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Michele Belanger-Hicks
ISS 4935 Wednesday Class
Dr. Rebecca Johns, Spring 2012
Alternative Solutions to Medication in Fighting Depression
Introduction
Daily, in between prime time shows, a sad wind up doll in a frumpy outfit walks
aimlessly with her head down across the television screen (Pristiq). She is desperately looking
for something to wind her up and cure her down mood. Unfortunately, a lifetime of prescription
drugs is not the key to improving a situation long-term. Prescription drug commercials dominate
the media, is this contributing to the huge increase in prescription drug use, especially among
women? Over the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of
Americans who are prescribed antidepressants. There are numerous reasons for this upward
trend as cases of depression, anxiety and sleeping disorders have increased especially among
women in the United States. Is it the overwhelming task of trying to juggle the impossible?
Nowadays, a woman is expected to have a successful career, be a good mother and wife, attend
to the house and keep herself in shape and always with a smile. The task is daunting; has
popping a pill become so easy and convenient that the underlying cause of why the person is
depressed been overlooked and swept under the carpet, and considered resolved by a
prescription? More attention needs to be given to psychotherapy assistance and alternative
approaches to these problems versus just turning to medication. For many people, understanding
the root cause of the problem and confronting it alleviates the need for long-term drug use. The
benefits of trying to deal with emotional issues through therapy and other non-medical
approaches include preventing people from becoming dependent on unnatural, mind altering and
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potentially harmful substances. Because of the astronomical rise in prescription antidepressant
medications, particularly in women, and the harmful side effects, alternative solutions to
depression, anxiety and sleeping disorders should be explored first, leaving the use of medication
only as a last resort. The side effects of antidepressant use must be acknowledged and
alternative ways to deal with mental disorders investigated before resulting to drugs. In this
paper I will research and evaluate the other options to prescription drugs for the treatment of
mental disorders. If, indeed the other approaches are unsuccessful and the need for medication is
determined, the patient should be properly evaluated by a qualified psychiatrist before
administering antidepressants and then put on a regularly scheduled program with a
psychologist/psychiatrist who follows the patient's progress.
What are Antidepressants and How do they Work?
Antidepressants are drugs used to treat a variety of ailments, including depression. They
work by increasing the level of natural chemicals, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in
the brain called neurotransmitters, which control our moods and emotions (“Mental Health
Medications”). The most commonly prescribed group of antidepressants in recent years are
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include these popular medications,
Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), and
Escitalopram (Lexapro) (“Mental Health Medications”). Other antidepressants include serotonin
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors
(NDRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (Science of
Mental Illness”, 1). Antidepressants biologically work to combat mental disorders by increasing
the mood enhancing chemicals in our brains (Science of Mental Illness”, 1). Each drug has its
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own individual process of dealing with the human brain; therefore people might react differently
to various medications. Studies show that people can have completely diverse reactions to
different medications and that is why it is extremely important that all symptoms are notated and
reported immediately to a health care professional (Science of Mental Illness”, 1).
Increase in Use of Antidepressants
The increase in the amount of people, especially women in the United States being
prescribed antidepressants is phenomenal. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released figures on the use of antidepressants
in people over the age of 12 during the years 2005-2008 and compared that data with statistics
from 1988-1994 (Pratt, Brody). Astoundingly, the increase amongst all Americans grew almost
400% (Pratt, Brody). Surprisingly though, there are still so many victims of depression that go
undiagnosed for one reason or another, whether it is lack of healthcare coverage, money,
embarrassment, or access to a mental health provider, the amounts are staggering (Pratt, Brody).
The study also uncovered that antidepressants are the third most prescribed medication
in the United States and for people between the ages of 18-44; antidepressants top the list (Pratt,
Brody). Women are 2 ½ times more likely to take antidepressants than men, with approximately
15% of all women over the age of 12 on antidepressants (Pratt, Brody). Women, in general,
dominate in prescription drug use but white women exceed African American women and
Hispanic women by significant proportions (Pratt, Brody). White women between the ages of
40 – 59 overwhelmingly stand out as the highest segment of people taking antidepressants (Pratt,
Brody). In 2008, over 23% of white women were consuming antidepressants (Pratt, Brody).
