Leading geriatric psychiatrist shares transformative journey and vision in exclusive Genomic Press Interview series

In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview, Professor Helen Lavretsky reveals how her pioneering work in integrative psychiatry is transforming approaches to mental health and aging. The interview, featured in the peer-reviewed medical research journal Brain Medicine (doi: 10.61373/bm024k.0130), offers unique insights into the evolution of integrative medicine from scientific skepticism to evidence-based acceptance.

Professor Lavretsky, current President of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (2022-25), has successfully merged conventional psychiatric treatments with mind-body interventions, developing novel therapeutic combinations for treatment-resistant depression and cognitive disorders. Her groundbreaking studies on yoga and Tai Chi have established new paradigms in mental health care, supported by rigorous neurobiological research.

“Twenty years ago, through my practice of yoga as a stress reduction tool that improved my health, I put my attention on designing research studies of mind-body interactions,” Professor Lavretsky shares in the interview. “Some of the studies of yoga and Tai Chi became groundbreaking and set a new trend in research and clinical practice that emphasized whole person health and prevention.”

The interview explores critical questions about the future of preventive psychiatry. How might early intervention strategies reshape our understanding of aging-related mental health conditions? What role will integrative approaches play in addressing the growing global burden of neuropsychiatric disorders?

Professor Lavretsky's vision extends beyond traditional treatment models: “I hope that the field of psychiatry and mental health will open from a strict disease and acute-care-oriented field of medicine to embrace brain health-oriented prevention for neuropsychiatric disorders.”

Her research has particular relevance as healthcare systems worldwide grapple with aging populations and increasing mental health challenges. How can integrative medicine approaches be scaled effectively across different healthcare settings? What role might traditional healing practices play in modern psychiatric care?

The interview also highlights Professor Lavretsky's commitment to diversity in medical research, having mentored women and underrepresented minorities for over 25 years. This dedication to inclusive excellence raises important questions about representation in medical research and leadership.

Currently serving on the Advisory Research Council to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Professor Lavretsky continues to advance the field through publications, including her recent books Resilience and Aging: Research and Practice and Convergence Mental Health: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Innovation.