We are witnessing an explosion of interest in endocrinology in psychiatric illness. This interest is two-fold. Psychiatric illness is profoundly influenced by the endocrine milieu. This includes normal and cyclical changes in hormone levels as well as abnormal hormone levels such as occurring under conditions of profound stress. Secondly, classic endocrine disorders are a cause of psychiatric illness. Perhaps more interestingly, subtle endocrine alterations can lead to subtle to profound psychiatric symptoms. How may we influence neuroendocrine states to alter the outcome of psychiatric illness.? My initial study of endocrinology and the emerging field of hormone receptors kindled my interest in psychiatry in the 1970s. While on the faculty at the University of Iowa , I discovered that many patients were poorly served by psychiatry because they presented with subtle endocrine abnormalities and psychiatric illness that was poorly understood and therefore poorly treated by specialists in endocrinology and psychiatry. This led me to pursue a career in psychiatry and endocrinology and ultimately psychoneuroendocrinology. This field now includes an international society, The International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology and a monthly journal, Psychoneuroendocrinology. What can be learned from seeing a psychoneuroendocrinologist? Why should you see this specialist? What is Psychoneuroendocrinology? Psychoneuroendocrinology is the clinical study of hormone fluctuations and their relationship to psychiatric illness. It is subtle blend of endocrinology and psychiatry. The brain is increasingly viewed as an organ secreting hormones. This observation cements the relationship between hormones and behavior.

Credentials

Dr. Gardner, MD, ACP, received his undergraduate education at Princeton University, beginning 15 years of education and training leading him to become one of a few endocrine/psychiatric specialists in the nation; Dr, Gardner’s goal is to help you achieve balance, whether it's an endocrine issue, a psychiatric issue, or both.

Dr. Gardner Works With Patients via Telehealth*. To Make an Appointment, Speak with Vanessa to schedule your appointment.
+1 (707) 575 7647

*According to state law, out-of-state patients must have meetings with Dr. Gardner while they are in the state of California. Also, one in-person meeting is required for patients from California if the visit results in a controlled medication prescription. Dr. Gardner apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. He has an office located in Santa Rosa, California.

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