Depression is characterized by a pervasive low mood, usually accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in normal enjoyable activities. Depression exists in all cultures and ethnic groups throughout the world. It strikes about one-sixth of Americans, but only about 50% of those seek medical treatment.
In the 1900’s the predominant belief was the depression resulted from flawed or traumatic life-experiences. Meyer, Freud, Adler, Jung, and others developed talk therapies and counselling techniques aimed at (a) identifying the events or conditions that caused the depression and (b) treating the condition.
In the mid-20th century, some research theorized that depression was caused by imbalances in the brain, noting that medications that altered neurotransmitter levels affected depressive symptoms. This revolutionary approach changed the approaches to treatments. this theory asserted that clinical depression was caused by the low synaptic activities of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Since 1975 the majority of the research is targeting medications that improve brain function, in 1987 these medications were replaced by SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which have been of benefit to some but have unpleasant side effects. Side effects such as, loss of libido, weight gain, clinical worsening, increased suicide risk, agitation, hostility, anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss. Some of the patients switching to another SSRI can be successful but, often leaves the patient feeling like they are on a medication experiment and long endless journey of trying this and that, which can be super frustrating.
There is a biochemical classification that should be understood and identified before trying these medications. There are five biotypes, undermethylation (resulting in reduced serotonin, dopamine), Folate deficiency (resulting in elevated serotonin, dopamine), Copper Overload (resulting in elevated norepinephrine), Pyrrole disorder (resulting in reduced serotonin, GABA). Some of these classifications respond poorly to SSRI’s, such as folate deficiency biotype which is associated with elevated serotonin and dopamine activity and therefore intolerance to SSRI medications occurs.
Know your biotype.
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Ref: Nutrient Power by William J Walsh, PhD