{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy","path":"/library/chelation-therapy","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy","title":"How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health","family":"Library detail","description":"Learn how chelation therapy removes heavy metals from the body and its unproven potential in treating mental health conditions.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy","wordpressId":"8024","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/randi-fredricks#person","name":"Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/randi-fredricks"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/isobel-moore#person","name":"Isobel Moore","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/isobel-moore"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/brittany-ferri#person","name":"Brittany Ferri, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/brittany-ferri"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2025-05-17T14:41:55Z","dateModified":"2025-08-27T08:02:18Z","lastReviewed":"2025-01-31"},"content":{"html":"

How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health

Medically reviewed by \"\"Brittany Ferri, Ph.D. – Written by \"\"Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. and \"\"Isobel Moore

Published on · Updated on

The build-up of heavy metals in the human body can be very dangerous, but thankfully, there are proven treatments that can be used to remove those metals and restore health. One of those treatments is chelation therapy.

Chelation is primarily used for treating heavy metal poisoning by reducing the build-up of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury or iron in the body⁠[1]. However, some researchers and observers have suggested that the therapy could be beneficial for treating mental health conditions, despite having no strong scientific evidence.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • Chelation therapy uses drugs that bind certain metals so the body can remove them in cases of heavy metal poisoning.
  • Evidence does not establish chelation as an effective treatment for the mental health conditions discussed in the article.
  • Serious risks, including kidney injury and low calcium, limit its use to appropriately supervised medical treatment.

What Is Chelation Therapy?

\nChelation therapy is quite simple - you'll be given a drug that contains a chelating agent. These agents bind with toxic metal ions in your blood so your kidneys can filter them out and naturally expel them through urine.\n

For the chelation process, you'll be given the drugs either orally or via an intravenous (IV) tube in your arm. Depending on the heavy metal and the chelating agent you're given, you may need to take the drugs just once or repeatedly over a few hours or days. Common chelation drugs approved by the FDA include:\n

    \n
  • Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) for lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning.
    • \n
  • Edetate disodium (EDTA) for calcium overload.
    • \n
  • Prescription chelating medicines may be used for confirmed metal poisoning under medical supervision⁠[2].
    • \n

\nIn the US, chelating drugs require a prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter (OTC). The FDA also states that chelation therapy can only be conducted safely under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, as misuse of chelating agents can be dangerous and the adverse effects severe⁠[2].\n

Chelation Therapy and Mental Health: What's the Connection?

\nChelation therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for certain mental health conditions. This is potentially due to the connection between heavy metal toxicity and certain mental illnesses.\n

When absorbed through the skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract, heavy metals can become a \"major threat to human health\" by causing neurological disorders as well as disrupting the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and renal systems⁠[3].

\nLinks have been found between:\n

    \n
  • Lead and major depressive, anxiety, and panic disorders⁠[4].
    • \n
  • Arsenic and cognitive function/developmental disabilities, with additional evidence suggesting that arsenic may impact neurotransmitters associated with depression⁠[5].
    • \n
  • Cadmium and manic state bipolar disorder. Cadmium may also play a role in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia by disrupting mitochondrial functions⁠[6].
    • \n
  • Mercury and insomnia, anxiety, and erethism (also known as 'mad hatter disease')⁠[7].
    • \n

\nThis is the theoretical basis for using chelation therapy for mental health conditions. Essentially, researchers are asking, 'if these heavy metals are linked to mental illness, can we treat mental illness by eradicating heavy metal toxicity in the body?'\n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Carlos Protzel Psy.D.

Evidence-based and humanistic therapies

Proposed Uses of Chelation Therapy in Mental Health

\nChelation therapy has been suggested as a treatment for various mental health conditions. However, there is limited scientific evidence to back these uses, and in the U.S., chelation therapy is not approved by the FDA for treating these conditions.\n

Claims that vaccines cause autism do not provide a sound basis for chelation treatment. A WHO review covering research published from 2010 through August 2025 found that the most rigorous evidence does not support a causal relationship between vaccines, including those containing thiomersal, and autism⁠[8].

