Discover why it’s not ALL in your head !

Why Functional Medicine ?

Functional Medicine is a new emerging field, that helps to address the numerous imbalance within our physiological system, by using objective functional tests, genomics, detailed history, relevant diet analysis, and physical exam.

Functional Medicine utilizes evidence based approach, that is non pharmaceutical based. Many of the patients are under the care of a psychologist (PhD) and or a Psychiatrist (MD), and we regularly collaborate care with these specialists. Unlike conventional mental health experts, Dr. Levy’s IFM (Integrative & Functional Medicine) approach, takes into consideration other organ systems, lifestyle & environmental factors that may impact mental health.

Many patients that seek psychological or psychiatric support, present with numerous subjective symptoms, these symptoms are often grouped and are categorized into classes of disorders, based on the DSM-4 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.) the Psychiatrist (MD) will use these diagnosed disorders and follow a common protocol to prescribe a certain medication, that should “normalize” the chemical imbalances in the brain.

For example: patient presents with these symptoms for at least 2 weeks duration:

  1. Depressed Mood
  2. Sleep decreased (Insomnia with 2-4 am awakening)
  3. Interest decreased in activities (anhedonia)
  4. Guilt or worthlessness (Not a major criteria)
  5. Energy decreased
  6. Concentration difficulties
  7. Appetite disturbance or weight loss
  8. Psychomotor retardation/agitation
  9. Suicidal thoughts

According to these symptoms the patient will be diagnosed with major depression, and if  is under the care of a psychiatrist (Medical Doctor with 5 years residency in Psychiatric training.) will be prescribed anti-depressant drugs, such as SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ), or TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressants).

Patient might also be under the care of a Psychologist (PhD, training in clinical psychology, NOT a Medical Doctor, therefore, does not prescribe drugs.)  whom might utilize CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Biofeedback etc…

The goal is to address issues with poor mechanisms, using functional medicine approach, is the mental emotional disturbance due to toxic load, or environmental concerns ? is it due to nutritional deficiencies ? Hormonal imbalances ?, is there a state of dysbiosis ? or imbalanced gut flora ? heavy metal toxicities ? etc…

Integrative and Functional Medicine might help

  • Depressed Mood (Depression)
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Chronic Anxiety
  • ADHD & Autism (ASD)
  • Chronic Stress
  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Neurodegenerative Disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Dz)
  • Dementia (memory loss)

As with other conditions, with your consent, Dr. Levy might require the most recent blood work from your family physician, and might discuss or collaborate the nature of your condition with your family physician or other specialists. (Pending patient’s verbal and written consent.) Furthermore, Dr. Levy might order additional functional lab tests, which may provide further insight to the root cause of the mental emotional concern.