Complementary and Alternative Treatments of Depression in Pregnancy: An Overview

Following a brief review of the consequences of untreated depressed mood and risks associated with antidepressant use during pregnancy, I comment on the evidence for complementary and alternative (CAM) modalities widely used to treat this serious problem. Consequences of depressed mood … Continue reading

Consider Acupuncture for Fighting the Winter Blues

This post is part of a series on alternative and integrative treatments of depressed mood. Previous posts in the series reviewed research findings on anti-depressant benefits of SAMe, folate, vitamin B-12, omega-3s, DHEA, bright light exposure therapy, and exercise. This … Continue reading

Omega3s have established mood enhancing benefits and boost the effectiveness of antidepressants

This is the fifth in a series of posts on non-pharmacologic treatments of depressed mood. Previous posts briefly reviewed research findings on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and folate. This post is offered as a concise review of omega-3 essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic … Continue reading

Bright light exposure may improve seasonal depressed mood: more studies are needed

Regular morning exposure to bright light may improve seasonal depressed mood This is the third post in a series on non-pharmacologic treatments of depressed mood. Previous posts provided brief reviews of the evidence for S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and folate. This post … Continue reading

Folate in the form of l-methyl folate enhances antidepressant response

This is the third post in a series on complementary and integrative treatments of depressed mood. The previous post reviewed the evidence for SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). In this post I briefly review the evidence for folate in depressed mood. Future posts will … Continue reading

Fighting the Winter Blues with SAMe

Fighting the winter blues with complementary and alternative therapies This is the second in a series of posts on complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches to depressed mood. As I write I am thinking of many of my own patients who … Continue reading

Safe and Effective Non-medication Ways to get Through the Winter Blues

Dealing with depression over the holidays Many people who struggle with chronic depressed feel more depressed as the holidays approach, the weather gets colder, and the days get shorter. If you currently take an antidepressant but you are having disappointing results … Continue reading