Depression

A brand new study on the cause of depression has just been released. 
It flips everything mainstream medicine knows about depression on its head. 

Here is the study:
The serotonin theory of depression: as systematic umbrella review of the evidence from the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry. 

The serotonin hypothesis of depression is the most commonly cited theory in both the cause and treatment of depression in clinical practice today. Low serotonin = depression.

Antidepressant SSRIs and SNRI medications are used to modulate serotonin levels. These meds work for some, but the effects are often short-term. In some cases, there is no beneficial effect on depression. 


Here is the new research finding:
"The main areas of serotonin research provide no consistent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations. Some evidence was consistent with the possibility that long-term antidepressant use reduces serotonin concentration."


This leads us to several realizations/questions: 
1. We need to re-think the entire theory and cause of depression
2. Why do some pharmaceutical meds meant to modulate serotonin work quite well in some individuals if the problem is not, in fact, serotonin?  
3. How much can we rely on the placebo effect to relieve depression? 
3. Can we treat depression more successfully using a different theory and different treatments? 



Holism: 
When studies such as this one come out, I am reminded of the strengths of my naturopathic medical training. 

Naturopathic medicine views all health conditions through a holistic lens, depression included. Mind is not separate from body. The idea that just one imbalanced neurotransmitter molecule out of the entire mind/body is THE cause of something as intense as depression is short-sighted.

Of note - other molecules associated with depression include acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and inflammatory cytokines - most commonly, IL-6.

Many Western medical ideas stem from single linear mechanisms as the cause of disease and therefore can be fixed with a pharmaceutical. It's the epitome of missing the forest for the trees.  

Naturopathic medicine sees depression as a symptom of an underlying imbalance, not a disease state in and of itself. In this way, treatment options are almost endless, as it relies on the individual case. 

For example: 

  • Daily exercise

  • Nourishing burnout due to chronic illness management

  • Increasing quality sleep

  • Improving psychological stress management

  • Disengaging with unnecessary social stressors (including social media)

  • Improving meaningful connection and purpose

  • Strengthening support networks

  • Improving nutrient intake and nutrient absorption

  • Limiting alcohol and other sedatives

  • Treating chronic inflammation

  • Repairing gut dysbiosis due to poor dietary habits, medications and or environmental toxins

 

Specific multi-mechanistic therapies shown to improve depression: 

  • SAMe

  • Adrenal support, including vitamin B6, B5, vitamin C and adaptogenic botanicals such as ashwagandha, licorice root, rhodiola, or holy basil

  • B12

  • Folate

  • Fish Oil

  • Vitamin D

  • Melatonin

  • Glutamine

  • Tyrosine

  • Thyroid support

  • Turmeric

  • Liver cleansing foods: beets, carrots, artichokes, lemons, parsnips, dandelion greens, watercress, burdock root 

  • St. John's wort

  • Iron

  • Low dose psilocybin


*Be sure to speak to your physician about which supplements would best suit your unique needs. Quality really matters with supplements. There are lots of bad eggs out there in the supplement world - companies that do not have your best interest at heart. Check with a naturopathic doctor to learn about best dosing, sourcing, medication interactions, brands, and length of time needed to expect results.
 

Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R.E., Stockmann, T. et al. The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Mol Psychiatry(2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0

 

💕
Dr. Laura Neville

 

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Laura Nevilledepression, alternative medicine, naturopathic support, female naturopath, naturopathic doctor, herbal support, underlying imbalance, therapies, adrenal support