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Natural and
Complimentary Therapies
Most psychiatric treatments bring about changes in the brain, whether
through medication, psychotherapy or just good sleep and exercise. I believe
the ideal treatments are those which undo the effects of illness and stress
and protect the brain against future problems. Natural remedies can also
help achieve this goal, but there is much confusion about their benefits
and risks, and the products themselves are often sold with misleading
labels and incorrect doses. I work with people to help them understand
these options and, when needed, take the right amount.
To me, the most natural treatments are those already present in the
human body, such as vitamins and supplements. Some examples that have
beneficial mental effects include SAMe,
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, inositol, folate, B-complex
vitamins, melatonin, and chromium. Another important option is Light therapy, which
can treat certain kinds of depression.
Although these treatments are natural, this does not mean they are safe.
The recent finding that Vitamin E
can increase the risk of heart failure underscores the importance of
careful consideration in choosing what we put in our bodies.
A very different approach is herbal therapies, such as St. Johns Wort and Kava Kava. Herbs are more similar to medications; in
fact, many medicines are developed by purifying herbs. However, because herbs have not been
purified they expose you to the medicinal ingredient as well as a host of
other chemicals. Liver and skin damage from Kava Kava
is one example of the risks this exposure can bring.
In the past 10 years, research in this area of medicine has grown
rapidly, and a branch of the National Institutes of Health was created in
1998 to further this search for better and safer complimentary therapies (National
Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine).
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SAMe
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine
(SAMe) is the primary methyl donor in the central nervous system. It is
naturally present in the human body and has been found to help depression
in numerous clinical studies.
SAMe also has benefits
for arthritis and liver disease. It functions in the brain by increasing
important neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and
acetylCoA). Levels of SAMe are often low in people with depression.
It is important to
consult a physician before using SAMe to understand if your condition might
respond to this, what side effects can occur, how it interacts with other
treatments, and what the best dosage is.
SAMe Reference
Evidence for SAMe is
summarized by the National Institutes of Health in:
Hardy M et al.
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and
Liver Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 64. AHRQ
Publication No. 02-E034 Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality. October 2002.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava is an herb (Piper
methysticum) which can reduce anxiety. However, overuse can lead to
potentially lethal skin problems and even regular use is associated with
liver damage. Refer to the recent FDA warning.
Saint John's Wort
A useful fact sheet has been
prepared by the National Institutes of Health.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
& Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids
("fish oil") are an important component of the human brain and
are naturally obtained from dietary sources such as oily fish and dark
green vegetables. Cultures whose diets are rich in these nutrients have
lower rates of mood disorders. A few studies have found that adding omega-3
fatty acids to psychiatric medication is beneficial for depression, bipolar
disorder and certain other conditions.
More information on this nutrient is at: http://efaeducation.nih.gov/.
It is important to understand
that omega-3 is usually not effective by its self, but can add to the
benefits of other treatments.
Consult a physician
before taking omega-3 to understand if your condition might respond to
this, what side effects can occur, how it interacts with other treatments,
and what the best dosage is.
Omega-3 References
Stoll AL et al.
Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial. Archives of General Psychiatry 56: 407-12,
1999.
Nemets B et al.
Addition of omega-3 fatty acid to maintenance medication treatment for
recurrent unipolar depressive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry
159: 477-9, 2002.
Zanarini MC et al.
Omega-3 Fatty acid treatment of women with borderline personality disorder:
a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. American Journal of
Psychiatry 160: 167-9, 2003.
Stoll AL et al.
Omega-3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder: a review. Prostaglandins,
Leukotrienes & Essential Fatty Acids. 60: 329-37, 1999.
Updated 2/13/6
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