Depression can be pretty tough to definitively diagnose.
With a huge reliance on the self reporting of patients and doctor interpretation, diagnosing depression is no simple task. Continued research in neuroscience is shedding some light on how this disorder operates and hopefully leading to a simpler way to being diagnosed. By highlighting how certain brain activity may be linked to certain moods, researchers have raised the prospect of a biological signature that can be used as an indicator and help treat it.
Scientists from the University of California studied long-term recordings of participant brain activity while also having them log their moods. The team was able to identify trends by doing this. They found a common pattern of activity in the brain's hippocampus and amygdala regions which correlates to bad moods and depressive states.
"Based on what we know about these brain structures, this suggests that interactions between the amygdala and hippocampus might be linked to recalling emotional memories, and that this pathway is particularly strong in people with high levels of anxiety, whose mood might then be heavily influenced by recalling emotion-laden memories," Sohal says. "We will need to investigate that hypothesis further, but as a psychiatrist it's deeply satisfying to begin to be able to provide a conceptual framework to patients to help them understand what they are going through when they feel down." (Lavars,2018)
Treating depressive disorder frequently requires an individualized, holistic and integrative approach. Naturopathic medicine can be especially well suited for depression because there are so many modalities available. A comprehensive naturopathic treatment plan can include the use of nervine and/or adaptogenic herbs, flower essences, nutraceutical supplements, I.V. amino acids and an appropriate referral for psychotherapy.
It is no secret that depression is associated with the gut. Eating foods with positive effects on your intestinal microbiome can provide great improvement in depression symptoms.
We use I.V. ozone successfully for systemic pain and inflammation. I.V. Ozone with injectable Traumeel in the bag brings immediate relief to our patients. One of our IV options is the "Best Brain Sustain IV". All I.V. therapies are MD ordered. All mood disorder patients are either under the care of a qualified mental health specialist or are referred to one.
Best Brain Sustain IV: IV Nutritional Therapy that combines Glutathione (primary brain anti-oxidant), Folate, Tonico, Circulo Injeel and Cerebrum Compositum to improve memory, impaired concentration, depression, insomnia, dementia and anxiety. This formula is indicated for post-traumatic brain injuries.
Check out the IV menu of services to see what treatment could benefit you and book your consult today.
http://www.secondnaturecare.com/transformational-health-i.v.-therapies
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Lavars, N. (2018, November 09). Brain activity monitoring reveals a potential biomarker for depression. Retrieved from https://newatlas.com/monitor-brain-signature-depression/57166/