Holistic Help For Depression

depression holisticApproximately 50% of patients newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder relapse after achieving remission on the first antidepressant prescribed.  There are multiple factors associated with relapses such as:  prior history of depression or anxiety, ethnicity and prior functional status.

There are many classes of antidepressant medications that can be utilized for treatment.  There are also many natural agents/therapies that can be useful in treating depressive symptoms.  These include L-methylfolate, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), creatinine, B complex vitamins, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, and acupuncture.   Often times, these therapies are used as adjuncts with prescription medications for depressive symptoms.

L-methylfolate is a nutritional food (neutraceutical) that spurs the production of more neurotransmitters.  These neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine which help regulate our moods and alleviate depression.

SAMe is a crucial component of three metabolism pathways.  One of these pathways boosts levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Creatinine plays an important role in brain energy metabolism balance; studies have shown that altered cerebral energy metabolism may be a precursor to depression development.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  She offers many natural treatment options for depression, including those discussed above and  acupuncture.   For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

 

 

What Is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation?

Cranial electrotherapy was approved in 1979 by the FDA for treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression.  It is a prescriptive noninvasive electro-medical therapy.  Treatment consists of a medical device which sends pulsed weak electric currents to the brain via electrodes.  The electrodes are placed on the ear lobes, temples and maxilla-occipital junction.  Side effects are rare and include vertigo, headache and skin sensitivity.  Treatment efficacy is cumulative, but most patients will show some improvement after the first treatment.  It is safe to use with other modalities such as medications, psychotherapy and bio-feedback.  Cranial electrotherapy is cost-effective and is easy to use both in the clinical setting and in the patient’s home.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers cranial electrotherapy to her patients.  Offices are located in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Which Vitamins and Minerals Can Help Depressive Symptoms

Depression affects how you feel, think and behave.  It is a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness.  Other symptoms include:  irritability, insomnia or excessive sleeping, appetite changes, restlessness, trouble concentrating, crying spells and unexplained physical problems.  The exact cause of depression is not known.  However, it is thought that a variety of factors including:  biological differences in the brain, neurotransmitters, inherited traits, and hormones may play a role in the development of depressive symptoms.  Your physician can help you determine the right treatment to help with your depression.  They may recommend medication and/or counseling.  It is important that you share all of your concerns with your healthcare provider as untreated depression may result in emotional, health and behavioral problems that affect daily life.

How can vitamins and minerals help depressive symptoms?  Magnesium helps regulate mood.  Zinc and serine both regulate neurotransmitter function.  Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E, Co Q10, and lipoic acid) help protect neurotransmitter functions from oxidative stress.  Deficiencies of the B complex vitamins (biotin, B2, B6, and B12) have been linked to depression.  Vitamin D acts as a hormone precursor – and thus may improve symptoms of depression.  Finally, chromium elevates serotonin levels    with in the brain (serotonin is our feel good hormone).  Chromium also affects blood sugar regulation, and thus may alleviate the depressive symptom of carbohydrate craving.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.