TREATING MAJOR DEPRESSION

Depression treatment represents about 60% of my practice. I use a variety of treatment plans based on the individual’s response. In treating depression, especially treatment refractory depression I will at times use Symbyax, a drug which combines Olanzapine and Fluoxetine. Research shows the augmentation of medications and additon of counseling increases the effectiveness of treatment. This combination works well on treatment resistant depression. This combination of medications works well with a variety of types of depression including bipolar disoder. This medication is often used when all other medications are not producing the desired results for treatmnet resistant depression.

Treatment Resistant Depression

The sooner depression is treated, the better the outcome. Medication response time can be reduced by up to 75% if caught early. Treatment with this dual-acting medication also shows better long-term responses. The best results and least chances of a relapse occur when the patient stays on this medication for 12 to 18 months. If the patient doesn’t stay on the medication after the symptoms resolve; the next episode will be worse than the previous one. Depression can be very stubborn, and a painful experience to get through until the symptoms resolve.

Treating major depression can be very effective in a relatively short time frame if the right approach is taken from the start. Failure to begin treatment in certain cases with augmented medication management could prove to be more costly in the long run. I also utilize genetic testing which aids us in targeting the most effictive medications. I often start with the first line antidepressant such as the SSRIs. We have many other medications and medical foods such as L-methylfolate are our disposal to treat major depression which is sometimes caused by a mutated gene.

Genetic Causes of Depression

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is a gene or building block of the neurotransmitters. This gene helps the body produce more neurotransmitters and allows them to function properly. The MTHFR gene variation, impairs the conversion of folic acid to methylfolate. Methylfolate crosses the blood brain barrier and is a cofactor required for the complete synthesis of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.

A MTHFR mutation commonly causes pyrroluria, a disorder that hinders the body’s ability to transform folate (vitamin B9) into methylfolate. Something that without sufficient levels in the brain, can cause depression, anxiety, and other health complications.

If your folate levels are low, it might be sometimes harder for your antidepressants to work efficiently. This can be detected with genetic testing. Low levels of folate also put you at risk of relapsing into depression after it has been treated. When proper folate levels are restored to normal through supplements, anxiety and depression will be decreased by about 80% within a few weeks.

L-methylfolate – Augmentation

Individuals being treated with antidepressants and partially responding, are likely to benefit most from L-methylfolate augmentation and go into remission sooner. DEPLIN® is an active source of L-methylfolate. Often Taking ordinary folic acid is ineffective because it can’t be utilized for the creation of neurotransmitters in the brain. DEPLIN®, a medical-food that contains bio-available folate, has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and increase these mood-dependent neurotransmitters. Read more about The MTHFR gene mutation and depression.

Are you seeking depression treatment in Scottsdale and need an experienced psychiatrist. Please contact me to schedule an appointment. Read more on depression treatment.