Depression is a persistent emotional state characterized by negative thoughts and feelings ranging from low self esteem to severe despondency. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of interest, indecision, loss of sexual drive, melancholy, hopelessness, guilt, insomnia or excessive sleep, flat affect, social withdrawal and suicidal thoughts. Depressions has become a major problem in our modern times and in the United States approximately 17 million Americans suffer true chemical depression each year and over 28 million Americans take antidepressant drugs or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medication). It can affect people of all races, ages and groups.

There are several types of depression. The most common are:

• Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
• Clinical/Major Depression
• Mood Disorder
• Post Partum Depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Dysthymia

You are more likely to experience depression if you:

• Have a family history of depression – this may double or triple your chances of developing this condition
• Are female – for some unknown reason women have nearly twice the risk of developing depression
• Are under stress – for example ending a relationship, losing a family member or close friend or a job can trigger depression in some people
• Are a perfectionist – for some people having unrealistically high expectations of oneself, being unable to accept fault or failure and a constant lack of satisfaction irrespective of performance have been associated with an increased risk of depression
• Have another medical condition such as under-active thyroid – people who have had a heart attack, stroke, cancer or diabetes, for example, have higher than average rates of depression

You may feel sad, not motivated, have difficulty making decisions and may be losing weight. You went to see your doctor who diagnosed you with major depression according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). A family medical doctor or a psychiatrist will be more likely to prescribe anti-depressants rather than psychotherapy. The medication may have worked for a while and now it is not working anymore. Now you find yourself facing the same issues and you are searching for alternatives to Paxil. Or, you may not feel good and are seeking help.

In any case, a phone consultation and the symptom questionnaire will help us to make an evaluation and confirm your suspicion or the doctor’s diagnosis. We may propose saliva or urine testing of neurotransmitters, hormones or amino acids.

Modern psychiatry focuses on manipulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain such as serotonin (which helps regulate emotion, sleep, and appetite) noradrenaline (which is linked to arousal and alertness) and dopamine (which is associated with pleasure and reward). People with depression are known to have lower levels of these chemicals and the theory is that giving drugs that elevate these neurotransmitters can help lift mood. The theory makes sense, but it is not known for sure whether an imbalance in the neurotransmitters are the primary cause of depression or whether other factors such as nutritional deficiencies, toxic exposures, environmental influences, stressful life situations, thinking patterns, or unresolved psycho-emotional issues are the cause for the imbalance of neurotransmitters.

Some of the most popular drugs are SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft which increase serotonin. While there are a few people who benefit short term from these medications, many find they stop working and they need to change prescriptions and dosages over time. SSRI’s are often accompanied by a number of undesirable side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, loss of libido, failure to reach orgasm and erectile problems. These drugs are toxic to the liver and the entire body.

The most successful treatment approaches to depression address a wide range of potential contributing factors such as nutritional deficiencies or excess, use of prescription or illicit drugs, hypoglycemia, allergies, hormonal balances, environmental factors and psycho-emotional factors.

We offer a multifaceted approach, assessing our client in relation to the major contributing factors. A detailed health history questionnaire along with pertinent medical records is submitted before arrival. The review of the written material is followed by a phone consultation and a preparatory phase may be set up. This preparatory phase may include blood work, diet diary or diet modification. A treatment program is then designed and discussed.