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Women taking antidepressants have made these pills part of their everyday routine for years, just
like having a cup of coffee every morning. The CDC points out that over 60% of women taking
antidepressants have been taking them for over 2 years, with 14% exceeding 10 years (Pratt,
Brody). Approximately 8% of people taking these medicines display no signs of depression
(Pratt, Brody). These escalating numbers warrant our health care system to invest in what the
repercussions are of so many women being on prescribed medication and investigating into what
alternatives there are besides drugs. Although I will touch on related issues to the antidepressant
craze, my main focus will be what other options are available in addition to long-term drug use.
Why the Increase in Antidepressants?
What has caused the dramatic jump in antidepressants usage? Several elements have
been blamed for the excessive upsurge in prescription drug use. One factor that has changed
over the last couple of decades has been the emphasis on diagnosing and screening for
depression at general practitioners’ offices and the more openness of this illness as actually being
a legitimate disease. Living silently with depression can be catastrophic, so being aware of the
symptoms of depression is a step forward in combating this disorder. Perhaps for many years
people suffered silently behind closed doors and now society is more open to admitting how
significant this disease can be and how important it is that depression be addressed. The Healthy
People organization through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established
targets on educating and addressing mental health issues and reducing the negative outcomes
mental disorders have on a community (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The
Healthy People objective has been around for several decades and its mission has been to
mobilize, assess, plan, implement, track (MAP-IT) depression results, meaning setting
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objectives, monitoring outcomes and reporting back progress of people suffering from this
disease (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The goal has been for more primary
health care providers to be educated in detecting depression by screening adults 19 and older for
depression, and referring them to specialists to help patients with depression symptoms (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services).
Another reason for the upswing in antidepressant usage is the constant bombardment of
drug advertisements in the media. Whether reading a magazine, watching television or listening
to the radio, pharmaceutical companies are imprinting their message of the benefits of taking
their drugs. The media and pharmaceutical companies are playing a huge role in the increase in
antidepressant prescriptions among women. Over the years more and more commercials and
magazine ads are glamorizing the results of taking antidepressants and giving the impression that
many issues can be solved with a pill. In August of 1997, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approved that drug companies could now not only market via magazines and newspapers
with their brand name but directly market to consumers, also known as direct-to-consumer
advertising (DTCA), with television commercials (Iizuka, Zhe Jin, 703). With this win from the
FDA, pharmaceutical companies’ expenditures on DTCA marketing leaped from $800 million in
1996 to $2.5 billion in 2000 (Iizuka, Zhe Jin, 703). The drug companies’ perspective claims that
many disorders go undiagnosed and by advertising people are more likely to head to the doctors
to address and improve their condition ((Iizuka, Zhe Jin, 703). That might be true; however, this
upsurge in advertizing could lead to patients requesting medicine because of the skillfully
designed commercials illustrating the so-called wonders of using the drug. This tactic
encourages people to pay for more expensive drugs when in many cases an over the counter
solution would have been just as effective (Iizuka, Zhe Jin, 703). What the pharmaceutical
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companies also fail to mention is that once a drug goes generic and the potential profits decline,
they stop advertising the product and focus on one that is still patented (Shorter, 38). Of course,
with all this exposure, the drug companies are pushing the pros of antidepressants. As expected
with the drug companies flooding the wavelengths with their commercials, doctor visits,
especially in women, surged from 1997 to 2000, wearing out the physicians’ prescription pads
and resulting in the soaring pill phenomena we are witnessing today (Iizuka, Zhe Jin, 703).
Why the Difference in Gender?
The major factor that contributes to the considerable gap that exists between the number
of women prescribed antidepressants compared to men, is simply that women are more apt to
visit a doctor than men. The CDC reports that women are 33 percent more likely to visit a
doctor than men are (“New Study Profiles Women’s Use of Health Care”). In some studies of
annual exams and preventive care, women visited physicians 100 percent more than men (“New
Study Profiles Women’s Use of Health Care”). Women go to the doctor for a variety of reasons,
while depression might be one of the main ailments often other issues such as preventative
exams was the main reason for the visit and during the appointment other complaints are
discussed, resulting in a diagnosis of a mental disorder.
