Depression is among the most frequently reported medical conditions today and is projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. It is estimated by some that roughly half the people who seek treatment for depression are not helped by psychotherapy and medication or withdraw from treatment too early. Even among those who recover, more than one third of them have a relapse within eighteen months. This suggests that alternative treatments for depression may be helpful for some who suffer from this disorder. Here are some of the ways in which depression can be managed naturally.
The family of B vitamins seems to play a significant role in helping to manage depression. Research suggests that people who have low levels of Vitamin B (folate) are more likely to be depressed than those who have normal levels. One group study looked at elderly people with low levels of this vitamin and who were depressed. They were given supplements of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 along with antidepressant medicine, and these individuals showed more improvement than those just taking antidepressants.
Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacin) is a vitamin necessary for cell respiration. It helps with the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, healthy skin, performance of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It can be administered for treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It is also a good memory-enhancer and is responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. People show increased mental alertness when receiving adequate supplies of this vitamin.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, depression is a sign of specific organ energy being blocked and/or deficient. If this energy becomes depressed or deficient it can consume and damage the heart energy, which is the basis of the spirit. Some of the ways that depression is treated in Chinese medicine include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.
In a double blind randomized study of the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment depression, 34 depressed female patients were assigned to one of three treatment groups for eight weeks. The first group received acupuncture treatment specifically tailored to their symptoms. The second group received a general acupuncture treatment that was not specific to depression, and the third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture treatment, but received none. The study found that those in the tailored acupuncture treatment experienced a more significant reduction in symptoms, compared to those in the non-specific treatment. In addition, more than half of the participants no longer met the accepted diagnostic criteria for depression after the study.
Herbal treatments are another popular way to manage the symptoms of depression. For instance, Siberian ginseng is an herb that aids the balance of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, nor epinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Taking it regularly can lead to improved feelings of general well-being.
Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that is most effective when combined with St. John's Wort to produce a calming, soothing effect.
A doctor is the best person to suggest to someone the right combination of medication and vitamins for depression, as well as explaining the potential side effects. DO NOT try and figure this out yourself, as the side effects can be severe or even fatal if the wrong dosage is taken. - 29881
The family of B vitamins seems to play a significant role in helping to manage depression. Research suggests that people who have low levels of Vitamin B (folate) are more likely to be depressed than those who have normal levels. One group study looked at elderly people with low levels of this vitamin and who were depressed. They were given supplements of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 along with antidepressant medicine, and these individuals showed more improvement than those just taking antidepressants.
Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacin) is a vitamin necessary for cell respiration. It helps with the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, healthy skin, performance of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It can be administered for treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It is also a good memory-enhancer and is responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. People show increased mental alertness when receiving adequate supplies of this vitamin.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, depression is a sign of specific organ energy being blocked and/or deficient. If this energy becomes depressed or deficient it can consume and damage the heart energy, which is the basis of the spirit. Some of the ways that depression is treated in Chinese medicine include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.
In a double blind randomized study of the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment depression, 34 depressed female patients were assigned to one of three treatment groups for eight weeks. The first group received acupuncture treatment specifically tailored to their symptoms. The second group received a general acupuncture treatment that was not specific to depression, and the third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture treatment, but received none. The study found that those in the tailored acupuncture treatment experienced a more significant reduction in symptoms, compared to those in the non-specific treatment. In addition, more than half of the participants no longer met the accepted diagnostic criteria for depression after the study.
Herbal treatments are another popular way to manage the symptoms of depression. For instance, Siberian ginseng is an herb that aids the balance of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, nor epinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Taking it regularly can lead to improved feelings of general well-being.
Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that is most effective when combined with St. John's Wort to produce a calming, soothing effect.
A doctor is the best person to suggest to someone the right combination of medication and vitamins for depression, as well as explaining the potential side effects. DO NOT try and figure this out yourself, as the side effects can be severe or even fatal if the wrong dosage is taken. - 29881
About the Author:
Depression is a much more serious condition than just feeling a little blue. It's a real problem that can affect all aspects of a person's life, from their job to their relationships. Learn more about the various approaches to managing depression without medication at Depression Help.
