing scattered techniques. Whether it’s medication or counseling, the goal is one: helping our brain cells breathe healthily and produce energy on their own.

If you are receiving any treatment now, consider how it is helping your brain metabolism. And try adding small metabolic efforts you can make (good food, meditation, regular life) to maximize that effect.

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