Depression

Definition: lowered mood and sadness

Causes: Depression can be genetic/familial/organic, the results of past experiences, or due to the stresses of life, as well as a side effect to medications and other diseases such as hypothyroidism.

Signs and symptoms:

Symptoms include sadness to feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopeless, difficulty in thinking and concentration, loss of interest in activities, and sometimes body complaints such as headaches, sleep changes, loss of energy/fatigue, decreased sex drive, and anxiety. At its worst, it can cause insomnia, delusions, and suicidal thoughts.

Treatment:

Various drug treatments are currently used for depression as well as counseling. Counseling can be a valuable tool when the cause of the depression is past experiences in life or the current stresses of life. Find out if depression is a side-effect of a current medication and discuss this with your physician if it is. Rule out other causes of depression such as a low functioning thyroid.

Alternative treatment of depression starts with a regular program of exercise and a low glycemic index diet. Loss of control of glucose levels in the blood can lead to depression, and correcting this problem can help modulate brain chemicals to decrease depression. Avoid the common food “allergens” such as dairy, wheat, corn, artificial sweeteners and food additives, and caffeine.

Supplements that can help depression include iron, since iron deficiency anemia can cause depression, B vitamins such as B9 and B12, fish oils or evening primrose oil, and 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, the body’s neurotransmitter that helps prevent depression. A trace mineral supplement can also be helpful. St. Johns’ wort (hypericum is the homeopathic version, which is very safe) may also be helpful, but it can interact with some medications, so consult your pharmacist or physician. S-adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) has also been shown to be effective.

Reference:

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Biol Psychiatry 2003 Oct 15:54(8):833-9.