Orthomolecular psychiatry
Orthomolecular Psychiatry
Orthomolecular psychiatry (pronounced: or-tho-mo-lec-u-lar psy-chi-a-try) is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the use of nutritional therapy and biochemical correction to treat mental disorders. The term "orthomolecular" was coined by Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate, in 1968. It is derived from the Greek words "ortho" (meaning "correct" or "right") and "molecule" (meaning "a group of atoms bonded together").
History
Orthomolecular psychiatry originated in the mid-20th century, when researchers began to explore the potential of vitamin and mineral supplementation in treating mental disorders. The field gained prominence with the work of Linus Pauling, who proposed that mental illness could be treated by correcting imbalances or deficiencies in a person's biochemistry.
Approach
Orthomolecular psychiatrists believe that mental disorders are often the result of biochemical imbalances or deficiencies. They use a variety of methods to diagnose these imbalances, including blood tests, urine tests, and hair analysis. Treatment typically involves dietary changes, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and other nutritional therapies.
Criticism and Controversy
Orthomolecular psychiatry has been the subject of controversy within the medical community. Critics argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of nutritional therapy in treating mental disorders. However, proponents of orthomolecular psychiatry argue that traditional psychiatric treatments often fail to address the underlying biochemical imbalances that contribute to mental illness.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Orthomolecular psychiatry
- Wikipedia's article - Orthomolecular psychiatry
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski