Holistic Psychiatry Podcast

I recently joined Annika Taylor on The Wellness Rebel Podcast to talk about mold toxicity, and how it can cause not only physical symptoms, but also brain symptoms such as anxiety, depression, OCD, brain fog, mood swings, and in more severe cases, psychosis.
Watch the full conversation above. Below is a recap of our conversation, along with the resources we discussed along the way.
Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Mold and Mental Health1:47 Understanding Mold Exposure and Illness5:13 Personal Journey with Mold Illness8:40 Sources of Mold Exposure12:12 Physical Symptoms of Mold Toxicity18:54 Mental Health Impacts of Mold Exposure25:32 Identifying Mold in the Environment32:28 Treatment Options for Mold Toxicity
I. What Is Mold-Related Illness?
Mold-related illness can be broken down into three distinct categories that often get lumped together: mold allergy, mold toxicity, and mold colonization. Mold allergy, which most people are familiar with, is a reaction to outdoor or indoor mold spores. Mold toxicity is different: it happens when mycotoxins actually accumulate in the body, something that appears to affect roughly 25% of people who can't effectively remove the toxins on their own. This explains why one family member in a home with mold can get seriously ill while another in the same house is fine. Third is the lesser-known mold colonization, where mold spores take hold directly in the sinuses or even the GI tract. That means a person can be out of a moldy environment for years and still have an internal source of toxicity.
II. My Own Mold Story
My interest in mold began around 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with mold toxicity. For years prior, I had been dealing with chronic fatigue, symptoms of fibromyalgia, and vague neurological symptoms that neither my doctors nor I could explain. My daughter was also having complex chronic health issues that initially looked like developmental regression. Understanding the microbiome and dietary changes were helpful to both of us, as were the Walsh Research Institute's nutrient-based interventions, but the real turning point came when the topic of mold toxicity came across my radar in 2016.
Mycotoxin testing and testing of our home and my office confirmed that we had significant exposure and toxicity, which we were treated for and benefited significantly from.
III. When a Partner Isn't on Board: How Mold Treatment Affects the Whole Family
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is how difficult it can be for someone to get out of or address an exposure if their spouse or partner is not on board. In my own case, I was fortunate — my then-husband was agreeable, especially when he realized how much clarity, decisiveness, and even sense of urgency I had. We'd dealt with significant health issues for a long time, and I didn't want something irreversible to emerge that would leave me in regret for not acting sooner. We acted on that instinct.
We were very lucky to find that we were eligible for insurance coverage, which covered an extended-stay hotel while we had our home remediated. For a lot of families, that's not the reality. If a partner isn't on the same page, it can become one of the biggest reasons someone doesn't end up leaving a house with mold — whether that obstacle gets talked about openly or not. There are those who don't believe mold toxicity is real, and those who don't want to believe it's real (consciously or unconsciously). Education, input from those with expertise, or even seeking couples therapy can be necessary.
It is important to remember that part of the treatment, namely addressing mold in the home, impacts the whole family.
IV. Where Mold Hides: Common Sources of Exposure
For most people who test positive for mold toxicity, the primary exposure is likely environmental, as opposed to mold in food. Leaks under sinks, problems around windows, roof leaks, chimney flashing, damp basements, and high ambient humidity are all common culprits. High humidity left unaddressed can be a big problem. Estimates of the percentage of homes that mold have crept up over the years, from 50% to 75% to, as some consultants now say, essentially every building to some degree. I've seen a couple of children with developmental issues who had mold in their mattresses from bedwetting.
V. The Physical Symptoms of Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity often shows up as sinus issues (especially with colonization), asthma, and — notably in young children — recurring croup (spasmodic croup) and ear infections.
Many people with mold toxicity also develop mast cell activation, which triggers an exaggerated immune response affecting the skin, respiratory tract, GI tract, and/or bladder. Racing heart, air hunger, and stomach pain can occur. Neurological complaints can include electric "jolt" sensations, numbness and tingling, headaches, light sensitivity, and temperature dysregulation.
Many of these symptoms overlap with Lyme disease, EMF sensitivity, and other chronic conditions. The immune dysregulation caused by mold toxicity can contribute to a vulnerability to Lyme and its coinfections, Candida, SIBO, PANS, PANDAS, and more.
VI. The Brain and Mental Health Symptoms of Mold
Brain Fog, Fatigue, Anxiety, OCD, Psychosis, Mood Swings, Developmental Delays & Cognitive Decline
I don't know what psychiatric symptom mold toxicity can't cause. Brain fog and fatigue are especially common, as is anxiety. For some, mold toxicity can contribute to psychosis and/or dramatic mood swings. In children, mold toxicity can look like ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays.
I see mold toxicity as something that aligns with — and amplifies — someone's existing genetic vulnerabilities rather than acting alone. Most of the patients I see with severe conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe OCD have mold toxicity as a contributing factor, though, again, rarely the only factor.
The Neurotransmitter Connection
Mold toxicity can drive up pyrrole levels, which in turn depletes zinc and B6 — two nutrients essential for neurotransmitter functioning. It can also worsen copper-zinc imbalances through oxidative stress and interfere with methylation, both of which also impact neurotransmitter functioning.
A Client's Story: OCD and a Hidden Leak
Annika recalls when she became interested in helping those with mold toxicity. She shares the story of a friend whose severe, debilitating OCD — along with episodes of derealization and out-of-body sensations — turned out to trace back to black mold discovered behind a washing machine, the result of an old water leak. Once they addressed the mold, the connection became clear in hindsight.
VII. Mold Toxins Can Create a Threat Response in the Body & Brain
While we can have threats on the outside, mold toxicity is a threat we can have on the inside. When we are under threat, three systems tend to get activated: the immune system (as discussed with mast cell activation), the limbic system, and the autonomic nervous system. The limbic system puts the body into a vigilant, threat-scanning state — and for some people, that vigilance surfaces as OCD (an unconscious attempt to "make things right" when the body senses something is wrong), health anxiety, or a diffuse sense that something isn't okay.
The autonomic nervous system, meanwhile, can get stuck in fight-or-flight or shutdown mode instead of rest-and-digest. Annika is careful to frame this not something to fear, but something to understand — the goal isn't panic, it's empowerment.
VIII. Testing for Mold: Home and Body
Testing Your Environment
If there's visible water damage or visible mold, extensive testing usually isn't necessary. Generally, where there is water damage or water retained in a space, there will be mold growth. The priority becomes proper containment, and remediation. If there is no known issue and someone has mold toxicity (which could be from an old exposure), I recommend the ERMI-style dust test (I use Mycometrics), which measures water-damage-associated spore counts against outdoor spore counts from a simple cloth dust sample.
I caution against relying solely on air sampling from a home inspector, which I and many of my patients have found unreliable by itself — surface or dust testing gives a clearer picture. Petri-dish testing (I use Immunolytics) can help pinpoint which room is affected, though it misses a couple of important mold species.
Testing Your Body
For testing mycotoxins in the body, I use RealTime Labs, an at-home urine test that screens for five toxin families. Annika discusses her experience with another company, which showed false negatives — a patient with a "no mold" result went untreated for years while ongoing exposure continued.
To improve the accuracy of the test, I sometimes have patients do a sauna session or take glutathione in the days leading up to testing, to help mobilize toxins — though this isn't appropriate for everyone, particularly more sensitive patients.
IX. Treatment: Binders, Antifungals, and Diet
Environment:
Once someone has a positive test and a known or suspected source, I recommend having a consultant (separate from the remediation company, to avoid conflicts of interest) create a remediation plan — ideally with proper containment so the remediation process itself doesn't spread spores further. After remediation, a retest should be done to confirm the space is actually clean, ideally at the remediation company's expense if it isn't.
Binders:
On the body side, treatment typically starts with binders — chosen based on which toxins showed up on testing — such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, chlorella, or cholestyramine (a prescription option that binds ochratoxin particularly well). I start sensitive patients low and slow, since mobilizing toxins can temporarily worsen symptoms.
Antifungals When Appropriate:
Depending on the response and whether colonization is present, treatment may progress to nasal or systemic antifungals.
Diet:
Because colonization is so common, minimizing sugar and refined carbs is very important, since these feed Candida and mold colonization directly. Foods with higher trace mold content — corn, peanuts, dried fruit, aged meats and cheeses, coffee, and non-shelled nuts — are also worth limiting, along with high-histamine foods for those who are histamine-reactive.
X. Where to Learn More
As Annika emphasizes: this isn't about fearing every corner of your home — it's about being empowered with the right information.
And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.
Until next time,
Courtney
Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and her YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.
Resources
* Dr. Courtney Snyder's blog: How Mold Toxicity Impacts the Brain
* Home mold test (dust sample / ERMI-style)
* RealTime Labs mycotoxin urine testing
* Mold Symptom Questionnaire (Dr. Jill Crista)
* Mold Clean-Up Guide (Dr. Jill Carnahan)
* Finding mold consultants & remediation professionals (ISEAI)
* Annika Taylor’s website: Nourished by Nature

Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

As a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I see many people who are highly sensitive. Most are deep divers into information and able to connect a lot of dots. Many are gifted. Many struggle with overwhelm and low stress tolerance. Some struggled with anxiety, inner tension, or feeling “too much” for as long as they can remember. Some feel different - that they don’t fit in.
As a holistic and functional psychiatrist with over twenty years in practice, I've worked with thousands of highly sensitive adults and children. Most are deep divers into information, able to connect a lot of dots — many are gifted. And yet many struggle with overwhelm, low stress tolerance, anxiety, or inner tension that has been there for as long as they can remember. Many feel different, like they don't quite fit in. What I've found is that sensitivity itself is rarely the problem — it’s the seeming vulnerability to brain-related or physical conditions.
Over the years I’ve found three different models to be especially useful in explaining some of the vulnerabilities and the strengths of those of us who are highly sensitive: Dr. Elaine Aron’s work on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the nutritional medicine concept of Pyrrole Disorder, and Dr. Sharon Meglathery’s RCCX Theory. Each looks at a similar group of traits through a different lens — psychological, biochemical, and genetic, respectively.
Before I start, I want to emphasize that sensitivity is not a pathology or a diagnosis. It is actually a trait that has existed across human history for a reason. My goal is not to pathologize it, but to understand it — and to offer tools to those who have these traits but who are struggling with a condition more prevalent in those with these traits. As I go through these three frameworks, the overlap will be obvious and I’ll highlight what each of these has to offer that the others don’t.
What You'll Learn
* The HSP model provides validation and a language for sensitive individuals.
* Pyrrole Disorder involves an overproduction of pyrroles, leading to nutrient depletion of nutrients critical for neurotransmitter functioning.
* Pyrrole Disorder is common in brain-related conditions.
* RCCX Theory connects genetic vulnerabilities to sensitivity and chronic illness.
* Stress amplifies the experiences of highly sensitive individuals.
* Understanding these models can lead to effective treatment options.
* There are meaningful paths forward for those who are highly sensitive.
Chapters
* 00:00 Understanding High Sensitivity
* 02:26 The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Model
* 10:23 Exploring Pyrrole Disorder
* 18:18 RCCX Theory Explained
* 30:11 Intersecting Models: HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory
* 34:40 Conclusion and Path Forward
I. THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON
In the early 1990s, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron identified a personality trait she called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — and the people who score high in it she called Highly Sensitive Persons, or HSPs.
This is not a diagnosis. It is a trait, present in roughly 15–20% of the population. It has been found across more than 100 species — from fruit flies to primates. This tells us it is evolutionarily conserved — it confers survival advantages. In any social group, having members who are wired to notice subtle cues, process information deeply, and detect threats before others do is extremely valuable. Fitting with this, many of these individuals, who also struggle with complex chronic health issues are considered the “canaries in the coal mine” since their bodies react to environmental triggers (environmental toxins, chemicals, or stressors) long before the rest of the population.
Dr. Aron captured the core features of this trait in an acronym she called DOES:
D — Depth of processing: HSPs think deeply, reflect before acting, and notice subtleties that others miss.
O — Overstimulation: Because they process so thoroughly, HSPs reach their threshold more quickly in high-stimulation environments.
E — Emotional reactivity and Empathy: HSPs feel emotions intensely and are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them.
S — Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: They pick up on things — in their environment, in social dynamics, in the body — that others simply don’t register.
