MIND-BRAIN-GENE – John Arden, PhD, ABPP

Mind-Brain-Gene explores a wide variety of factors having multidirectional causal relationships between stress, depression, anxiety, the immune system, and gene expression.  The interaction between all these factors has been by illuminated by studies examining the effects of life style factors on the incidence of health and psychological problems.  There are significant relationships between immune system function, stress, insecure attachment, anxiety, depression, poor nutrition, bad quality sleep, physical inactivity, and neurophysiological dysregulation.  For example, insecure attachment, deprivation, and child abuse contribute to anxiety and depression as well as immune system dysregulation in far more extensive ways then was believed.  This complex range of health conditions effects millions of people who seek psychotherapy.

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the relationship between health and mental health
• Learn about the interaction between the immune system, genes, brain dynamics, and mental health
• Understand how the pandemic of obesity and autoimmune disorders involves chronic inflammation and mental health disorders
• Learn about how early adverse experiences can effect long-term health
• Understand how genes can be expressed or suppressed
• Learn how the stress systems can be turned on and are difficult to turn off
• Understand how the immune system is intricately connected to brain systems
• Learn how chronic and acute stress can dysregulate the immune system
• Understand how autoimmune disorders contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems

Continuing Education Information

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, through the California Psychological Association Office of Professional Development,  to sponsor continuing professional education for therapists in California. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

KPNC Mental Health Training Programs designate this live activity for 3.5 continuing education credits for the above-identified licensed professionals.