We know that excess mercury negatively impacts the Central Nervous System (CNS) and brain development in children. This may be similar to the neurodevelopmental challenges that are linked to autism. However, this is not evidence that chelation will be effective in treating autism.

The FDA warns that unapproved chelation products marketed for autism have not established their claimed benefits and can cause serious harm, including dehydration, kidney failure, and death. They should not replace evidence-based medical care⁠[2].

Alzheimer's Disease

\nAlzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that involves the degeneration of brain cells. This causes a decline in cognition and independence when carrying out daily tasks. Numerous factors may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease, including genetics, age, traumatic brain injury, and environmental factors⁠[9].\n

While there are many therapies intended to slow the progression of the brain's decline and improve quality of life, there is currently no cure for this disease. However, some researchers have suggested that the build-up of heavy metals may be a contributing factor to the disease, meaning that chelation could be a potential treatment to prevent or treat neurodegeneration.

\nSome studies have found that chelation may improve symptoms in some patients with dementia, however, more research is needed to confirm these results and create an effective treatment strategy⁠[10].\n

Parkinson's Disease

\nParkinson's disease is another neurodegenerative disease that impacts the CNS. Along with motor symptoms (e.g., tremors and difficulty balancing), Parkinson's is characterized by neuropsychiatric problems, including psychosis, mood swings, and behavioral changes.\n

As some patients with Parkinson's have been shown to have higher levels of iron than typical, researchers have theorized that using chelation to reduce iron levels may treat symptoms of the disease.

One small pilot study involving 40 patients treated with Deferiprone (DFP), an iron-chelating drug, found that disease progression slowed during treatment without any major side effects. However, this was a small-scale study, and more research is needed before chelation can be introduced as a treatment for Parkinson's⁠[11].

\nCurrently, chelation therapy benefits are only proven for heavy metal poisoning. The risks of chelation therapy, from common adverse effects to the dangers of misuse, are a key reason there is so much controversy surrounding the use of chelation for mental illness. With little evidence to support the use of these drugs for treating mental health conditions, the risks must be carefully weighed.\n

Potential Risks of Chelation Therapy

\nDuring a course of chelation treatment, there are many side effects that patients may experience. Though specific symptoms vary depending on the heavy metal poisoning and specific chelating drug prescribed, common side effects include:\n

    \n
  • Burning sensations (usually at the site of the IV)
    • \n
  • Fever
    • \n
  • Headache
    • \n
  • Nausea
    • \n
  • Vomiting
    • \n

\nHowever, there are also more severe side effects that can occur, particularly when chelation therapy is conducted without medical supervision. Reported adverse effects include:\n

    \n
  • Hypocalcaemia
    • \n
  • Renal impairment
    • \n
  • Musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal symptoms
    • \n
  • Death⁠[2]
    • \n

\nChelation therapy is not without potentially severe risks. For cases of heavy metal poisoning, the benefits far outweigh these risks. But for treating mental health conditions, where evidence of the benefits of chelation therapy is limited, these risks are reason enough to stick to conventional mental health treatments until more research is conducted.\n

Chelation Therapy vs. Conventional Mental Health Treatments

\nConventional mental health treatments may vary in effectiveness, safety, and cost, but they have been adequately tested and trialed to confirm their benefits and weigh them against the risks. In comparison, heavy metal chelation therapy has not been thoroughly explored in the context of treating mental health conditions.

While there may be promising results in some pilot studies, there is an overall lack of evidence to support using chelation therapy to treat mental illnesses at this time.\n

Currently, the FDA states that chelation therapy is only approved for heavy metal poisoning and must be prescribed for use in the U.S. Given the risks of the treatment, chelation therapy must also be conducted in the presence of a medical professional.

Finally, the FDA also recommends that consumers should avoid OTC products marketed as chelating dietary supplements - they have not been approved by the FDA and could cause harm to users.