As you can see, traits that are super powers, can become liabilities. The deep diver who loses sight of the big picture. The empath who absorbs everyone else’s energy as their own energy becomes depleted. The person who withdraws from the world because the stimulation has simply become too much.
HSP Research
Beyond the clinical observations, there is now a growing body of neuroscience and genetic research supporting this trait. There is evidence that the brains of sensitive people are doing more, processing more and feeling more.
fMRI studies (Acevedo, Aron et al., 2014) have shown that when HSPs view emotional images — particularly photos of loved ones expressing happiness or sadness — their brains show significantly greater activation in regions associated with awareness, empathy, and sensory integration.
Twin studies show that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Aron is approximately 47% heritable. Small studies as opposed to large genome wide studies have focused on genetic variants involving dopamine and serotonin systems, such as a serotonin transport gene, a dopamine receptor gene, and COMT, which codes for the enzyme that metabolizes dopamine and norepinephrine.
While this hints at a biochemical dimension, the HSP framework doesn’t address this as directly as the other two models I’ll discuss, nor does it explain the higher prevalence of physical health conditions in those who are highly sensitive.
Research published in 2026 (Matsuzawa et al.) found that individuals high in SPS had substantially higher rates of depression (13.8%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), and developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, compared to the general population.
Despite this overlap with developmental disorders: unlike, ADHD, HSPs typically have excellent concentration in quiet environments. And unlike the social deficits described in ASD, HSPs tend to have heightened social attunement. They often feel too much of what’s happening in social situations, not too little, even if they respond awkwardly at times.
Research shows that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with more frequent physical symptoms — back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, frequent illness.
What This Framework Offers
The HSP model has given millions of people validation and a language for these traits that has allowed them to shift from “what is wrong with me” to “this is how I am wired.”
It also offers an evolutionary reframe. High sensitivity is not a mistake and is not pathologic. It is a feature of the human population that has served us.
What it doesn’t offer is a biological explanation for why some sensitive people suffer so acutely — or a path toward biochemical intervention.
II. PYRROLE DISORDER
Pyrrole disorder is a biochemical imbalance that has been recognized for decades, though it remains largely unknown in mainstream psychiatry. It involves an overproduction of pyrroles — metabolic byproducts that, on their own, are not a problem. When they are high, however, they can result in a depletion of zinc, B6 and a few other nutrients.
First identified in the 1950s and first treated with zinc and B6 in the 1980s, pyrrole disorder is one of the most common nutrient imbalances found in brain-related conditions — and one of the most treatable. Yet most people who have it have never heard of it. I learned about pyrroles in 2014 when I first trained with the Walsh Research Institute.
The Importance of Zinc, B6 & Magnesium
Vitamin B6 is required to synthesize dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — three of the most critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress response. Zinc plays a profound role in the central nervous system, the immune system, gastrointestinal tract (which we now know has its own significant influence on brain health) and connective tissue (joints and skin).
Pyrrole Disorder Traits & Symptoms
The most consistent feature is low stress tolerance. People with elevated pyrroles are often described as those for whom life seems harder than it should be, every transition can be destabilizing and every large group or new environment feels like too much.
The overlap with the HSP profile is striking, but here, we start to see not only traits, but symptoms.
- Socially anxious, shy, or fearful since childhood, with severe inner tension
- Sensitive to bright light, loud noises, textures, and odors
- Avoids crowds, strangers, and new situations
- History of reading difficulty
- Poor short-term memory
- Underachievement
- Irritability, mood swings, bouts of depression
- Tends to stay up late; little or no dream recall; morning nausea
- White spots on fingernails; very dry skin; stretch marks; poor wound healing
- Joint pain
- Frequent infections or autoimmune tendencies
Most people with pyrrole disorder don’t have all of these symptoms — but the inner tension, the high sensitivity, and low stress intolerance are very common.
What the Data Shows
The Walsh Research Institute has collected data on over 30,000 patients. Elevated pyrroles were found in:
* 18% of those with ADHD
* 24% of those with depression
* 28% of those with behavioral disorders
* 35% of those with autism
* 35% of those with bipolar disorder
* 30% of those with schizophrenia
* 12% of those with PTSD
And in only 8% of healthy controls — meaning those with no psychiatric diagnosis.
