A Natural Approach to Depression

Depression is a chronic and recurrent disorder that is associated with significant physical and social dysfunction; still, it remains under-diagnosed and under-treated in all age groups. It is a common clinical problem seen in primary care, with 70% of prescriptions for antidepressants now written by primary care physicians. The diagnosis of depressive disorders is made in the absence of other medical conditions that may precipitate a depression. However, the interrelationship between mental and general medical disorders should not be overlooked. Several neurotransmitters have been implicated in the etiology of major depression, most notably serotonin. In addition, psychosocial precipitants such as stressful life events may factor heavily in the onset of depression. A variety of nutritional factors, such as folic acid, inositol, and B vitamins, may play a role in the etiology of depression. A nutritional approach that encompasses these nutrients, as well as herbal therapies such as St. John’s wort, may prove useful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. CNI604 1/98 CLINICAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS Copyright ® 1998 Advanced Nutrition Publications, Inc.