Women are also driven to the doctors’ office for multiple other reasons that are
interfering with their lives. Annoyances such as experiencing depression, sleep disorders,
anxiety disorders, and compulsive disorders that are distracting from the normal balance of
happiness and contentment that women strive for, therefore leading them to find a solution to
these disturbances. Antidepressants are prescribed and taken for conditions ranging from the
above mentioned conditions as well as postpartum depression, stress, eating disorders,
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menopause, and bipolar condition, just to name a few (“Science of Mental Illness”, 1). Many
mental disorders are closely related, meaning one disorder contributes to the other disorder,
consequently antidepressant medications are being prescribed for other reasons besides just
depression (“Science of Mental Illness”, 1). I have focused on depression as the leading reason
for women being prescribed antidepressants but it is very important to point out the various other
causes of why antidepressants are being prescribed.
Definition and Symptoms of Depression
What in fact is the definition of depression? There are many different indicators and
severities of depression; symptoms can vary from feeling down or lethargic, to as severe as
feeling absolutely hopeless and wanting to commit suicide. These feelings, in order to be
classified as depression, must be consistent over a period of time and affecting one’s everyday
life (“Major Depressive Episode: DSM IV Diagnosis’). Throughout history there has not been a
standardized method of diagnosing mental disorders, so The American Psychiatric Association
came up with a manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or
DSM to define and categorize mental disorders into specific categories that are consistent across
the United States (Gray, 615). The DSM has many different categories of depression, however,
in most cases, classification depends on the severity and length of the symptoms. The standard
questioning that the DSM IV uses to define if a person is suffering from a depressive episode is
the following:
The patient must have a total of at least 5 symptoms from the list below for at least 2
weeks and one of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest.

“depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
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
markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day,
nearly every day

significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5%
of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day

insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day

fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day

diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day

recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a
specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.”
(“Major Depressive Episode: DSM IV Diagnosis’).
What Causes Depression in Women?
The gauntlet of tasks that the average woman is responsible for is so overwhelming and
sometimes humanly impossible to accomplish, that often women feel defeated, leading to the
symptoms of a mental disorder. The cause of depression in women varies from one woman to
another. Some of the top reasons for depression in our society are coping with life's multitude of
stresses. Managing a career, taking care of children along with all the other responsibilities is
very straining both mentally and physically, often leaving women feeling extremely
overwhelmed and helpless, resulting in depression (Lafrance, 5). Other obvious aspects that lead
to depression are truly environmental such as living in poverty, physical and verbal abuse from a
violent partner, and discrimination and racism (Lafrance, 5). Although, environmental
surroundings play a key part in many causes of depression, it is also critical to point out that
there are also biological mental disorders that affect the chemical imbalance of the brain. Hence,
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it is extremely important to emphasize the significance of having a qualified professional
accurately diagnose these disorders.
What Qualifies as a Mental Health Professional?
It is also important to consider who should be diagnosing mental illnesses. Mental health
professionals, according to the National Institute of Mental Health are psychiatrists,
psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and mental health counselors (“Science of
Mental Illness”, 1). These professionals have extensive training in dealing with patients with
mental illnesses, compared to a general practitioner. The level of qualifications varies amongst
the experts depending on their specialty. Of this list, only psychiatrists are able to prescribe
medication, although other medical doctors not specializing in mental disorders are able to
prescribe antidepressants (“Science of Mental Illness”, 1). The US Preventative Service Task
Force (USPSTF), which is made up of an independent panel of doctors that recommends
procedures for preventative health care services, suggests that only screening adults for
depression when there are qualified, well-trained specialists that can ensure proper evaluations
are being preformed and follow-ups are completed (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services). They are against routinely screening for depression when there is not knowledgeable
staff in place (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
The Importance of a Mental Health Professional
Depression can have terrible effects on a person's well being and it is important for
people to get properly diagnosed. It is critical to understand the importance of narrowing down
specifically what the condition is and the best treatment for that condition (Gray, 640). The
severity of the condition must play a large role in determining how to treat the patient. It is
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important that health care providers are analyzing and testing patients accurately for depression
and not prescribing medication when patients might not be suffering from depression.
