Biophilia, Green Spaces, and Mental Health: How C-L Psychiatrists Should Include Nature in Their Treatment Arsenal. Sponsored by ACLP's Integrative Medicine (Complementary & Alternative Medicine) SIG

Abstract: Biophilia is the "innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings." In the medical hospital, C-L psychiatrists commonly consult on patients with serious illnesses who experience the hospital environment with sleep deprivation, physical isolation, increased noise, and light dysregulation disrupting their healing process. Studies have shown a profound impact of our physical environment on our physiology, with evidence that human connection to nature can result in shorter healing time, more optimal autonomic nervous system functioning, and improved cognitive performance. Many hospitals are seeking to incorporate aspects of biophilic design with increased use of nature and green spaces in their architectural plans. This workshop, sponsored by the Integrative Medicine SIG, will focus on how C-L psychiatrists can expand their therapeutic toolkit to include environmental considerations.

Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime will chair the session, speak briefly on her work with neuroscience and the environment focusing on the healthcare setting, introduce the speakers, and set the tone for the workshop with an experiential component involving a pre-recorded forest bathing session with a shinrin-yoku guide.

Dr. Ana Ivkovic will review the neurobiology of green spaces and present data supporting their positive impact on our nervous and immune systems.

Dr. James Kimball and Dr. Andrea DeSimone will discuss the psychiatric conditions for which there is strongest evidence for nature, green spaces, or nature-evoking tools to optimize healing. Through and interactive presentation, we will illustrate practical tools for harnessing the healing power of nature that C-L psychiatrists can use in the care and management of patients with common difficulties including depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, pain, and substance abuse disorders.

Dr. Madeleine Becker will present evidence for biophilic hospital design and prepare C-L psychiatrists to liaise with hospital administration and give informed, evidence-based testimony regarding hospital spaces.