BACKGROUND
Clinical depression is a common psychiatric disorder, characterized by a persistent lowering of mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure.
While the term "depression" is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased mood when one "feels blue," clinical depression is a serious illness that cannot simply be willed or wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
An orthomolecular approach to depression looks at biochemical imbalances. The approach seeks to uncover any nutritional deficiencies, often first looking for possible deficiency in vitamin C and trace minerals. Orthomolecular treatment also looks at possible food allergies and toxins, with a focus on sugars, dairy products and wheat.
If food allergies are suspected in a patient with depression, a detailed food history may be taken and the patient might be placed on an elimination diet. Orthomolecular treatment of depression may include the use of the following supplements:
A multi-vitamin tablet not containing copper
Vitamin B3 (as niacinamide or inositol hexaniacinate)
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B9
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Zinc
Selenium -
Calcium/Magnesium
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 7, 2005. Mental Health
Treatment That Works.
http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n11.shtml
Replogle, William and Eicke, F.J. "Megavitamin Therapy in the Reduction of Anxiety and Depression Among Alcoholics". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 2.3 (1987)
Arasteh, Kamyar. "A Beneficial Effect of Calcium Intake on Mood." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 9.4 (1994)
Vol. 9, Number 4, 1994
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "Allergy, Depression and Tricyclic Antidepressants." Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 9.3 (1980)
Riordan, Hugh D. "Overcoming Depression" Orthomolecular.org http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/articles/ocdepression.shtml, Viewed January 2, 2008.
Yaryura-Tobias, B. Heller, H. Spatz, and E. Fischer. "Phenylalanine for Endogenous Depression." Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 3.2 (1973)
DeLiz, Antonio. "Administration of Massive Doses of Vitamin E to Diabetic Schizophrenic Patients." Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 4.1 (1975)
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Dr Hoffer's ABC of Natural Nutrition for Children. Kingston: Quarry Press Inc., 1999
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention & Behavior Disorders: Complementary Nutritional & Psychological Treatments. Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2004.
Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention and Behavior Disorders: Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2005.
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.