Unfortunately, depression cannot be diagnosed by a blood test or other physical exams like other
diseases. The method of diagnosing depression varies by the health care provider. Most
physicians choose different questionnaires to evaluate a person's mental state initially before
sending patients for further biological testing (Gray, 626). In many of these cases, the family
physician is diagnosing and prescribing antidepressants for mental disorders. Mental health
providers should be diagnosing patients as they are accurately trained at detecting and analyzing
specific mental health disorders. Unfortunately, general practitioners are typically only educated
on the basic symptoms of depression and are not fully aware of the full scope of how to treat
depression and other mental disorders. Treating mood disorders requires specific training and is
normally not a quick fix; therefore it requires long-term follow up and regular physicians are not
equipped to handle this chronic care (Loue, Savatovic, 181). Sadly, patients in many cases are
not referred outside the family physician for assistance. In the last year, the CDC states that less
than one third of patients taking antidepressants had seen a mental health professional (Pratt,
Brody). In other cases, when the patients are originally diagnosed by a mental health
professional they were not seeing the doctor on a regular basis for prognosis (Pratt, Brody). The
end result is that the time has not been taken and the proper procedures done to fully evaluate if
the patient is in fact a true candidate for medication, and the family doctor is defaulting to the
one thing he has immediate access to and that’s his/her prescription pad.
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The Effects of Taking Antidepressants
The topic of the ever-increasing prescriptions of antidepressants for women must be
promptly addressed as more and more evidence is surfacing on the long-term effects of these
strong, mind-altering drugs. Prescription drugs are often seen as innocent and harmless because
they are prescribed by a family doctor but the truth is they can be just as lethal and habit forming
as street drugs. In our society we are taught to consult a doctor when we are ill and expect the
so-called experts to guide us on the right path to recovery, however, we must also exercise our
right to question the consequences and other options to their recommended treatment. It is
critical that people are aware that with any medication there are pros and cons of taking that
medicine, regardless of how innocent it might seem. Mental health professionals must be
discussing other options as treatment to the patient's condition as opposed to always
administering medication. Alternative ways in dealing with mental disorders need to be
seriously explored to prevent the escalation of increasingly more women being prescribed
potentially harmful medication when it is unnecessary.
The Side Effects of Antidepressant Use
There are numerous short-term side-effects that have already been discovered, though, in
many of the drugs the long-term effects are still unknown. Some of the most common sideeffects are risk of suicide, becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, restless,
increased risk of bleeding, causing other health conditions to worsen, nausea, dizziness,
sweating, constipation, and decreased appetite, just to name a few (Loue, Sajatovic, 215-226).
An in depth study researched by Dr. James M. Ferguson under The National Center for
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Biotechnology Information uncovered short and long term side effects of SSRI’s that were not
discovered during the pre-marketing clinical trials of the drug (Ferguson, 22-27). Dr. Ferguson
pointed out that the small amount of patients tested and the typical 6 – 8 week trial period that
the pharmaceutical companies perform to test side-effects is far from ample (Ferguson, 22-27).
More patients need to be tested and analyzed for longer time periods in order to fully understand
the true side-effects of the drugs (Ferguson, 22-27). Unpleasant consequences arise after taking
the drug for a period of time such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, sleep disturbances, appetite
changes, headaches and withdrawal symptoms (Ferguson, 22-27). For instance, sexual
dysfunction could affect as many as 75% of antidepressant takers and depending on the
antidepressant weight gain could reach up to 24lbs in a 12 month period (Ferguson, 22-27). As a
result these effects can ultimately contribute and enhance the depression.