What Causes Pyrrole Disorder?
For many, there appears to be a genetic component, but for others, pyrroles appear to have increased due to high physiologic or emotional stress. Examples include candida overgrowth or other forms of gut microbial imbalances, mold toxicity, heavy metals, chemical exposures, illness, emotional trauma, major life transitions or even growth spurts in children.
What This Framework Brings Us
Relative to the HSP framework, an understanding of pyrroles gives a specific, treatable biological mechanism. When zinc, B6, Magnesium and other nutrients are depleted, we know how the brain’s neurotransmitter functioning is affected — and we know what to do about it.
Treatment from a Walsh Research Institute trained practitioner typically involves a nutrient protocol of zinc (based on zinc and copper testing), B6 or its active form P5P, and other nutrients for pyrrole disorder and other nutrient imbalances identified. For many patients, a lifetime of chronic inner tension and fearfulness begins to shift within days to a couple of weeks of starting the nutrients.
Treatment doesn’t change one’s personality, but it can improve social discomfort, overwhelm, the anxiety, the depression that has been layered on top of that sensitivity.
Where zinc deficiency can impact a lot of the physical conditions that appear to be more common in those who are hypersensitive, it doesn’t fully explain the significant hormonal, inflammatory, connective tissue symptoms and autoimmunity we see in many who are hypersensitive.
III. RCCX THEORY
RCCX theory has been proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, MD — a psychiatrist and internist whose own complex health history (which is very similar to my own) led her to one of the most compelling explanations I’ve encountered for why hypersensitivity, neurodivergence, psychiatric conditions, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and/or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and autoimmunity tend to cluster together in certain individuals and families.
RCCX refers to a module of four genes on chromosome 6. Three of them appear to be particularly important to our health, and two of those have very high rates of mutation.
The Three Key Genes
(1) TNXB codes for a protein involved in connective tissue. Variants range from subtle joint hypermobility to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But connective tissue isn’t just about joints — it’s also about the permeability of the gut-blood barrier, the blood-brain barrier, and vulnerability to upper cervical (neck) instability, which can put tension on the vagus nerve and affect the entire autonomic nervous system.
(2) CYP21A2 is the most important gene in the module when it comes to psychiatric conditions. It codes for 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme needed to convert 17-hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol. When there is a mutation — and there can be many, of varying degrees — the body may struggle to meet the demand for cortisol under stress. A weakness on this gene could have two primary effects:
First — The theory holds that many people with CYP21A2 mutations, even without hypermobility, may develop what Dr. Meglathery calls a “brain wired for danger” — essentially, a nervous system calibrated toward threat detection from early in life, with minimal trauma required. A mutation on CYP21A2 may essentially result in relatively higher androgens impacting the amygdala — the brain’s fear and emotional center. Studies have found that hypermobile individuals (who often carry TNXB mutations) have a larger-than-normal amygdala.
Second — because of this mutation, the body may not be able to keep up with the body’s need for cortisol (especially when under stress). This deficit causes the brain to release corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. CRH binds to mast cells and activates the immune system — leading to secondary brain inflammation. This is the inflammatory pathway that can result in a number of secondary health issues including MCAS, CIRS, POTS, CFS and more.
(3) C4 is involved in immune response and autoimmunity, and has been linked to schizophrenia. This gene variant is not as common as the first two referenced, though I do see a number of families who also have autoimmunity impacting multiple family members.
The CAPS Psychological Profile
Dr. Meglathery uses the term CAPS — CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum — to describe the psychological profile she has observed in people with this genetic vulnerability. These traits can exist long before any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and they are not inherently pathological.