References

  1. Flora, S. J. S., & Pachauri, V. (2010). Chelation in Metal Intoxication. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(7), 2745–2788. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Questions and Answers on Unapproved Chelation Products. FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Witkowska, D., Słowik, J., & Chilicka, K. (2021). Heavy Metals and Human Health: Possible Exposure Pathways and the Competition for Protein Binding Sites. Molecules, 26(19), 6060. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. Bouchard, M. F., Bellinger, D. C., Weuve, J., Matthews-Bellinger, J., Gilman, S. E., Wright, R. O., Schwartz, J., & Weisskopf, M. G. (2009). Blood Lead Levels and Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in US Young Adults. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(12), 1313. JAMA Network. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. Brinkel, J., Khan, M., & Kraemer, A. (2009). A Systematic Review of Arsenic Exposure and Its Social and Mental Health Effects with Special Reference to Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6(5), 1609–1619. PubMed Central.
  6. Orisakwe, O. (2014). The role of lead and cadmium in psychiatry. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(8), 370. PubMed Central.
  7. Huang, X., Law, S., Li, D., Yu, X., & Li, B. (2014). Mercury poisoning: a case of a complex neuropsychiatric illness. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(12), 1253–1256. PsychiatryOnline.
  8. World Health Organization. (2026). Vaccines, thiomersal and autism spectrum disorder: evidence review 2010–2025. World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Accessed October 10 2026.
  9. Breijyeh, Z., & Karaman, R. (2020). Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Treatment. Molecules, 25(24), 5789. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.
  10. Armbruster, M., Ryder, J., Razafsha, M., & Suryadevara, U. (2013). A Case Study Evaluating the Impact of Chelation Therapy on the Progression of Dementia. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(3), S84–S85. ajgponline.org.
  11. Devos, D., Moreau, C., Devedjian, J. C., Kluza, J., Petrault, M., Laloux, C., Jonneaux, A., Ryckewaert, G., Garçon, G., Rouaix, N., Duhamel, A., Jissendi, P., Dujardin, K., Auger, F., Ravasi, L., Hopes, L., Grolez, G., Firdaus, W., Sablonnière, B., & Strubi-Vuillaume, I. (2014). Targeting Chelatable Iron as a Therapeutic Modality in Parkinson’s Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 21(2), 195–210. PubMed Central.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.

Ph.D.

Randi Fredricks, Ph.D., is a therapist, researcher, and author with a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Doctorate in Naturopathy. Based in California, she is a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a certified clinical nutritionist, herbalist, hypnotherapist, and master NLP practitioner.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Co-author

Isobel Moore

Writer

Isobel Moore is a researcher, writer, editor, and all-round book nerd. For 10+ years, she has been professionally drafting copy, editing content, and telling stories.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Brittany Ferri, Ph.D.

OTR/L

Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., is a medical reviewer and subject matter expert in behavioral health, pediatrics, and telehealth.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Mental Health

A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.

