Integrative Therapies for Depression

Supported by the review of nearly 3000 scientific studies, the book describes the concepts of inflammation, genetics, hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal conditions, environmental stress, and nutritional deficiencies and their possible link to the pathogenesis of mood disorders. It also examines findings on various nonpharmaceutical therapies used to treat mood disorders including vitamins, botanicals, and other natural products as well as exercise, stress reduction, bright light, mind-body practices, and spiritual approaches. The book fills a significant gap in the conventional model of therapeutics for mood disorders. It is a valuable resource for psychiatrists, psychologists, family therapists, and all other clinicians who devote their days to caring for those afflicted with depression.

Shifting the Paradigm: Redefining the Treatment of Mood Disorders. The Role of Inflammation in Depression. The Gut-Brain Axis: The Role of the Gut in Brain Health. Clostridia Bacteria in the GI Tract Affecting Dopamine and Norepinephrine Metabolism. Stress, Fear, Trauma, and Distress: Underlying Factors in Depression. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Physiological Depression. Micronutrient Deficiencies and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Vitamin Deficiencies and Depression: Evidence-Based Research. Mineral Deficiencies and Depression: Evidence-Based Research. Essential Fats and Amino Acids in Depression. Sex Steroids and Mood in Women. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Mood Disorders. Adrenal, Reproductive, and Thyroid Hormone Testing for Depression. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals as a Cause of Depression. Dietary Peptides and the Spectrum of Food Hypersensitivities. Genetic-Based Biomarkers in Psychiatry: An Integrative Approach. Mood-Related Effects of Medications Prescribed for Non-Psychiatric Indications. The Rationale for Treating with a Broad Spectrum of Minerals and Vitamins. Amino Acids and Other Nutrients That Enhance the Synthesis and Regulation of Neurotransmitters. Botanicals for Depression: Rhodiola, St. John's Wort, Curcumin, and Saffron. Exercise as an Adjunct to Treating Depression. The Role of Sleep and Light Therapy in Depression. The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Depression and Treatment. Depression-Specific Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Model: Description, Data on Efficacy, and Differences from Contemporary Models. Meditation and Mindfulness. Narrative Therapy. Integrative Psychotherapy: Healing the MindBodyMatrix. Integrative Approaches to Perinatal Depression. Integrative Approaches to Adolescent Depression. Integrative Approaches for Geriatric Depression. Clinical Case Studies: Putting It All Together.