Do “Natural” Remedies Work for Depression?

An estimated one out of four Americans turns to alternative treatments for health problems, and many of them are looking for help with major depression. But an MGH expert urges caution when you consider using a natural remedy to chase your blues away.

“It’s important to remember that just because something is ‘natural,’ that doesn’t mean that it is automatically safe,” says David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, director of research at MGH’s Depression Clinical and Research Program. “Many remedies contain substances that can have powerful and potentially adverse effects on the body.”

Natural remedies, such as nutritional and herbal supplements, are generally not regulated by the US government, and in most cases research on these compounds is limited. Information about optimal doses, active ingredients, contraindications, drug interactions and potential toxicities for these medications may not be well established.

However, several natural remedies for depression have been more thoroughly studied and results suggest they might represent treatment options for people with mild-to-moderate depression who don’t wish to use drugs or talk therapy.

Three Natural Options

If you have symptoms of depression (see What You Can Do), Dr. Mischoulon suggests contacting your health care provider for a professional assessment, and discussing whether any of these options would be suitable for you:

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum) Although its precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, this herbal supplement is thought to help reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol, and to prolong the actions of neurotransmitters that lighten mood, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It appears to be most effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression, and less effective in individuals with severe depression. Cautions: St. John’s wort interacts with anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants, and a number of other drugs. It should not be combined with most antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, because of the risk of a potentially fatal reaction called serotonin syndrome. Side effects from St. John’s wort are usually mild and include sensitivity to sunlight, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and confusion.

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) This chemical is produced naturally by the body and can also be manufactured in the laboratory. Its impact on depression has been linked to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its role in the production of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other substances that affect mood. Levels of SAMe may be abnormally low in some people with major depression. Research suggests that increasing these levels with supplementation may be as effective as—and in some cases faster-working than—some antidepressants. SAMe may be especially helpful for people who are sensitive to the side effects of antidepressant drugs. It can also be used in conjunction with SSRIs to significantly improve treatment response. Cautions: Although SAMe has no known undesirable interactions with other medications and is generally well tolerated, the supplement can cause minor side effects, such as dizziness, insomnia, and gastrointestinal effects.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Decreased consumption in the Western diet of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found naturally in cold-water fish, certain nuts, seeds, and dark green vegetables, is thought to contribute to pro-inflammatory processes associated with depression. Omega-3 supplements are believed to reverse this inflammatory process, as well as lower cortisol levels and normalize the actions of neurotransmitters involved in mood. When combined with antidepressants, omega-3 also appears to significantly improve response to treatment among individuals who are treatment-resistant. Cautions: Omega-3 supplements have been shown to be very safe, although minor side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints and, rarely, increased risk of bleeding do occur. People with bipolar disorder, those with diabetes, or people who are being treated with blood-thinning medications such as heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) need medical guidance before taking fish-oil supplements.

“The greatest risk of turning to these alternative therapies for depression is that their use might delay the use of other well-established treatments,” says Dr. Mischoulon. “For this reason, the best candidates for alternative treatments may be people with mild depression for whom a delay would not be serious, or people who have failed to respond to conventional treatment or encountered serious antidepressant side effects.”

The post Do “Natural” Remedies Work for Depression? appeared first on University Health News.

Read Original Article: Do “Natural” Remedies Work for Depression? »

Powered by WPeMatico