The Deficit Model & Difficult to Treat Depression Featuring Dr. Chris Aiken | Psychofarm Podcast

Dr. Chris Aiken discusses strategies for treatment-resistant depression, including the deficit model, supplements, and inflammatory markers.

Dr. Chris Aiken of The Carlat Report joins us to discuss difficult-to-treat depression and underlying causes. We talk about supplements like methylfolate and omega-3, take a deeper look at inflammation and CRP markers, and more! ================ 🎙 Carlat Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/… 🌐 Website: chrisaikenmd.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisaikenmd/ 🐦 Twitter: x.com/chrisaikenmd ================ 💡Anti-depressant Course: psycho.farm/antidepressant-course 📖 PsychoFarm's Treating Depression Book: a.co/d/3M0uFui ================ Follow PsychoFarm: 🔴SUBSCRIBE ► youtube.com/c/Psychofarm?sub_confirmation=1 🧠Mental Health Resources: psycho.farm/services-4 ➡️Instagram: instagram.com/thepsychofarm/ ➡️Tiktok: tiktok.com/@thepsychofarm ➡️Twitter: twitter.com/ThePsychoFARM ================ In this episode of our psychiatry podcast, we explore depression treatment and the deeper question of when and how to address its underlying causes. Our guest, Dr. Chris Aiken of the carlat report, sheds light on the concept of difficult-to-treat depression, sometimes known as treatment-resistant depression, and why traditional approaches might not always be enough. We discuss the underlying deficit model of mental health, diving into nutritional psychiatry, neuroprotection, and lifestyle interventions that could be key to improving brain health. From supplements like omega-3 and methylfolate to therapies such as light therapy, ECT, and TMS, we look at the full range of options to manage mood disorders like bipolar disorder and major depression. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Aiken explains how inflammation and markers such as CRP can shape our understanding of root cause factors in mental health. We also examine the role of hormone therapy, including testosterone, in depression treatment, considering the potential benefits and pitfalls. By highlighting psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and other psychiatric medication approaches, we emphasize the importance of personalized care that focuses on long-term solutions rather than short-term symptom management. Listeners will come away with practical insights into how psychiatrists can integrate nutritional psychiatry strategies, address possible deficits in brain function, and optimize overall mental health through a combination of evidence-based therapies and lifestyle modifications. We talk about the balance between therapy and medication, how to discern when more specialized interventions are necessary, and why some patients might respond better to certain treatments than others. Whether you’re interested in understanding why some cases of depression seem unresponsive to conventional medication or how emerging research in supplements and neuroprotection can make a difference, this episode will help you explore new options. Dr. Aiken’s insights em