Monthly Archives: November 2018

Bright Light Exposure May Improve Seasonal Depressed Mood–More Studies are Needed

Regular morning exposure to bright light may improve seasonal depressed mood This is the third post in a series on non-pharmacologic treatments of depressed mood. Previous posts provided brief reviews of the evidence for S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and folate. This post … Continue reading

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Folate augmentation in the form of l-methylfolate enhances antidepressant response

This is the third post in a series on complementary and integrative treatments of depressed mood. The previous post reviewed the evidence for SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). In this post I briefly review the evidence for folate in depressed mood. Future posts will … Continue reading

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Fighting the Winter Blues with SAMe

Fighting the winter blues with complementary and alternative therapies This is the second in a series of posts on complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches to depressed mood. As I write I am thinking of many of my own patients who … Continue reading

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Fighting the Winter Blues the Natural Way

Dealing with depression over the holidays Many people who struggle with chronic depressed feel more depressed as the holidays approach, the weather gets colder, and the days get shorter. If you currently take an antidepressant but you are having disappointing results … Continue reading

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Essential Oils and Aromatherapy for Anxiety

Prescription anti-anxiety medications are limited by safety problems Prescription medications used to treat generalized anxiety include the benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clonazepam, and SSRI antidepressants such as paroxetine and sertraline.  Chronic benzodiazepine use is associated with dependence, sedation and mental … Continue reading

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Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch for Stress and Anxiety

Ancient healing techniques but unknown mechanism  Non-contact and so-called ‘energy’ healing techniques have been used in all world regions for thousands of years. Although widely used to treat a range of medical and mental health problems, research findings are difficult … Continue reading

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