Children and adults with mood disorders can get the blues after the holidays. We have less light, most are trying to get microbial realignment by eliminating dairy, sugar and grains and harsh winter weather keeps us more sedentary.
We offer sophisticated neurotransmitter testing and treatment at Second Nature. Our comprehensive focus includes: gut health, methylation testing, identifying and removing food allergies and sensitivites and getting your body rhythms back in sync. Even if you are on a prescription medication for a mood disorder we can find out if it's working with your unique biochemistry.
I ran across a trade journal article about antipsychotic prescriptions in the United Kingdom. Over 50% are prescribed "off label" without a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. It gets worse.
Most of these prescriptions are given to women, older people and those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. This is especially dangerous in older people who are at higher risk for adverse side effects like: movement disorders and cardiometabolic issues.
Antipsychotic medications are not intended for use in patients who are not psychotic.
There is a long list of side effects that have to be carefully monitored in individuals on antipsychotics. Imbalance with increased risk of falls, weight gain, blood sugar and lipid dysregulation, hyperprolactinemia, increased rates of strokes and all-causes of death in patients with dementia top the list of side effects.
British practitioners are prescribing "off label" antipsychotics to compliment other antidepressants in complex cases or "treatment-resistant cases." Now they are being prescribed for depression, anxiety, dementia, sleep, attention-deficit/hyperactivity and personality disorders. Clearly not for their intended use and researchers found that patients did not have undiagnosed psychotic disorders, but they were prescribed because of their reputation as effective tranquilizers.
Bring back the color into your world. Schedule a Naturopathic consult this week.