Recovery-oriented. Client-centered. Respectful, evidence-based treatments. This is Stanford’s INSPIRE Clinic, carrying out the mission of meaningful recovery individuals experiencing psychosis. The severity of symptoms on the continuum of psychosis range from intrusive thoughts and bothersome voices to hallucinations and conditions like schizophrenia. But, as INSPIRE’s co-director Dr. Jacob Ballon, Clinical Associate Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, tells us in this episode of What Makes Up Your Mind, misconceptions and a lack of understanding of the conditions on this spectrum of mental illness have kept stigma about it stubbornly in place. The good news is that with proper treatment attuned to the specific needs and goals of each patient, recovery and a fully functional life are very likely outcomes.Because it is also true that much is still unknown about the cause of these illnesses or exactly how they manifest in the brain, another mission of INSPIRE Clinic is continuing research. Dr. Ballon has particular interest in the connection between the brain and the rest of the body, and is looking at how exercise might positively impact treatment for psychosis and prevention of psychiatric disorders. Through collaboration with experts in other disciplines across Stanford, Dr. Ballon and INSPIRE are working to understand the whole-body impact of psychiatric illness, and are able to offer an array of different approaches to treatment, including medication, group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy, social work support, vocational and educational support, and access to clinical trials.A note for clarification: In this conversation, you’ll hear references to the Striatum, which is a critical component of the forebrain in terms of motor and reward systems, and to the NIMH, which is the National Institutes of Health.Importantly, because this podcast was recorded before the onset of COVID-19, there was much discussion of the positive impact of in-person patient interaction. While that remains the case, Dr. Ballon says of INSPIRE Clinic, “we love in-person meetings but we are actively piloting ways for people to connect online during this time.”Learn more about Dr. Ballon’s work and the INSPIRE Clinic: med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/patie…are/inspire.html profiles.stanford.edu/jacob-ballon

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