- Anxiety and over-arousal during times of stress — high adrenaline, insomnia, sometimes manic-like characteristics
- Under-arousal during low-stress periods — leading to ADD presentations, compulsive behaviors, or thrill-seeking to raise arousal
- High emotionality, sensitivity, and reactivity to environmental stimuli
- Sensory processing difficulties — typically over-stimulation in loud or chaotic environments
- A strong ability to read emotions in others, paired with social awkwardness in response
- Easily affected by events others would consider minor — an offhand comment, a disturbing movie
- A tendency toward nonconformity
- Special abilities: gifted musicians, scientists, creatives, systems thinkers
- Hyper-focus and obsession with areas of deep interest, often leading to remarkable accomplishments
- High tenacity and determination, when not derailed by overstimulation or past trauma
- Strong emotions — positive or negative — that can manifest as obsessional worrying, harm avoidance, OCD tendencies, or very high standards for self and others
Dr. Meglathery also notes — and I have observed this clinically — that people with this profile tend to find each other through friendships, partnerships and marriage. They are drawn together by shared sensitivities, emotional depth, and intellectual gifts. This means children are likely to receive a tendency towards CAPS from both sides.
Women who are appear to have CYP21A2 mutations often have a male-pattern finger length ratio — the ring finger longer than the index finger — a possible marker of androgen exposure during development.
What RCCX Offers
RCCX theory offers the broadest biological framework we have for understanding why sensitivity, psychiatric vulnerability, and complex chronic illness so often travel together in the same people and families. It connects the nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system, and connective tissue under one genetic umbrella.
It also points toward specific interventions: nervous system regulation (limbic retraining, vagal work), mast cell management, and addressing the downstream biochemical consequences of cortisol dysregulation.
The limitation is that genetic testing for variants on the gene for 21-hydroxylase is not yet widely available, which is why this isn’t a gene that you’ll see referenced when it comes to HSP, though I would argue it is likely the most prevalent. RCCX remains a clinical theory — but one that explains the constellation of traits and symptoms of most of the people that I in my practice
IV. WHERE THESE MODELS INTERSECT
Where Might Pyrrole Disorder and RCCX Theory Meet?
The symptom overlap is almost complete: poor stress tolerance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, inner tension, connective tissue symptoms, frequent infections, autoimmune tendencies. Relatively low zinc would impact most of these shared symptoms, but there may be a potentially deeper connection.
21-hydroxylase contains a pyrrole-like structure — heme — within it. Could a mutation resulting in abnormal 21-hydroxylase lead to a buildup of abnormal heme-like compounds, contributing directly to pyrrole disorder? This is not proven, but in an exchange about this with Dr. Meglathery, she indicated that she also believes there is a strong association, and the biochemical logic is compelling.
This matters, because we know what helps pyrrole disorder. We have a treatment — treatment that can complement what RCCX theory makes evident — that the stress response has to be addressed.
Stress (again from any cause - physiologic or emotional) is the great amplifier across all three models. Stress worsens the HSP experience, and tips the CYP21A2 mutation from manageable to destabilizing (through the hormonal consequences and the inflammatory cascade) and yes, it even causes pyrroles to increase.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
For someone who is highly sensitive, and struggling with brain related or physical symptoms or conditions, pyrrole disorder and even RCCX theory are worth considering because they offer tools and start to answer, “What Can We Do About It?”
The three frameworks work together:
The HSP model offers validation and language. It shifts the frame from deficit to difference. It reminds us that sensitivity is not pathology — it is a trait with evolutionary value, and it comes with great strengths.
The Pyrrole model offers a treatable nutrient imbalance. It explains, at the neurotransmitter level, why stress hits harder for these individuals. Treatment doesn’t take away the sensitivity; it lifts the weight that has accumulated on top of it.
The RCCX model offers the broadest systems view. It connects the dots between what the body is doing — the immune activation, the hormonal dysregulation, the connective tissue involvement — and the psychiatric and psychological profile that tends to accompany it. It also provides additional tools: nervous system regulation, mast cell support, hormonal awareness.
If any of this resonates — the sensitivity, the inner tension, the feeling of always being at the edge of overwhelm — please know that there are roots to explore and meaningful paths forward.
If you are looking for someone trained by the Walsh Research Institute knowledgeable in assessing for and treating pyrrole disorder (and other common nutrient imbalances impacting brain health), or learning more about Dr. Aron’s work on HSP and Dr. Meglathery’s RCCX theory, I am providing those links below.
And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.
Until next time,
Courtney
About the Author
Dr. Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.
