I’ve
just come across an article “Nondrug Remedies for Depression”. Let’s have a
closer look at the different tips [1].
Exercise
“Exercise
can relieve depression” – yes, exercise should be part of any therapy.
Light
therapy
“During
the short, dark days of winter, some people are prone to a type of depression
called seasonal affective disorder.” Are we talking about seasonal affective
disorder or depression? But I’d agree that light can play a role in symptom
control.
Mood
diary
“A
mood diary keeps negative events in perspective and serves as a reminder that
good days do happen.” That’s also a good idea. Limits are based in the severity
of the disease.
Acupuncture
“As
with many alternative therapies, there isn’t a heap of data that proves
acupuncture relieves depression.” Then, why mention it? There has been one good
study by J.J. Allen and colleagues [2]: “Acupuncture for depression: a
randomized controlled trial.” ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00010517. The
authors concluded: “Although TCM manual acupuncture is a well-tolerated
intervention, results fail to support its efficacy as a monotherapy for MDD. …”
And
the text goes on [1]: “In a second study in the Journal of Affective Disorders,
70 patients with a major depressive disorder who were already taking an
antidepressant seemed to show more improvement if they had acupuncture,
compared to those who did not.” The study isn’t named, but you can see that the
intervention wasn’t blinded.
Support
groups
“Support
groups … are an excellent way to help treat mild forms of depression.” I agree
with a caveat – not all group support. You have to look carefully if the group
supports or is a stage for neuroticism.
Cognitive
behavioral therapy
Cognitive
behavioral therapy is very effective therapy.
Fish
oil
“In
areas where consumption of foods with omega-3 is high, people tend to have
lower rates of depression.” The authors of the text do not fall into the trap
of cherry picking and keep an eye on not exaggerating. A Cockrane review concluded [3]: “At present, we do not have
sufficient evidence to determine the effects of n-3 PUFAs as a treatment for
MDD.” I agree that a deficiency in n-3 fatty acids could be substituted with
benefit. Linseed oil and oil of algae are good alternatives for vegetarians.
Meditation
“Promising
research suggests that meditation may play a role in preventing depression
relapse.” Yes, but lots of people cannot meditate.
Saffron
The
authors cite a small study, “which looked at 38 people over six weeks, found
that saffron was as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in reducing symptoms of
depression.” A systematic review in 2014 sees it [4]: “Research conducted so
far provides initial support for the use of saffron for the treatment of
mild-to-moderate depression.” Here in Germany saffron would be less expensive
that fluoxetine. But as saffron isn’t sold as a drug, all side effects would be
at the risk of the patient.
Yoga
“Striking
a pose may alleviate stress and symptoms of depression.” Yes. And have a look
at the link [5]!
St.
John’s wort
“One
of the most studied supplements for depression is St. John’s wort, a
yellow-flowered plant used in teas, pills, and extracts.” Yes, St. John wort is
working but in anti-depressive dosages St. John’s worth has a high rate of liver
toxicity. And it might “diminish the effectiveness of some prescription
medications”.
All
in all I’m really not disappointed with the text. I cannot agree with all the tips,
but the text has been written without exaggerations and a sense of proportion.
Links:
.
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