","text":"Home Library Therapy How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health Medically reviewed by Brittany Ferri, Ph.D. – Written by Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. and Isobel Moore Published on May 17, 2025 · Updated on August 27, 2025 The build-up of heavy metals in the human body can be very dangerous, but thankfully, there are proven treatments that can be used to remove those metals and restore health. One of those treatments is chelation therapy. Chelation is primarily used for treating heavy metal poisoning by reducing the build-up of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury or iron in the body⁠[1]. However, some researchers and observers have suggested that the therapy could be beneficial for treating mental health conditions, despite having no strong scientific evidence. Key takeaways Chelation therapy uses drugs that bind certain metals so the body can remove them in cases of heavy metal poisoning. Evidence does not establish chelation as an effective treatment for the mental health conditions discussed in the article. Serious risks, including kidney injury and low calcium, limit its use to appropriately supervised medical treatment. What Is Chelation Therapy? Chelation therapy is quite simple - you'll be given a drug that contains a chelating agent. These agents bind with toxic metal ions in your blood so your kidneys can filter them out and naturally expel them through urine. For the chelation process, you'll be given the drugs either orally or via an intravenous (IV) tube in your arm. Depending on the heavy metal and the chelating agent you're given, you may need to take the drugs just once or repeatedly over a few hours or days. Common chelation drugs approved by the FDA include: Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) for lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. Edetate disodium (EDTA) for calcium overload. Prescription chelating medicines may be used for confirmed metal poisoning under medical supervision⁠[2]. In the US, chelating drugs require a prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter (OTC). The FDA also states that chelation therapy can only be conducted safely under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, as misuse of chelating agents can be dangerous and the adverse effects severe⁠[2]. Chelation Therapy and Mental Health: What's the Connection? Chelation therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for certain mental health conditions. This is potentially due to the connection between heavy metal toxicity and certain mental illnesses. When absorbed through the skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract, heavy metals can become a \"major threat to human health\" by causing neurological disorders as well as disrupting the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and renal systems⁠[3]. Links have been found between: Lead and major depressive, anxiety, and panic disorders⁠[4]. Arsenic and cognitive function/developmental disabilities, with additional evidence suggesting that arsenic may impact neurotransmitters associated with depression⁠[5]. Cadmium and manic state bipolar disorder. Cadmium may also play a role in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia by disrupting mitochondrial functions⁠[6]. Mercury and insomnia, anxiety, and erethism (also known as 'mad hatter disease')⁠[7]. This is the theoretical basis for using chelation therapy for mental health conditions. Essentially, researchers are asking, 'if these heavy metals are linked to mental illness, can we treat mental illness by eradicating heavy metal toxicity in the body?' Subject matter expert Carlos Protzel Psy.D. Evidence-based and humanistic therapies Proposed Uses of Chelation Therapy in Mental Health Chelation therapy has been suggested as a treatment for various mental health conditions. However, there is limited scientific evidence to back these uses, and in the U.S., chelation therapy is not approved by the FDA for treating these conditions. Autism Spectrum Disorder Claims that vaccines cause autism do not provide a sound basis for chelation treatment. A WHO review covering research published from 2010 through August 2025 found that the most rigorous evidence does not support a causal relationship between vaccines, including those containing thiomersal, and autism⁠[8]. We know that excess mercury negatively impacts the Central Nervous System (CNS) and brain development in children. This may be similar to the neurodevelopmental challenges that are linked to autism. However, this is not evidence that chelation will be effective in treating autism. The FDA warns that unapproved chelation products marketed for autism have not established their claimed benefits and can cause serious harm, including dehydration, kidney failure, and death. They should not replace evidence-based medical care⁠[2]. Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that involves the degeneration of brain cells. This causes a decline in cognition and independence when carrying out daily tasks. Numerous factors may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease, including genetics, age, traumatic brain injury, and environmental factors⁠[9]. While there are many therapies intended to slow the progression of the brain's decline and improve quality of life, there is currently no cure for this disease. However, some researchers have suggested that the build-up of heavy metals may be a contributing factor to the disease, meaning that chelation could be a potential treatment to prevent or treat neurodegeneration. Some studies have found that chelation may improve symptoms in some patients with dementia, however, more research is needed to confirm these results and create an effective treatment strategy⁠[10]. Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease is another neurodegenerative disease that impacts the CNS. Along with motor symptoms (e.g., tremors and difficulty balancing), Parkinson's is characterized by neuropsychiatric problems, including psychosis, mood swings, and behavioral changes. As some patients with Parkinson's have been shown to have higher levels of iron than typical, researchers have theorized that using chelation to reduce iron levels may treat symptoms of the disease. One small pilot study involving 40 patients treated with Deferiprone (DFP), an iron-chelating drug, found that disease progression slowed during treatment without any major side effects. However, this was a small-scale study, and more research is needed before chelation can be introduced as a treatment for Parkinson's⁠[11]. Currently, chelation therapy benefits are only proven for heavy metal poisoning. The risks of chelation therapy, from common adverse effects to the dangers of misuse, are a key reason there is so much controversy surrounding the use of chelation for mental illness. With little evidence to support the use of these drugs for treating mental health conditions, the risks must be carefully weighed. Potential Risks of Chelation Therapy During a course of chelation treatment, there are many side effects that patients may experience. Though specific symptoms vary depending on the heavy metal poisoning and specific chelating drug prescribed, common side effects include: Burning sensations (usually at the site of the IV) Fever Headache Nausea Vomiting However, there are also more severe side effects that can occur, particularly when chelation therapy is conducted without medical supervision. Reported adverse effects include: Hypocalcaemia Renal impairment Musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal symptoms Death⁠[2] Chelation therapy is not without potentially severe risks. For cases of heavy metal poisoning, the benefits far outweigh these risks. But for treating mental health conditions, where evidence of the benefits of chelation therapy is limited, these risks are reason enough to stick to conventional mental health treatments until more research is conducted. Chelation Therapy vs. Conventional Mental Health Treatments Conventional mental health treatments may vary in effectiveness, safety, and cost, but they have been adequately tested and trialed to confirm their benefits and weigh them against the risks. In comparison, heavy metal chelation therapy has not been thoroughly explored in the context of treating mental health conditions. While there may be promising results in some pilot studies, there is an overall lack of evidence to support using chelation therapy to treat mental illnesses at this time. Currently, the FDA states that chelation therapy is only approved for heavy metal poisoning and must be prescribed for use in the U.S. Given the risks of the treatment, chelation therapy must also be conducted in the presence of a medical professional. Finally, the FDA also recommends that consumers should avoid OTC products marketed as chelating dietary supplements - they have not been approved by the FDA and could cause harm to users. References Flora, S. J. S., & Pachauri, V. (2010). Chelation in Metal Intoxication. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(7), 2745–2788. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Questions and Answers on Unapproved Chelation Products. FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 10 2026. Witkowska, D., Słowik, J., & Chilicka, K. (2021). Heavy Metals and Human Health: Possible Exposure Pathways and the Competition for Protein Binding Sites. Molecules, 26(19), 6060. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026. Bouchard, M. F., Bellinger, D. C., Weuve, J., Matthews-Bellinger, J., Gilman, S. E., Wright, R. O., Schwartz, J., & Weisskopf, M. G. (2009). Blood Lead Levels and Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in US Young Adults. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(12), 1313. JAMA Network. Accessed October 10 2026. Brinkel, J., Khan, M., & Kraemer, A. (2009). A Systematic Review of Arsenic Exposure and Its Social and Mental Health Effects with Special Reference to Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6(5), 1609–1619. PubMed Central. Orisakwe, O. (2014). The role of lead and cadmium in psychiatry. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(8), 370. PubMed Central. Huang, X., Law, S., Li, D., Yu, X., & Li, B. (2014). Mercury poisoning: a case of a complex neuropsychiatric illness. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(12), 1253–1256. PsychiatryOnline. World Health Organization. (2026). Vaccines, thiomersal and autism spectrum disorder: evidence review 2010–2025. World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Accessed October 10 2026. Breijyeh, Z., & Karaman, R. (2020). Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Treatment. Molecules, 25(24), 5789. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026. Armbruster, M., Ryder, J., Razafsha, M., & Suryadevara, U. (2013). A Case Study Evaluating the Impact of Chelation Therapy on the Progression of Dementia. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(3), S84–S85. ajgponline.org. Devos, D., Moreau, C., Devedjian, J. C., Kluza, J., Petrault, M., Laloux, C., Jonneaux, A., Ryckewaert, G., Garçon, G., Rouaix, N., Duhamel, A., Jissendi, P., Dujardin, K., Auger, F., Ravasi, L., Hopes, L., Grolez, G., Firdaus, W., Sablonnière, B., & Strubi-Vuillaume, I. (2014). Targeting Chelatable Iron as a Therapeutic Modality in Parkinson’s Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 21(2), 195–210. PubMed Central. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. Ph.D. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D., is a therapist, researcher, and author with a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Doctorate in Naturopathy. Based in California, she is a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a certified clinical nutritionist, herbalist, hypnotherapist, and master NLP practitioner. Published May 17, 2025 Updated August 27, 2025 Co-author Isobel Moore Writer Isobel Moore is a researcher, writer, editor, and all-round book nerd. For 10+ years, she has been professionally drafting copy, editing content, and telling stories. Published May 17, 2025 Updated August 27, 2025 Medical Reviewer Brittany Ferri, Ph.D. OTR/L Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., is a medical reviewer and subject matter expert in behavioral health, pediatrics, and telehealth. Reviewed January 31, 2025 Related community Mental Health A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection. Table of contentsChoose a section What Is Chelation Therapy? Chelation Therapy and Mental Health: What's the Connection? Proposed Uses of Chelation Therapy in Mental Health Potential Risks of Chelation Therapy Chelation Therapy vs. Conventional Mental Health Treatments View more","wordCount":1951},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Therapy","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/therapy"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2931895c04f38f3cba1a935d.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2931895c04f38f3cba1a935d.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A woman smiles during a conversation with her counselor."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/randi-fredricks#person","name":"Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/randi-fredricks","jobTitle":"Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist","hasCredential":{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","name":"Ph.D., LMFT"},"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/7414cf98ef620127eccccbfa.jpg","memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/isobel-moore#person","name":"Isobel Moore","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/isobel-moore","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/69d1b84590b1884770557893.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/isobel-moore-writer/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/brittany-ferri#person","name":"Brittany Ferri, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/brittany-ferri","jobTitle":"OTR/L","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/034904c3af3d22b95604c8bb.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyferri/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy","headline":"How Chelation Therapy Affects Mental Health","description":"Learn how chelation therapy removes heavy metals from the body and its unproven potential in treating mental health conditions.","wordCount":1269,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Therapy","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Flora, S. 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The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(3), S84–S85. ajgponline.org.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(12)00220-5/fulltext?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-chelation-therapy&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"ajgponline.org"}],"url":"https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(12)00220-5/fulltext?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-chelation-therapy&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":11,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/chelation-therapy#targeting-chelatable-iron-therapeutic-modality-parkinsons-disease","text":"Devos, D., Moreau, C., Devedjian, J. C., Kluza, J., Petrault, M., Laloux, C., Jonneaux, A., Ryckewaert, G., Garçon, G., Rouaix, N., Duhamel, A., Jissendi, P., Dujardin, K., Auger, F., Ravasi, L., Hopes, L., Grolez, G., Firdaus, W., Sablonnière, B., & Strubi-Vuillaume, I. (2014). Targeting Chelatable Iron as a Therapeutic Modality in Parkinson’s Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 21(2), 195–210. 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One of those treatments is chelation therapy.\n\nChelation is primarily used for treating heavy metal poisoning by reducing the build-up of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury or iron in the body.[1] However, some researchers and observers have suggested that the therapy could be beneficial for treating mental health conditions, despite having no strong scientific evidence.","text":"The build-up of heavy metals in the human body can be very dangerous, but thankfully, there are proven treatments that can be used to remove those metals and restore health. One of those treatments is chelation therapy. Chelation is primarily used for treating heavy metal poisoning by reducing the build-up of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury or iron in the body.[1] However, some researchers and observers have suggested that the therapy could be beneficial for treating mental health conditions, despite having no strong scientific evidence.","sourceField":"hero"},"navigation":[{"label":"What Is Chelation Therapy?","href":"#what-is-chelation-therapy","heading":"What Is Chelation Therapy?"},{"label":"Chelation Therapy and Mental Health: What's the Connection?","href":"#chelation-therapy-and-mental-health","heading":"Chelation Therapy and Mental Health: What's the Connection?"},{"label":"Proposed Uses of Chelation Therapy in Mental Health","href":"#proposed-uses-of-chelation-therapy-in-mental-health","heading":"Proposed Uses of Chelation Therapy in Mental Health"},{"label":"Potential Risks of Chelation Therapy","href":"#potential-risks-of-chelation-therapy","heading":"Potential Risks of Chelation Therapy"},{"label":"Chelation Therapy vs. Conventional Mental Health Treatments","href":"#chelation-and-conventional-mental-health-treatment","heading":"Chelation Therapy vs. Conventional Mental Health Treatments"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/mental-health","basis":"topic match"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date references with italic work titles, publication details, linked source names, and documented access dates. Missing publication dates use n.d.","collections":[]}