Resources
Walsh Research Institute: walshinstitute.org
RCCX Theory — Dr. Sharon Meglathery: rccxandillness.com
Dr. Elaine Aron — The Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.com
Other Sources: Acevedo et al. 2014, “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” Brain & Behavior | Matsuzawa et al. 2026, Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences Reports
Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Snyder, a Holistic Child and Adult Psychiatrist discusses:
- The research into Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) and health outcomes (at a population level)
- How early adversity can impact our physiology, biochemistry and thus neurotransmitter functioning
- Why ACEs scores are less meaningful at an individual level
- The role of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) on mitigating the effects of adversity in childhood
- The gift of neuroplasticity and resources to help teach/train/rewire our nervous system to feel safe.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Holistic Psychiatry
01:25 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
07:07 Impact of Early Stress on Physiology and Biochemistry
16:27 The Role of Positive Childhood Experiences
21:01 Vulnerability to Trauma and Genetic Factors
22:05 The Power of Positive Experiences in Healing
Positive Adaptive Childhood Experiences Study 2019 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747474/
To learn more visit:
CourtneySnyderMD.com
Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

It is increasingly understood that our brain health is dependent on our having healthy nutrient levels. But how do nutrients actually impact our neurotransmitters.
We might assume that certain nutrient levels would cause certain symptoms or conditions. Instead, what we find are biotypes - one condition is often associated with a small handful of imbalances. For example, the biotypes of depression from the Walsh Research Institute, included undermethylation, overmethylation, pyrrole disorder, copper overload and metal toxicity. And reversely, one nutrient imbalance can contribute to a range of brain symptoms. Copper overload, for example, can be a factor in ADHD for one person, but for another contribute to panic or insomnia and still another rage or tantrums. There are some conditions, however, that have a very strong associations with specific nutrient imbalances. In this newsletter, I will address:
* 5 Ways Nutrients Impact Neurotransmitter Functioning
* Psychiatric Conditions That Can Almost Predict a Specific Nutrient Imbalance
The data comes from the Walsh Research Institute.
Nutrient Imbalances Can Be Due to Too Much or Too Little
I use the term nutrient imbalances, because it’s not just about deficiencies of certain nutrients. Specific nutrient overloads can impact brain health as well. This biochemical diversity means we don’t all have the same needs when it comes to diet and supplementation. Some of us, for example, can benefit from folate, but for others with excess folate, supplementation could worsen depression and anxiety. Those with copper overload can similarly have worsening of symptoms with copper supplementation, while others will have a need for copper.
What Causes Nutrient Imbalances
While it might seem that this is all about our intake of nutrients, we can come by these imbalances genetically. We can also acquire deficiencies and even overloads through high oxidative stress. This is when our body (including our brain) is dealing with too many insults, resulting in a depletion of our inherent antioxidants leaving us vulnerable to DNA and thus cell damage, inflammation and their consequences). Copper zinc imbalances and elevated pyrroles, which results in relatively low zinc and B6, are signs of oxidative stress.
Often an imbalance appears to have multiple causes. For example a woman with high copper causing high anxiety, could have a family history of high copper conditions (post partum depression, ADHD, angry outbursts) and thus have a likely genetic vulnerability. She may also, be taking a multivitamin with copper, eating a lot of chocolate (high in copper) dealing with high oxidative stress and not the least, be on an oral contraceptive (added estrogen can make copper go up).
5 Ways Nutrients Can Impact Neurotransmitter Functioning
Nutrients often function as co-factors, helping certain enzymes do their job. Specific nutrients are needed:
* For production of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6, for example is needed to make serotonin, dopamine and GABA. B6 can be low in pyrrole disorder and thus contribute to a range of symptoms.
* To convert one neurotransmitter to another. Copper is needed to turn dopamine into norepinephrine (think adrenaline). If we are high in copper, we could have relatively low dopamine and high adrenaline states, which is what is seen in ADHD.
* To support enzymes involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters. For example MAOA is an enzyme that needs Vitamin B2 to do its job breaking down serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. If these aren’t broken down, there could be problems with activation and anxiety.
* To help receptors do their job. Receptors are what neurotransmitters bind to, resulting in a impulse being sent down the nerve cell. Zinc and magnesium help regulate the NMDA receptor. If not well regulated, there can be high activity, which can look like thoughts getting stuck - ruminations, obsessions in OCD, cravings in addiction, and even delusions in psychosis.