Different bodies relate differently to antidepressant drugs, so there is no way of telling
exactly how each individual will react to medication. Sometimes the body builds up a tolerance
to the medication and higher and higher doses are needed to have any effect on the person
(Sherman). Another risk is becoming addictive mentally and physically to the drug causing
terrible withdrawal symptom when a patient does eventually stop taking the drug (Sherman).
Discontinuation Syndrome is recognized as a serious aliment from the negative effects a patient
experiences from discontinuing the use of antidepressants. Patients have reported falling and
hurting themselves and missing work due to the dizziness, nausea, lethargy, headaches, anxiety
and agitation (Ferguson, 22-27). A more serious condition called Serotonin Syndrome, where
high levels of serotonin can accumulate in the brain causing dramatic mental changes, which can
be life threatening and difficult to restore the brain to its prior condition before the medication
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(Sherman). Tardive Dyskinesia Dystonia, which is another serious condition that causes
uncontrollable body movements, has developed in patients who have used antidepressants longterm (Sherman). Also it is important to point out, women taking antidepressants while pregnant
are at risk of delivering a baby with abnormalities due to the exposure to the medication
(Breggin). Depending on the severity of the mood disorder, pregnant women should be made
aware of the rare but serious side-effects of taking antidepressants and consider different
alternatives to medication (Breggin). These astounding effects have to attract attention and
debate over the history and effects of the chemicals that make up these drugs.
Is Medication the Best Method to Treat Depression?
Medication in many cases might not be the best method of dealing with certain situations.
Antidepressants put a band-aid on the situation; however, underneath the band-aid, the patient is
still bleeding unless there is a sustainable method of dealing with the patient’s mood disorder.
“Medicating women’s misery, without changing the conditions that so often produce it,
ultimately has the effect of ‘paving over pain”, directing women to be modern-day versions of
Stepford Wives who manage their lives in a calm, docile, pleasant manner” (Lafrance, 5).
Not only are the side-effects a good reason why a woman would not want to subject her
body to the medication treatment approach but other reasons exist that turn women off of taking
a pill to handle mood disorders. Some cultures disagree with taking strong drugs to deal with
problems and believe there are other ways of dealing with mental disorders (Loue, Sajatovic,
180). Another hindering reason for not resorting to medication is antidepressants are often very
expensive and unless a patient has quality healthcare insurance, medication might not be a good
economical solution for their condition (Loue, Sajatovic, 180). The stigma in society of women
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taking drugs to help them get through the day is sometimes a lot for a woman to contend with
(Loue, Sajatovic, 180). The woman’s day to day activities also must be addressed before
prescribing medication. If the woman smokes, drinks alcohol or caffeine or uses illegal drugs,
prescribing antidepressants can have adverse results (Loue, Sajatovic, 218-219). It is essential
the patient be analyzed sufficiently before administering medication.
Looking at Alternative Approaches
Mental disorders affect millions of Americans and are a very serious issue; however more
research needs to be put into finding additional ways in dealing with the problem besides just
purely medication. Alternative approaches to conventional medicine or Complementary and
Alternative Medicines for Mood Disorders (CAMS) have surfaced that prove to be very effective
to use as a substitute to medication or a partner with the medication to improve the condition
quicker and with less side-effects. Most mental health professionals offer three different
treatments for depression, biological means (in most cases drugs), psychological means or both
(Gray, 643). Another option is that is often overlooked and underestimated, the means of solely
using or adding alternative methods to medical treatments. Alternative ways to dealing with
mental disorders have been around for hundreds of years but since the induction of
antidepressants these approaches are often disregarded and assumed archaic; however, many of
these therapies have been proven to significantly improve mental disorders without as many
side-effects. Psychotherapy, exercise, yoga and meditation, and herbal remedies are just a few of
solutions that have had consistent success in promoting and sustaining good mental health.
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Tackling Depression with the use of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy has proven to have great long-term effects of helping women with
depression and other mental disorders. There are a multitude of therapies that can be explored
depending on the individual and their reason for their condition. Psychotherapy looks at the root
cause of the mental disorder and looks at dealing with the underlying problem often curing the
disorder. The success rate is high in this category and is often used alongside antidepressants
(Loue, Sajatovic, 180). The psychotherapy approach is where a trained professional discusses
ways to cope with life and handle difficult situations. One of the methods that are incorporated
under the psychotherapy umbrella is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the combination of
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy which blends the specialties of talk therapies through
changing unhealthy thoughts and beliefs and altering the maladaptive behaviors that coincide
with the distorted views (“Psychotherapies”). This approach has had great success in helping
sufferers of depression and other mental disorders prevent on-going episodes of depression. The
National Institute of Mental Health did a study that illustrated how imperative CBT is at
improving the overall well-being of victims of mood disorders. The 2007 study uncovered that
switching or adding CBT to unsuccessful antidepressant users was just as effective as adding or
switching medications without the nasty side-effects (Thase). The study did state that the time
span for the effects to materialize took longer than medication but proved in the long-term
helpful (Thase). Unfortunately, the study did not cover what percentage of people had relapses
on each particular method or how long the person had to stay on the medication. In the book,
Understanding Depression in Women, recent studies for chronic depression showed that CBT
combined with medication has had the most success rate long-term than either CBT or
medication alone (Mazure, Keita, 91).
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Although, there have been limited large-scale, long-term studies on the comparison of
psychotherapy and antidepressants, the studies that have been done have shown significant
improvement in patients when combining both methods (Mazure, Keita, 91). Women have
reported that using CBT to better deal with life stresses, such as divorce, financial issues, health
issues, death of a loved one, motherhood or career obligations can be more effective than
antidepressants, especially for acute depression (Mazure, Keita, 91). This therapy has helped
prevent women from falling into a long episode of depression (Mazure, Keita, 49). Overall, this
therapy has suggested that the turnaround time on the remission of depression can be longer, but
the root cause is addressed and behaviors and thoughts are changed, leading to a long-term
solution with fewer episodes in the future and less side-effects.
Exercise as a Fighting Force Against Depression
The concept of exercise to remedy mood disorders may seem too simplistic in some ways
yet cumbersome in others, but the results are that exercise has lasting effects on alleviating
depression. Medical studies have proven that patients who participate regularly in an exercise
program are less likely to encounter clinical depression and are more cheerful, have higher selfconfidence and experience less stress and sleep disorders (“Treating Depression with Exercise”).
It is believed that exercise increases chemicals in the brain that naturally reduce the symptoms of
depression (“Treating Depression with Exercise”). The brain chemicals, serotonin (an
antidepressant), norepinephrine (an adrenalin-like protein) and endorphins (pain killer) naturally
rise when exercising, helping the body to self protect itself from mood disorders (“Treating
Depression with Exercise”). Other ways exercise aids in fighting off depression is it keeps the
body healthy and feeling good and having a regular exercise routine distracts from the stressors
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of life, making falling into the pitfall of negative thoughts less likely. Studies dating back to
1981 revealed that regular exercise plays a supportive role in assisting patients suffering from
depression (“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Depression, Understanding
Depression”). A study from the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1999, divided participants into
three groups, one taking SSRIs, another exercising and the other taking both SSRIs and
exercising, found that after 16 weeks all groups had improved about the same (“Complementary
and Alternative Treatments for Depression, Understanding Depression”). The follow up study
found that those who continued exercising were less likely to fall back into a depressive episode
(“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Depression, Understanding Depression”).
This suggests that exercise may be a great alternative to taking antidepressants, with lasting
effects against the relapse of depression (“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for
Depression, Understanding Depression”). Exercise, overall makes people feel better, decreases
anxiety and stress, has a calming effect, and increases confidence. It is important to point out
that in general, exercise does not have any significant side-effects as long as it is done in relation
to the patient’s physical condition. Making exercise beneficial takes time and patience. It is
recommended that patients dedicate at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week for there to be any
substantial improvement and understand that sometimes in the beginning there may be some
down swings in mood but persistence pays off as most people feel the positive effects after two
to four weeks (“Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms”). Setting small, obtainable
goals is essential to build self-esteem and avoid experiencing the failure effect. Getting into an
exercise routine is challenging, so any patient suffering from depression attempting to follow an
exercise program should pat themselves on the back and consider any progression as an
achievement (“Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms”). Exercise, even if it is
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walking around the block or gardening should be implemented into everybody’s day to day
routine for general physical and mental well-being but especially for women prone to depression.
