The psychiatric profession is sometimes accused of being too eager to push prescription antidepressants on their patients, as though they are the only proven means of handling a variety of mental health diagnoses or because it is the easiest way to deal with a patient. Whatever the case, patients should be aware that antidepressants are indeed one way of treating a variety of mental health issues, but that they are not the only way.
In fact, several alternatives to antidepressants exist, many of which are listed below. It is important to note however that this list is by no means suggesting that what is good for one patient is not good for another, or that one should stop taking their antidepressants. Each patient should always follow the advice of their health care professional. The point of this article is merely to draw attention to treatment modalities that are regarded by some professionals as being alternatives to taking antidepressants.
Treatments that Do Not Involve Medications
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown in trials to be just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. In CBT, the patient relearns how to respond to different stimuli and interactions that would otherwise induce depression symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise has commonly been cited as an alternative to antidepressants and as a way of alleviating depressive symptoms. It changes the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and boosts feelings of well-being.
Light Therapy
Generally used to treat seasonal affective disorder in which people do not get enough sunlight during the winter months, light therapy can regulate the body's internal clock the way that natural sunlight is supposed to, which can alleviate symptoms of depression.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The sense of relaxation and calm brought about by massage therapy can also go a long way in boosting feelings of well-being.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has gained traction in recent years as a means of controlling some symptoms of depression, as well as symptoms of other health problems as well.
Treatments that Involve "Natural" Medications
B Vitamins
Several of the so-called B vitamins help in the production of neurotransmitters, including vitamin B6, while people taking vitamin B12 could respond better to treatment than those not taking vitamin B12.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
When the human body manufactures the neurotransmitter serotonin, it first makes 5-HTP. There is some evidence suggesting that taking 5-HTP as a supplement can raise serotonin levels, and other evidence that suggests that 5-HTP outperforms placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms in clinical trials.
St. John's Wort
Also known as Hypericum perforatum, St. John's Wort is an herbal supplement that is believed to work in ways similar to SSRI antidepressants in that it inhibits the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters. Like 5-HTP it has been shown to outperform placebo in some clinical trials.
Sources:
Mercola.com
Psychiatric Times
HHS: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
