St. John's wort has gained increased attention in recent years for its potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of a number of mental health disorders. While depressive disorders such as dysthymia are typically helped by a combination of treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, many people turn to alternative and herbal remedies, such as St. John's wort. St. John's wort may provide benefits without negative side effects associated with certain medications.
About St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, known also as Hypericum perforatum, is a flowering plant used for hundreds of years to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mood-related disorders. The first uses of this herb were noted in ancient Greece. According to the National Institutes of Health's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers are not sure how this herb works, but it may prevent nerve cells in your brain from reabsorbing the neurotransmitter serotonin. This action resembles the effects of certain antidepressant medications known as SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which include fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.
Dysthymia Symptoms and Causes
Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is a depressive disorder whose causes aren't completely understood, although as in other depressive illnesses, heredity, social and biological factors play are role. Dysthymia is a chronic, mild form of depression that lasts a long time, often two years or more. Symptoms of dysthymia are not serious enough to warrant a diagnosis of major depression, although some people also experience major depressive episodes. Common symptoms include a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, feeling mostly sad or blue, fatigue, loss of energy, trouble concentrating, lack of self-esteem, feeling hopeless, guilt, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.
Benefits of St. John's Wort for Dysthymia
According to the Mayo Clinic, St. John's wort may help dysthymia, but clinical evidence is still inconclusive. The majority of clinical studies have been performed on patients with minor or major depressive disorders, not dysthymia. One study published in the March 2006 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" examined the effects of St. John's wort on patients with minor depression or dysthymia. The results showed that only patients with minor depression experienced a significant benefit when treated with St. John's wort. A study published in the September 2000 "British Journal of Medicine" found that St. John's wort was equally effective as the antidepressant drug imipramine in patients with mild to moderate depression. However, the results of clinical studies are mixed. A systematic review published in the October 2008 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" concluded findings of clinical studies on St. John's wort and major depression show that St. John's wort is as effective as antidepressant medications and results in fewer side effects. Further clinical studies are warranted.
Considerations
St. John's wort is available in tablet, capsule, tea and liquid extract forms. St. John's wort may help dysthymia; however, you should not use this herb in combination with other antidepressant medications. Additionally, St. John's wort can interact with a variety of other medications. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Health, St. John's wort can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea and sunlight sensitivity. Talk to your doctor before using St. John's wort.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dysthymia (Dysthymic Disorder): Alternative Medicine
- Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort and Depression
- "Phytomedicine"; The Efficacy of St. John's Wort in Patients with Minor Depressive Symptoms or Dysthymia...; C. Randløv et al.; March 2006
- "British Journal of Medicine"; Comparison of St. John's Wort with Imipramine for Treating Depression...; Helmut Woelk; September 2000
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; St. John's Wort for Major Depression; K. Linde et al.; October 2008
Member Comments