Webinar: Introduction to Lifestyle Psychiatry

Description: 

Lifestyle Psychiatry is a rapidly emerging evidence-based discipline within healthcare that combines the biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle interventions to promote well-being, in addition to preventing and treating psychiatric disorders. In this presentation, we will discuss the pillars of Lifestyle Psychiatry in relation to specific conditions, such as depression and anxiety, with practical recommendations. We will also explore the bidirectional nature of physical and mental health, especially in the common chronic medical conditions of heart disease and diabetes.

Since the organ of focus for Lifestyle Psychiatry is the brain, we will touch upon brain science and its importance to mental and physical health. The latest research on neurobiology, cellular aging, inflammation, and the brain-gut microbiota system will be explored. 

Objectives: 

After this session, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the bidirectional nature of mental and physical health and how that affects overall health. 

• Recognize the role of the brain in inflammation, the brain-gut interaction, and neurobiology.

• Understand that the biopsychosocial model has been expanded to include lifestyle interventions for overall mental and physical health.
  

Note: A recording of this talk will be available after the event exclusively for SGLM members.

CME/CPE credits: Pending SMC, SNDA review

About the Speaker

Dr. Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, MEd Dr. Merlo is a clinical professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, associate editor of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the founding chair of the APA Caucus on Lifestyle Psychiatry, chair of the 2025 Workgroup on Lifestyle Psychiatry, and serves on the Scientific Program Committee. She is also a fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), past chair of the Mental and Behavioral Health Member Interest Group, and contributing author to ACLM’s 3rd and 4th editions of the board review course. In 2025, she was awarded the ACLM Health System/Agency Special Recognition Award and the APA Presidential Commendation Award. Merlo has published four academic books on medical professionalism and lifestyle medicine (Oxford University Press and Taylor and Francis). In December 2023, her book Lifestyle Psychiatry: Through the Lens of Behavioral Medicine expanded the area of Lifestyle Medicine to include social determinants of health, psychological principles, and the bidirectionality of physical and mental health.

Website: giamerlo.com

General audience book:

Restack: A New Approach to Dismantle the Blocks Holding You Back

Academic books:

Lifestyle Psychiatry 

Lifestyle Nursing

Medical Professionalism: Theory, Education, and Practice

Principles of Medical Professionalism Registration

This webinar is open to healthcare professionals