Adjunct Therapies for Depression

Depression affects many Americans, particularly older adults. Some 15-20% of those over the age of 65 are diagnosed with this mood disorder, yet only about a third begin treatment, according to a major 2018 study.

For those who do start antidepressant therapies, non-adherence is all too common, with many citing forgetfulness as a major reason.  In a study of veterans, ineffectiveness and the negative side effects of treatment were cited as reasons for non-adherence.  

This is where the Functional Medicine (FM) model can address the needs of patients with depressive symptoms, emphasizing a multi-pronged approach that can help clinicians unravel the root causes of depression. In the FM model, many underlying factors are studied—biological, psychological, and/or social. 

Studies continue to point to non-pharmacological therapies as effective treatments for depression.  FM clinicians will look at many factors, including levels of vitamin D and other vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and the gut microbiome. Evidence suggests that increased intake of nutrients such as vitamin K, fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium can prevent or reduce depressive symptoms.

“The beauty of looking at the root cause is not only are you helping the person to be able to not have to be on a drug, but you’re also helping them to be able to deal with these symptoms that are manifesting as depression chronically, so they can get over it,” says Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) educator Patrick Hanaway, MD, IFMCP.

Research shows that physical activity alone can treat mild to moderate symptoms of depression.  A 2015 national study found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with fewer self-reported days of poor mental health.  Evidence suggests that Tai Chi can also significantly regulate emotion and relieve depressive symptoms.

According to Hanaway, antidepressants are not even statistically significant in their usefulness for the 85% of patients diagnosed with mild to moderate depression. The FM model aims to treat this debilitating and complex disorder by determining and addressing the root causes.