Case reports provide a snapshot of the functional medicine approach to assessment and treatment. The two cases presented here demonstrate the importance of capturing the patient’s whole story, of deeply exploring the potential causes of the patient’s conditions, and the benefits of engaging patients in a therapeutic regime that not only improves the presenting symptoms, but also addresses the underlying dysfunctions so that health and vitality can be regained.

IFM has available two detailed case studies utilizing the functional medicine approach:

• Psoriatic Arthritis: A 56-year-old male with psoriatic arthritis, experienced worsening symptoms of pain, decreased range of motion, swelling in his extremities. He was on several pharmaceuticals, which did not adequately control his symptoms. He was evaluated in five areas of potential imbalance: Immune Surveillance and Inflammatory Process, Hormone and Neurotransmitter Regulation, Digestion and Absorption, Detoxification and Biotransformation, and Psychological and Spiritual Equilibrium. After five months of following the recommended treatment consisting of supplements and dietary and lifestyle changes, the patient was markedly improved, with an 80% reduction in overall pain, improved mobility, and decreased swelling. He discontinued or reduced his medications. Additional benefits of the treatment were elimination of constipation, reflux, and migraines, improved mood, and weight loss.  Click here to read case study.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A 12-year-old male presented with severe dysgraphia, environmental allergies, asthma, insomnia, eczema, canker sores, migraine headaches, muscle cramps, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. He was on seven medications, and his behavioral symptoms were still not under control. He had never received a positive teacher report. The patient was evaluated in all the areas of potential imbalance. His treatment included removing yeast and antigenic foods and adding needed micronutrients and probiotics. After just two months, his behavior and many of his symptoms stabilized or absent. By six months, he was free from all his chronic symptoms, and his dysgraphia had improved.  Click here to read case study.