The Yoga and Meditation Approach
Yoga and meditation are theories that have been used worldwide for centuries to reduce
stress and tension. Yoga, which incorporates physical poses, controlled breathing, and deep
relaxation or meditation, is a suggested method in dealing with many physical and mental
aliments including depression (Health and Wellness Resource Center). Although there is not
many in depth medical studies around the use of yoga and meditation in decreasing depression,
there have been study groups that suggest this approach has lasting effects on reducing stress and
improving mood. A study in Germany on women who were “emotionally distressed” reported
that after three months of 90 minute yoga classes they experienced, more energy, their
depression score improved by 50% and their anxiety score improved by 30% (Health and
Wellness Resource Center). Another study done in New Hampshire in 2005, indicated that
patients with severe mental disorders were questioned before and after the class about tension,
anxiety, and depression; their levels significantly dropped after taking the class, indicating there
is at least a short-term benefit of practicing yoga and meditation (Health and Wellness Resource
Center). There have been very few reported side-effects of partaking in yoga and meditation and
overall, yoga and meditation assists in releasing built up frustration and strains from hectic
lifestyles which helps the mind to rejuvenate and deal with life's grievances better (“Yoga for
Health: An Introduction”).
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Herbal Remedies
Another approach that is often mentioned when referring to alternative methods in
treating depression is the herbal approach. Herbal remedies, the most popular St. John’s Wort,
are now actively used in the United States by people looking for a more natural resource in
treating mild to moderate depression. There have not been any full, comprehensive studies on
the true nature of how St. John’s Wort demises depressive moods but there has been research
done by Harvard that suggests that the herb increases serotonin levels, similar to Prozac and
enhances dopamine and norepinephrine, which could play a part in enhancing positive feelings
(“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Depression, Understanding Depression”). The
reported side-effects are few but there have been issues with the herb negatively impacting other
conditions or reacting badly with different medicines, so it has been strongly recommended that
patients mention any herbal supplements they are taking to their physician to avoid any
unpleasant consequences (“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Depression,
Understanding Depression”). It is also important to stress that even though something is
advertised as “natural, organic, herbal remedy etc.” these treatments can also be harmful if not
used or administered correctly. It is important to research when it comes to acupuncturists, yoga
instructors, herbs, and chiropractors etc. Yes, they may have less side-effects but again there are
people out there praying on sufferers who are not qualified or fully knowledgeable about the
product they are presenting and can do more harm than good (Loue, Sajatovic, 215-226).
Are Medical Doctors Educating their Patients on Alternatives to Drugs?
In many instances, primary care physicians are not recommending CAMS or alternative
ways to treat depression besides medication. Some studies show that doctors are not on board
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with alternative medicine as there is not much research or proven facts on the results of using
these particular methods (Loue, Sajatovic, 111-116). Other reasons are, alternative medicine is
not accepted as a standard practice in the United States and therefore is not typically taught at
medical schools, so doctors are unaware of the benefits of these different approaches (Loue,
Sajatovic, 111-116). Most CAMS are not government regulated or reimbursable by health
insurance companies so doctors might be reluctant to suggest something that is not regulated or
would not be picked up by the patient’s health insurance provider (Loue, Sajatovic, 111-116).
The other concern is, the average primary care physician spends a small amount of face-to-face
time with each patient, approximately 10 minutes; therefore it is difficult for the patient to fully
disclosure everything that is bothering them and it is unlikely the doctor has time to go into the
various methods of how to deal with certain sicknesses (Gottschalk, Flocke). On the whole,
more research and time needs to be dedicated to understanding the pros and cons on using these
widely used techniques and doctors need to be educated on CAMS, which are currently being
used or have been used in the past by about 85% of the United States population (Gottschalk,
Flocke).
