Treating Depression with Functional Medicine

Though depression is a common psychiatric illness, its wide array of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. Conventional treatment options are often accompanied by more side effects than benefits. The functional medicine model is trying to change how depression is treated, while identifying the root cause of the disorder for each patient.

Only about one-third of those suffering from depression start treatment, and those who do are normally prescribed a pharmaceutical regimen. Studies found that treating acute depression with antidepressants, however, led to a number of adverse reactions and falls, while a large number of individuals did not adhere to their prescribed regimen.

Recognizing the disconnect between available pharmaceutical treatments and actual patient needs, functional medicine offers an alternative to antidepressants. The approach is a doctor/patient-driven partnership that addresses an individual’s specific needs, while emphasizing lifestyle changes that may be more effective than antidepressants alone. Research has shown that certain balanced diets, weekly exercise, and even some supplements like vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium may help regulate emotions and alleviate depressive symptoms.

Since the functional medicine model tries to address the root cause of depressive symptoms, and tailors the clinical experience to an individual’s specific needs, prescribing lifestyle changes may greatly improve mental health outcomes.