05-03-2018, 10:58 PM
Yes, it is an interesting read.
For the sake of context, I should state that my mother has lived with depression forever; while luckily I have only inherited a tiny tendency towards it - having only suffered 3 serious episodes in 58 years.
I wonder whether this article's author's psych considered St.John's Wort when the trialing new combinations of meds?
Before you roll your eyes too far
The Cochrane Report (you can't get any more conservative than this evidence based institution) states that:
"The available evidence suggests that the hypericum extracts tested in the included trials
a) are superior to placebo in patients with major depression;
b) are similarly effective as standard antidepressants;
c) and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.
Seems that if you are in Germany, your GP would likely consider a standardized St.John's Wort extract as one of the medical options.
If you are in the rest of the world, your GP disregards all the research in favor of denouncing it as "Dippy Hippy Herbal Rubbish".
I'm also a little disappointed that the article doesn't support exploring other lifestyle factors that favorably influence Depression (like exercise).
Please understand I am not 'having a go' at people who choose or require antidepressant medications for life.
But as our body is connected to our head....in a perfect world, people with depression would be encouraged to include other factors that positively effect mood - not rely solely on medications.
I'm not sure that the comparison with Diabetes being used as an example of 'not feeling guilty about taking a drug' is a good one.
Any diabetic will tell you how influential a can of soft drink, or eating a huge a meal, or sitting all day vs walking is on their sugars....and their med requirements.
I don't want to derail or hijack the conversation, it's just that I came away from this article thinking "but there's SO MUCH MORE to beating a lifetime of depression than relying solely on finding a combination of drugs". Taking a "drug-only" position robs the person with depression of any empowerment over their own outcome.
Just my 2c worth.
For the sake of context, I should state that my mother has lived with depression forever; while luckily I have only inherited a tiny tendency towards it - having only suffered 3 serious episodes in 58 years.
I wonder whether this article's author's psych considered St.John's Wort when the trialing new combinations of meds?
Before you roll your eyes too far
The Cochrane Report (you can't get any more conservative than this evidence based institution) states that:"The available evidence suggests that the hypericum extracts tested in the included trials
a) are superior to placebo in patients with major depression;
b) are similarly effective as standard antidepressants;
c) and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.
Seems that if you are in Germany, your GP would likely consider a standardized St.John's Wort extract as one of the medical options.
If you are in the rest of the world, your GP disregards all the research in favor of denouncing it as "Dippy Hippy Herbal Rubbish".
I'm also a little disappointed that the article doesn't support exploring other lifestyle factors that favorably influence Depression (like exercise).
Please understand I am not 'having a go' at people who choose or require antidepressant medications for life.
But as our body is connected to our head....in a perfect world, people with depression would be encouraged to include other factors that positively effect mood - not rely solely on medications.
I'm not sure that the comparison with Diabetes being used as an example of 'not feeling guilty about taking a drug' is a good one.
Any diabetic will tell you how influential a can of soft drink, or eating a huge a meal, or sitting all day vs walking is on their sugars....and their med requirements.
I don't want to derail or hijack the conversation, it's just that I came away from this article thinking "but there's SO MUCH MORE to beating a lifetime of depression than relying solely on finding a combination of drugs". Taking a "drug-only" position robs the person with depression of any empowerment over their own outcome.
Just my 2c worth.
There's a difference between having an opinion and having an informed opinion.