Conclusion
In conclusion, mental disorders have troubled our society for centuries; however, with the
release of medication to treat depression and other psychological aliments, controversy over the
effects of this treatment has risen to new heights. There has been a considerable rise in
Americans, especially women, resulting to medication to treat mental disorders. The discussion
in the academic world can vary, from some believing in what is now considered to be
“conventional medication” view to others looking at more natural, alternatives approaches. The
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scholarly reviews that I have focused on are making a strong argument that other options besides
drugs need to be offered and evaluated to get a true analysis of what choices really work. Teams
of doctors are collaborating in efforts to measure how various people are reacting to different
approaches. The American Journal of Psychiatry has published several articles pushing for
doctors to disclose the benefits and risks of medication and for mental health professionals to be
aware of the multitude of therapies available for treating depression besides antidepressants
(Kessler, Soukup, Davis, Foster, Wilkey, Rompay, Eisenberg, 289-294). Dr. Edward Shorter
wrote in his book, Before Prozac that the pharmaceutical companies are playing a big role in
driving the option of medication and are influencing the mental health professionals to prescribe
drugs versus exploring the psychotherapy and alternative ways (Shorter). Dr. Michelle
Lafrance's book, Women and Depression walks through the different stages of depression and
how to successfully overcome the pitfalls of this mental disorder and live depression-free longterm without medication (Lafrance). It is a positive lifestyle approach not a drug-induced
eternity of prescriptions.
Unfortunately, there is still a negative stigma around people suffering from mental
disorders, so in many cases people are not upfront about their condition, out of fear of feeling
weak or incompetent. In general, the public still looks down on people experiencing this
common factor of life and stereotypes the sufferers as complainers or hypochondriacs with
make-believe aliments. However, recently, women celebrities like Brooke Shields, Catherine
Zeta-Jones, Ashley Judd, and Delta Burke have all come forward to say they have had their
battles with depression and yes, they are still strong, successful, viable women but they suffer
from a disorder just like people suffer from diabetes or any other sickness. They are not freaks
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but victims of an illness that they want to address and overcome. The media has had a frenzy
about exploiting people experiencing this health problem. While standing at the checkout line at
the grocery store you can't help but notice tabloid covers and the way the media latches on to
someone going through a difficult period in their lives. In reality, we as humans all go through
periods of insecurities and grievances and as Dr. Loue and Dr. Sajatovic state, “depression and
addiction are illnesses and not failures of character or morality” (Loue, Sajatovic, 157). Whether
someone is a well-known person or member of a local community, seeing a psychiatrist or
checking into rehab publicly exposes their illness, therefore inconspicuously taking pills hides
the ramifications of the negative stigma people would have to deal with. The fast pace of today's
society can also leave little room to squeeze in alternative solutions like exercise or yoga, again
making it easier to resort to medication. The media and pharmaceutical companies have also
joined forces in recognizing the profits to be made from this phenomenon. Nowadays it is not
inconceivable that every other commercial break on television is advertising an antidepressant
and glorifying the effects of taking these potent medications. Antidepressants commercials can
take the viewer from one extreme to another. The commercials have the audience believing that
they, too can go from having your head in the sand, to thinking everything is coming up roses
regardless of their situation with just the pop of a pill. The profits that are made through an
increasingly medicated society are so astronomical that alternative medicines do not stand a
chance of being heard and getting the publicity a drug like Zoloft commands. I hope to gain the
acknowledgment that medical providers should at least be open-minded and trained about the
different solutions to mental disorders and present other suggestions besides medication to
patients trying to overcome this complex illness that plagues a vast portion of our society. I hope
too, that sufferers are responsive to listening to the facts and attempting other solutions to mental
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disorders besides medication and taking their mental health seriously by understanding the risk
factors of long-term drug use.
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Health & Wellness Resource Center. Gale Cengage Learning. Web. 20 Mar. 2012.
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