Lifestyle Psychiatry

Analyses the burgeoning body of evidence that supports the efficacy of physical activity, mind-body practices, diet, and sleep management in preventing and managing psychiatric disorders. The book offers discussions on the impact of a range of lifestyle interventions on disorders that include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction. Lifestyle Psychiatry collates and analyzes the burgeoning body of evidence that supports the efficacy of physical activity, mind-body practices, diet, and sleep management in preventing and managing psychiatric disorders. In these pages, providers will find detailed discussions on the impact of a range of lifestyle interventions on disorders that include depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. Regardless of a patient's specific disorder, readers will readily find data to support the use of a specific intervention. The mechanisms of each lifestyle intervention are clearly presented so that practitioners can educate their patients on the specific neurobiological and psychological effects of these interventions. With sections that focus on developing a robust therapeutic alliance and motivating patients to assume responsibility for their own well-being, this guide provides a framework for lasting, sustainable lifestyle changes. Additionally, chapters that discuss the impact of the provider's own lifestyle on clinical behavior and the implications of lifestyle psychiatry for health care systems and population health offer a ground-up examination of the important role this new field can play in a sophisticated, holistic approach to optimizing wellness. Exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, sound sleep: Most practitioners would agree that living well can mitigate the impact of mental disorders. Yet many are unprepared to address lifestyle factors in their care of patients. Lifestyle Psychiatry seeks to instill confidence by collating and analyzing the impressive emerging body of evidence that supports the efficacy of healthy lifestyle practices -- both as the primary intervention and in conjunction with traditional treatments such as psychopharmacology or psychotherapy -- in preventing and managing psychiatric disorders. This volume examines the impact of lifestyle interventions -- from exercise, yoga, and tai chi to mindfulness and meditation, diet and nutrition, and sleep management -- on psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. Readers can readily find data to support the use of specific lifestyle interventions for a patient presenting with a specific disorder. Detailed descriptions of the mechanisms of each lifestyle intervention also prepare practitioners to educate their patients on the specific neurobiological and psychological effects of these interventions to support their recovery. With chapters that focus on developing a robust therapeutic alliance and inspiring patients to assume responsibility for their own well-being, this guide provides a framework for lasting, sustainable lifestyle changes. Additionally, the book discusses the impact of the provider's lifestyle on clinical behavior and the implications of lifestyle medicine and psychiatry for health care systems and population health, offering a broader examination of the important role this new field can play in leading a sophisticated, holistic approach to optimizing wellness.