10 Antidepressant Alternatives Proven to Work

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If you are suffering from depression, but would prefer to try

something natural before going the traditional pharmaceutical route,

here are some remedies that have stood up to rigorous testing.

 

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy seeks to help people change how they

think about things. Unlike more traditional forms of therapy, it

focuses on " here and now " problems and difficulties. Numerous clinical

studies throughout the world have consistently demonstrated that

cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as antidepressant

medication. Within 20 sessions of individual therapy, approximately 75

percent of patients experience a significant decrease in their symptoms.

 

2. St John's wort

 

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used for the

treatment of depression. It is available in tablets, capsules and

liquid form from supermarkets and health food shops. Research suggests

that it exerts its antidepressant action by inhibiting the reuptake of

the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have examined the

effectiveness of St. John's wort for the treatment of mild to moderate

major depression, and most have found the herb more effective than a

placebo. It can be at least as effective as paroxetine (Paxil) in the

treatment of moderate to severe depression in the short term.

 

3. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

 

SAMe is an amino acid derivative that occurs naturally in all cells.

It plays a role in many biological reactions by transferring its

methyl group to DNA, proteins, phospholipids and biogenic amines.

Several scientific studies indicate that SAMe may be useful in the

treatment of depression.

 

4. Light Therapy

 

For years, light therapy has been used to treat seasonal affective

disorder, a type of depression caused by short winter days and

extended darkness. A lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for

the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which can trigger a dispirited

mood and a lethargic condition. Light therapy helps to regulate the

body's internal clock in the same way that sunlight does. Light

therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder, and

it may reduce the symptoms of non-seasonal depression as well.

 

5. Exercise

 

Researchers have found that regular exercise, and the increase in

physical fitness that results, alters serotonin levels in the brain

and leads to improved mood and feelings of wellbeing. Study after

study has shown that exercise promotes mental health and reduces

symptoms of depression. The antidepressant effect of regular physical

exercise is comparable to potent antidepressants like Sertraline.

 

Continued here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/29/10-antidepressant-\

alternatives-proven-to-work.aspx

 

Sheena Judd

http://health.naturalhealthinformation/