Functional Medicine

Frank Adair, MD

Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist located in Palo Alto, CA

If you want medical care that addresses the root cause of your health problems rather than just treating the symptoms, functional medicine may be right for you. Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Frank Adair, MD, incorporates principles of functional medicine into his practice in Palo Alto, California. To find out how functional medicine can benefit your mental health and overall well-being, call the office today.

Functional Medicine Q&A

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to health care. The functional medicine model views your body as an interconnected system rather than a collection of separate organs divided into medical specialties.

Although Dr. Adair isn’t certified in functional medicine, he’s adopted it as an area of study and incorporates the fundamentals of this approach into his practice. This means he treats you as a whole person rather than a list of symptoms.

Dr. Adair also spends time getting to know the unique biochemical, genetic, and lifestyle factors that contribute to your mental health.

How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?

The core of functional medicine involves understanding the root cause of chronic diseases, including mental health conditions, as well as how to prevent and treat them on an individualized basis. Functional medicine differs from conventional medicine in many ways, including:

Patient-centered care

Dr. Adair uses the functional medicine approach to provide you with personalized treatment that best promotes your overall health and wellbeing.

This means he listens carefully as you tell your story and customizes treatment to meet your unique needs. He also works with you as a partner in your wellness journey.

Integrative, science-based approach

Functional medicine integrates the best medical practices across all modalities. This may include traditional Western medicine practices, such as prescription medication, and integrative techniques, such as nutrition and stress management.

What does functional medicine involve?

When you schedule a visit with Dr. Adair, he addresses more than just your current concerns. He considers your personal and medical history as well as the biological and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition.

He also pays close attention to genetic, social, and environmental factors that affect your overall functioning. With all this information, Dr. Adair discusses the best approach to treatment. Depending on your needs, your personalized treatment plan may include: