Depression is not always caused by serotonin insufficiency.
Some researchers have explored the role that omega-3 fatty acids play in overall brain function. One of the more important results has linked omega-3 insufficiency with depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil (the plant sources) and in fish. According to an article by Gordon Parker, M.D., and five of his colleagues in this month's American Journal of Psychiatry, the plant sources have what scientists refer to as “parent omega-3” or alpha-linolenic acid. This form can be converted within the body to the more biologically active forms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but it is not done very efficiently. On the other hand, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are already in the EPA and DHA forms.
What researchers have not yet identified is which omega-3 fatty acid to use. The argument may be unnecessary, as fish oil is the preferred method of supplementation. How much of it to use, and in what ratio to omega-6 fatty acids it should be used, are also unanswered research questions. Researchers also do not know if an omega-3 #) standard antidepressant treatment would be superior to either alone.
A second treatment is exercise. Multiple research psychologists have explored this option. The benefits come about slowly, taking several weeks of consistent, half-hour per day, six days per week sessions before becoming noticeable or reliable. Although there is some suggestion that the release of endorphins during exercise is the main factor, the results last much longer #- as much as a full day or more #- once the routine is well established. In fact, the results are comparable to the standard depression treatments of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
For those who have mild depression, these could be viable options. More severe depression, however, responds better to a combination of treatments. Since depression is often the result of maladaptive cognitive responses to stressors, learning to identify and change those thoughts is extremely important even if diet, exercise and drugs are a part of the therapy.
Unfortunately, many cases of severe depression simply do not resolve. These “intractable” cases are usually candidates for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
ECT is a risky procedure, and must be done in a hospital. There are memory loss and cognitive problems associated with the treatment, along with a substantial risk for seizure. However, this highly effective treatment is usually covered by insurance.
But what if you are not a good candidate for ECT, because of the seizure risk or your concerns for the other side effects? A new option is now available to you in Canada.
Called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), this experimental treatment consists of electromagnetic pulses delivered through the skull via a magnetic coil held in place by a physician-supervised technician.
Treatment consists of several one-hour sessions. The main side effect of rTMS is headache, but there is a (comparably much smaller) risk of seizure activity.
According to the Wall Street Journal last week, initial research results reveal that roughly 43 percent of intractable depression patients benefit from rTMS. That is not as good a rate as that of ECT, but the ongoing research #- in Canada and the United States #- may uncover ways to improve it.
Grace MacDowell, M.A., of Auburn, is completing her doctorate in
clinical psychology. She can be reached at drmac2be@yahoo.com
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil (the plant sources) and in fish. According to an article by Gordon Parker, M.D., and five of his colleagues in this month's American Journal of Psychiatry, the plant sources have what scientists refer to as “parent omega-3” or alpha-linolenic acid. This form can be converted within the body to the more biologically active forms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but it is not done very efficiently. On the other hand, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are already in the EPA and DHA forms.
What researchers have not yet identified is which omega-3 fatty acid to use. The argument may be unnecessary, as fish oil is the preferred method of supplementation. How much of it to use, and in what ratio to omega-6 fatty acids it should be used, are also unanswered research questions. Researchers also do not know if an omega-3 #) standard antidepressant treatment would be superior to either alone.
A second treatment is exercise. Multiple research psychologists have explored this option. The benefits come about slowly, taking several weeks of consistent, half-hour per day, six days per week sessions before becoming noticeable or reliable. Although there is some suggestion that the release of endorphins during exercise is the main factor, the results last much longer #- as much as a full day or more #- once the routine is well established. In fact, the results are comparable to the standard depression treatments of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
For those who have mild depression, these could be viable options. More severe depression, however, responds better to a combination of treatments. Since depression is often the result of maladaptive cognitive responses to stressors, learning to identify and change those thoughts is extremely important even if diet, exercise and drugs are a part of the therapy.
Unfortunately, many cases of severe depression simply do not resolve. These “intractable” cases are usually candidates for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
ECT is a risky procedure, and must be done in a hospital. There are memory loss and cognitive problems associated with the treatment, along with a substantial risk for seizure. However, this highly effective treatment is usually covered by insurance.
But what if you are not a good candidate for ECT, because of the seizure risk or your concerns for the other side effects? A new option is now available to you in Canada.
Called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), this experimental treatment consists of electromagnetic pulses delivered through the skull via a magnetic coil held in place by a physician-supervised technician.
Treatment consists of several one-hour sessions. The main side effect of rTMS is headache, but there is a (comparably much smaller) risk of seizure activity.
According to the Wall Street Journal last week, initial research results reveal that roughly 43 percent of intractable depression patients benefit from rTMS. That is not as good a rate as that of ECT, but the ongoing research #- in Canada and the United States #- may uncover ways to improve it.
Grace MacDowell, M.A., of Auburn, is completing her doctorate in
clinical psychology. She can be reached at drmac2be@yahoo.com
