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depression and anxiety treatment www.iampsychiatry.com For Depression Depression is a difficult illness to treat. However there are a variety of effective treatments. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is a vital component of treatment. Drugs are effective in relieving symptoms. Certain herbal supplements could help. For example, St. John's wort is an herb that's FDA-approved for treating depression, could help alleviate symptoms in certain people. However, it can affect heart medications or birth control pills, as well as drugs that prevent organ rejection following an organ transplant. Saffron Saffron is best known for its role in bringing colour to food items however, it's also a natural mood booster. It's a source of a variety of substances, like crocetin and crocins, that have antioxidant properties and are capable of scavenging radicals that help to guard against harmful free radicals. These can cause chronic illnesses, such as depression. The research conducted on saffron and depression is mixed, but some of it seems promising. In one study, people who were suffering from depression were randomly assigned to either undergo a six-week saffron treatment or a placebo. After that, they were assessed by using a depression and anxiety questionnaire. The saffron-users had less anxiety and depression than those who didn't. However, other studies have not found the similar effect. In fact, the 2019 review article above points out that many of the studies that have found benefits utilized small samples and a short-lived follow-up and a majority were conducted in Iran where the researchers have financial connections to the saffron producers. This raises suspicions about the Iranian researchers claim that saffron can be beneficial for depression. It's possible that saffron has antidepressant properties because it increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron functions by inhibiting synaptic serotonin reuptake, which keeps more of the chemical in the brain. In a different study, women who had premenstrual symptoms received either saffron or an inactive control for two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to assess the women. The women who took the extract of saffron experienced significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were more at coping with stress than those taking the placebo. Saffron is a well-known treatment for depression. However, we require larger, longer-term trials before it can become a recommended treatment. Likewise, it's important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to your diet for depression, particularly ones that aren't certified by the FDA. They can interact with other medications or cause serious side effects. 5-HTP 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Serotonin levels that are low have been associated with anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and a variety of other health issues. Research has proven that 5-HTP supplements to boost serotonin and improve mood in certain people. However further research is required to determine how effective this supplement is in treating depression. Tryptophan is found in bananas, milk cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. It is also sold as a dietary supplement over-the-counter. The body transforms tryptophan into serotonin which stimulates brain chemical changes that improve mood stability and help regulate the appetite and sleep patterns. In a number of studies, it has been shown that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressant medications in treating depression. However certain studies have flaws such as small sample sizes and shorter durations. In addition, a few of these studies have utilized SSRI medications, which may interfere with the effectiveness of 5-HTP. 5-HTP is beneficial for many health conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic headaches. It can also aid with weight loss. It has been demonstrated to improve sleeping habits and reduce fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia. It also has a calming effect and may reduce anxiety in certain people. Research has shown that 5-HTP can increase levels of the gamma aminobutyric (GABA) which is an important neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety. Certain studies suggest that 5-HTP may help treat other conditions that are a result of low serotonin levels like migraines and tension headaches. It has been shown to increase melatonin levels, which is crucial for healthy sleep patterns. In addition, some studies suggest that taking 100 mg of 5-HTP every day can ease fibromyalgia-related pain, stiffness and mood. People who are considering taking 5-HTP should discuss it with a doctor first. This is especially important for people taking SSRI or MAOI medicines because 5-HTP could interact with these medications and cause dangerous side effects. In addition that high doses of 5-HTP can cause nausea in certain people. Kava Kava, from the Pacific Islands, has been utilized as a healing herb and drink for ceremonial purposes for many years. It functions like alcohol to calm the mind and relax muscles, but without the side effects of many prescription drugs. The active compound in the plant, kavalactone alters the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a brain-related pathway that produces antidepressants and anxiolytics. Research has shown that it is effective in treating general anxiety disorder (GAD), stress, and without the “hangover” effect of some traditional sedatives. It has been shown to provide numerous health benefits. It is believed to boost dopamine levels and easing symptoms of chronic pain or fibromyalgia. It also reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Kava can be consumed in the form of tablets, capsules or tinctures. It can also be mixed in teas or other drinks. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Dietary supplements aren't controlled by the FDA as such, and are not subject to the same rigorous tests for clinical effectiveness as prescription drugs. This leaves the consumers exposed to various health hazards, including liver damage. People with pre-existing liver, lung or heart ailments should avoid the consumption of kava. It can aggravate those conditions. People with pre-existing mental health issues should be wary of kava as it may cause eyes that are red, and decreased muscle control (ataxia). When it is combined with other psychoactive substances, such as prescription medication or alcohol, kava may be dangerous. Kava is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers. Kava is an all-natural substance, and there's no evidence to suggest it has addictive properties, but the risk of causing liver damage can't be completely eliminated. People who are concerned about liver damage must speak with their doctor prior to starting the kava program. More research is required to identify the factors that make kava risky but it's generally safe for most patients when used under medical supervision. St. John's wort St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal medication that may help those suffering from mild to moderate depression. A few studies have shown that it can improve your mood by affecting how your body processes certain chemicals, such as serotonin. It also appears to work well with a particular type of antidepressant referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression. It might not work as well for people suffering from severe depression however. St. John's Wort can be dangerous when combined with certain medications, so it's best to consult a doctor first. In one 12-week clinical trial, St. John's wort was as effective as a standard antidepressant in decreasing symptoms of mild depression. In another study, a combination of. John's wort and citalopram, an SSRI was more effective than an antidepressant with placebo in treating depression. The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. There's not as much research on long-term use of St. John's wort, however, some studies suggest it has benefits when taken for a number of weeks or even months. You can purchase it as a dried herb in tablets, capsules or tea. You may feel the effects in 3 to 6 weeks. It's important to tell your doctor or naturopath what other medications you're taking prior to taking the test, as St. John's wort can interfere with a variety of medications, including some birth control pills and antibiotics. It can also affect how your body metabolizes certain medications, including narcotics and sedatives, which could cause potentially dangerous adverse effects when they're combined. Depression is a serious illness and you shouldn't attempt to treat it yourself without seeing a healthcare provider. If you're considering natural treatments for depression, you should consult a naturopath or integrative medicine specialist who can assist you in making an informed choice. They can also recommend complementary healthcare options that do not require prescription medications. They may also refer you to specialists if you require. You will find a naturopath as well as an integrative healthcare provider in the Mayo Clinic directory.