Part 1: Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

The gut-brain axis is the communication network that links cognitive and emotional processing of the brain to the body’s gastrointestinal functions. The bedrock of this axis is bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in food intake, metabolism, insulin levels, perceptions of satiety, and mood to name a few. The functioning of the gut-brain axis can be influenced by diet, sleep quality, environmental toxins, social surroundings, and the experience of stress among other factors. Emerging research is also finding that gut-brain axis dysfunction may have significant implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. Designed for professionals working in behavioral and mental health settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with gut-brain axis dysfunction among behavioral and mental health-based populations. Other topics discussed in this training include cognition, emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, anger, aggression, and violence, substance use disorders, mental health conditions, hormonal dysfunction, prenatal and postnatal trauma and other life adversities, central nervous system dysfunction, allostatic load, biological despair, HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, and sleep disturbances to name a few. A primary goal of this training is to learn why behavioral and mental health professionals should become gut-brain axis informed. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training. .