Depression is a major problem in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control 9% of the US population report occasional depression (over 28 million people) and 3.4% suffer from major depression (almost 11 million people). Once more, antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the United States, with the CDC reporting that almost 30 million people fill 164 million prescriptions for antidepressants every year.
But the feelings or sadness, isolation, hurt, anger and despair, or just as often – the lack of feelings that accompany depression cannot be summarized in numbers. Once more, research shows that antidepressant medications are only effective in 7-13% of the people that take them, leaving most people with little hope to pull themselves out of the pit they feel they’ve fallen into.
However, there is hope. In many people, depression is due to one or more chemical imbalances in the brain that can be corrected. Modern science has shown that by identifying and properly addressing these underlying brain chemistry imbalances, the symptoms of depression can be lifted and eliminated for good.
Addressing the Cause
The exact cause(s) of depression often differ for each person. However, it is now known that depression in most people is caused by a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and/or psychological factors. However, research indicates that for most people depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain and scientists have determined that many people that experience depression have imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and/or norepinephrine.
Neurotransmitter imbalance
Many triggers can cause a disturbance in neurotransmitter function, which can lead to depression (as well as many other disorders). Some of the more common triggers include:
- Stress
- A traumatic life event
- Head and/or neck trauma
- Thyroid disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Genetics/family history of neurotransmitter imbalance
- Migraine headaches
- Interrupted sleep patterns
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Excess sugar consumption
- Chronic pain
- Viral illness (i.e., mononucleosis)
- Lack of exercise
- Medications
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Food or environmental allergies and/or hypersensitivities
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Hormone based disorders (i.e., endometriosis, irregular menses, etc.)
With so many triggers, it often seems overwhelming to try to identify and address the reason(s) any given person experiences depression. However, it is now known that most of these triggers cause neurotransmitter depletion and/or imbalance which can lead to depression.
Test, Don’t Guess
Some people try and alter their neurotransmitter function by taking one or more amino acids to increase specific neurotransmitter levels. Most commonly, this involves 5-HTP, L-tryptophan and/or L-tyrosine. These amino acids can be made into serotonin or dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain:
Picture from Marty Hinz, MD: www.neuroassist.com
Taking amino acids to improve neurotransmitter function is certainly the right idea; in fact, it has been found that taking the right combination of amino acids and cofactors is the only way to improve neurotransmitter function in the brain over time. The key is to determine the specific combination of amino acids that each person needs to restore proper neurotransmitter function. This is often much easier said than done.
The reason for this is that there are a number of interactions between amino acids and neurotransmitters that can create further imbalance if not taken in the proper combination. Here is a graphic illustrating the known interactions published in peer reviewed research:
Illustration taken from Marty Hinz, MD – www.hinzmd.com
(For a more complete discussion on these interactions, see http://amino-acid-therapy.com/neurotransmitters/proper-neurotransmitter-balance/)
One look at this figure and you can quickly see that the chances of a person (or a clinician) guessing the correct blend of amino acids necessary to properly address and individual’s specific neurotransmitter imbalance(s) are incredibly low. This makes it extremely important to seek the guidance and support of a health care professional trained in the proper use of amino acid therapy. A trained health care professional has several tests and his or her disposal that can quickly determine the correct blend of amino acids each person needs, as well as identify any other nutritional deficits that must be overcome to restore optimal neurotransmitter function in each person.
Using this approach, a person suffering from depression can often achieve a complete resolution of symptoms within days or weeks, while others may take a few months to achieve the proper balance necessary to eliminate their symptoms. No matter how long it takes, achieving proper neurotransmitter function through targeted amino acid therapy is the only way to provide a long-term solution to managing depression in most people. With over 600 clinics across the United States currently using this approach, there may be one in your area; if not, several clinics also conduct phone consultations to assist clients who can otherwise not receive the care they need.
To learn more about amino acid therapy or to find a practitioner near you visit:
www.naturalsolutionsfordepression.com