* Regulate the expression of genes for serotonin reuptake receptors. Folate causes an increase in the expression of these genes (and thus production of these receptors). This results in more serotonin being picked up and less available between nerve cells. This could be a problem for someone who already has low serotonin symptoms. SAMe, on the other hand, does the opposite and it can function like an SSRI.
Why One Diagnosis Isn’t Always Associated With One Imbalance
* Psychiatric conditions appear to have various causes. If someone comes to me with a diagnosis of depression, for example, that only tells me what type of symptoms they likely have. It doesn’t tell me if those symptoms are related to high copper, a methylation imbalance, elevated pyrroles, candida, a misaligned upper cervical spine , mast cell activation, mold toxicity, metal toxicity, hormone imbalances or a combination of any of these…….or something else.
* More often multiple factors appear to be aligning. It is not uncommon, for example, to have candida or mold causing high pyrroles causing low zinc, leading to high copper, and as an aside also be undermethylated.
* One “root cause” can contribute to a range of conditions and symptoms. Some people with high copper are diagnosed with depression or anxiety and others with ADHD. Some people who are undermethylated have OCD, others depression and still other schizophrenia. Very often, people will be have multiple diagnoses fitting with an imbalance. “Comorbidities” in psychiatry are the norm, rather than the exception.
Despite all of this, there are certain nutrient imbalances that occur so commonly in certain psychiatric conditions that they can almost be predicted .

Data From Walsh Research Institute
Simply knowing someone has a mental health condition makes it more likely that they will have a methylation imbalance - more often undermethylation.
The Walsh Research Institute has looked at the methylation status of 30,000 over 40 year and found that 70% of those with mental illness exhibit a methylation imbalance (undermethylation and overmethylation). This is relative to the general population, in which 30% had a methylation imbalance.
Other Data From the Walsh Research Institute:
* History of Postpartum Depression - 95% have copper overload
* ADHD - 68% have a copper zinc imbalance
* Autism Spectrum Disorder - 98% undermethylation, 98% low zinc
* Antisocial Personality Disorder - 95% undermethylation, 95% pyrrole disorder, 95% low zinc
* Oppositional Defiant Disorder - 85% undermethylation
* Schizoaffective Disorder - 90% undermethylation
* Anorexia - 82% undermethylation
* Schizophrenia - 70% undermethylation
* Violent behavior - 78% high copper
Evaluation & Labs Are Still Important
None of these are 100%. And, again, there is rarely one contributing factor, so a comprehensive evaluation and lab testing are still important. Even if I am fairly confident that someone is low in zinc, I don’t recommend starting zinc without checking zinc and copper levels. Starting zinc too rapidly can mobilize high copper and worsen symptoms. If copper is low, zinc can cause a further decrease.
Also, there are occasions when it can be difficult to address an imbalance, without addressing another contributing issue first. For example, I see some patients who are unable to tolerate treatment of undermethylation until they begin treatment for candida or mold.
There is always so much more data to share, when it comes to the Walsh Research Institute. I look forward to discussing biotypes of depression, ADHD and schizophrenia
in a future episode.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions.
Until next time,
Courtney
To learn more about my discovery calls, non-patient consultations, and treatment practice, visit:
CourtneySnyderMD.com
Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

In light of the recent lawsuit against Meta and YouTube/Google, I want to share an overview of some of the research into the impacts of screen media on the development and mental health of children and teens. But more, I want to provide support and resources for parents.
In this episode, I discuss:
* The recent and expected deluge of lawsuits against social media platforms
* Research into:
* Infants and toddlers and screen time
* Online learning in schools
* Amount of time online in teens pre and post COVID
* Chatbots and generative AI
* Children’s exposure to pornography
* EMF, which has a greater impact on children than adults
* Support and resources for parents (see below)
* The importance of aligning with children and teens around shared goals
Referenced Resources
* Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab
* The 5 M’s of Digital Wellness
* Family Digital Wellness Guide
Assessing and Lowering EMF Exposure
EMF and the Brain
As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. I learn a lot from your comments.
Until next time,
Courtney
To learn more about my discovery calls, non-patient consultations, treatment or to inquire about mentoring, please visit my website at:
CourtneySnyderMD.com
Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe