An alternative treatment for depression?

How much is spent yearly on alternative treatment for depression?

Doctors' frustration:

• Research is showing that four out of five people visiting a doctor are taking some form of complementary medicine. Those taking an alternative treatment for depression help would surely be included in this category.

• A majority of these patients do not inform their doctor that they are taking non-prescription medication. The reason? They feel that they might provoke strong disapproval or even be laughed at.

This is unfortunate considering how some alternative herbs and medicine can interfere with prescription medicine.

• There is very little scientific evidence proving that they do work.

Doctors are frustrated in getting the message across that "natural" doesn't necessarily mean safe.

• Nutritional supplements are classified as food products. Therefore, they aren't regulated like prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs. The potency of their ingredients will vary - the direct opposite of the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

• Many patients waiting for surgery do not reveal that they are taking supplements.This is really important as these supplements, particularly herbs, may interfere with the blood clotting mechanism.

Patients' frustration:

• Some people looking for an alternative treatment for depression are reluctant and shameful in bringing up the subject with their doctors.

Some fear the side-effects of prescription medication that might be recommended.

• Very little is known about the optimal doses you should be taking. They ask, "Can I take too much,?" and, "How much should I take?"

• They look for proof that isn't there.

The Scientific validation of supplements is not extensive enough. Most studies are short and usually end with the wording "further studies are necessary." Funds for more extensive research are not available.

There are no exclusive patents available for companies to generate revenue.

Therefore, there is a reluctance to invest time and money in testing products for alternative and complementary medicine. This is even more true with something as subjective as fighting depression.

The bottom line?

You should check it out with your doctor first.

If it's safe, and it works for you, then it's effective as an alternative treatment for depression. I have found this to be the best approach.

How does it work?

Most people would answer, "Who cares? It alleviates my depression." And they have a point.

Even in conventional medicine there is frequently no answer as to why medication, for a similar complaint, would work for one person and not another

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