--- title: "Food For Thought | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "The Surgeon General reports that about 20 percent of children and adolescents (under 18 year­olds) in the United States “have mental disorders with at least mild functional impairment”. 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For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Food For Thought", "description": "The Surgeon General reports that about 20 percent of children and adolescents (under 18 year­olds) in the United States “have mental disorders with at least mild functional impairment”. Freidman et al...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2008-07-08T16:56:56+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/food-for-thought" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Child & Adolescent # Food For Thought Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Tuesday, July 8, 2008 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought&text=Food%20For%20Thought)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought&title=Food%20For%20Thought)[]() The Surgeon General reports that about 20 percent of children and adolescents (under 18 year­olds) in the United States “have mental disorders with at least mild functional impairment”.    Freidman et al., in 1996 reported that approximately 5 to 9 percent of children ages 9 to 17 suffer from a “serious emotional disturbance” which is basically defined as a diagnosable mental health problem that severely disrupts their ability to function socially, academically, and emotionally. The incidence and prevalence of mental health problems in children and adolescents have increased greatly over the last four decades. The reasons for this are unclear and likely multi­factorial. Part of this relates to the fact that, until the 1960’s and 1970’s, it was thought that children could not suffer from mental health problems and therefore even psychiatrists were not looking for that in children who were struggling. Other theories include exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead, higher exposure to violence through multi­media, an increase in poverty, loss of resources including public education, increased prevalence of single parents, less sleep, and less adult/parental supervision. Most significantly, clinical evidence and data are increasing that the common American diet, the “Western Diet” contributes greatly to the increasing prevalence of mental health problems. On January 16, 2006, the Guardian, a news publication from the United Kingdom, ran a story on two published reports regarding diet and mental health. In it the author describes the two reports: Both reports, which have been produced collaboratively, outline the growing scientific evidence linking poor diet to problems of behavior and mood. Rates of depression have been shown to be higher in countries with low intakes of fish, for example. Lack of folic acid, omega­3 fatty acids, selenium and the amino acid tryptophan are thought to play an important role in the illness. Deficiencies of essential fats and antioxidant vitamins are also thought to be a contributory factor in schizophrenia. The Western Diet is replete with foods that include fried foods, refined processed foods, caffeine, and sugar. All of these have some evidence of causing or contributing to mood and/or behavior problems.    For example, in his book “In Defense of Food”, Michael Pollen describes a pattern over the last several decades of societies in which the Western Diet has become the predominant diet to have increased rates of heart disease, obesity, cancer, ADHD and depression. This may be partly due to the fact that the Western Diet contains less fish and therefore less Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and fewer vegetables and fruit and therefore fewer antioxidants than in past decades. Adding fuel to the fire, the production of refined and processed foods results in the removal of the micronutrients from the food such as Omega 3’s, fiber, minerals and vitamins. All of these nutrients likely play a role in the body’s ability to manufacture and optimize the use of the nuero­-chemicals necessary for naturally managing anxiety, maintaining stable mood states, and for optimal attention and focus. While the increased rate of mental illness has become an alarming concern, obesity in the United States has been described as an epidemic. The Center for Disease Control recently reported that, in the last 20 years, rates of obesity in children aged 2­5 years increased from 5% to 13.9%, 6­11 increased from 6.5% to 18%, and 12­19 increased from 5% to 17.4%. Obesity puts people at risk for several physical health problems including heart problems and diabetes. It also puts people at higher risk for mental health problems. From 2001 – 2003, Dr. Gregory Simon and colleagues conducted a survey to look at obesity and mental health problems. They published the results in the Archives of General Psychiatry in 2005. The findings were that obese people were 21% more likely to have major depression, 47% more likely to suffer from bipolar mood disorder and 27% more likely to have an anxiety disorder. There are many plausible reasons why obesity in the United States is a problem that is, well, growing at a rapid rate. In the past 30 years, the US consumption of fast food, soft drinks, and processed foods has risen greatly. They are high in “empty” carbohydrates that tend to get turned into fat and are low in nutrition value. Additionally, the high level of simple sugars can contribute to poor energy utilization by the body and potential insulin resistance or diabetes. The best diet for both mental and physical health appears to be the oldest and simplest one we know of. It is one that provides anti­oxidants and fats, proteins and carbohydrates from a wide source of fresh produce and from animals raised on natural grasses and not processed grains. Granted, it is a more expensive diet, at times may not taste as good, and it does take time and effort to follow. I guess the real question is how much is good physical and mental health worth? Just a little food for thought. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought&text=Food%20For%20Thought)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Ffood-for-thought&title=Food%20For%20Thought)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Child & Adolescent ### The Communication Fix Up Communication Fix Up. This article is inspired by a talk given by Charles Duhigg, a journalist and best-selling author during the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29th, 2024. 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