Approximately 10 to 15 million Americans experience clinical depression in any given year, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Effective treatment can be gained through the use of psychotherapy or medications. Scientists have developed numerous antidepressant medications, which are effective for many, but not all, patients. Some people prefer not to take manufactured pharmaceuticals, either for lifestyle reasons or due to the significant side effects that can occur. Natural medical alternatives include SAMe, 5-HTP and St. John's Wort.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
SAMe
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a chemical produced naturally in every cell of the body, according to UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, and is believed to increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. It can be produced synthetically and taken in pill form. Scientists have studied its use for several different conditions, including depression, osteoarthritis and liver disease. In research studies comparing SAMe to a placebo (sugar pill), SAMe led to a significantly more dramatic improvement in depression symptoms. Results were similar for SAMe as for pharmaceutical antidepressant medication, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Suggested dosage is 1,600 mg per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical School.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters for mood regulation. 5-HTP can be manufactured synthetically into pill form and is commonly taken at a dose of 100 mg, three times per day. A few scientific research studies suggest that 5-HTP may be more effective than placebo, but that it does come with some side effects, according to the Cochrane Collaboration.
Contaminants have been found in some 5-HTP supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical School. Therefore, experts recommend only purchasing this substance from a reputable manufacturer.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort has been medicinally prescribed for centuries for a variety of conditions. The most commonly purchased herbal supplement in the United States, St. John's Wort has demonstrated greater effectiveness than placebo for mild to moderate depression in several research studies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some studies suggest its effectiveness equals that of pharmaceutical antidepressants without some of the common side effects.
Commonly recommended prescription strength is 300 mg, two to three times per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical School. Its use may interfere with the effectiveness of other medications, so consultation with a physician is recommended.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary Medicine -- Depression
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease
- Cochrane Collaboration: Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan for Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-Hydroxytryptophan
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St. John's Wort
