45% of the population will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their lives* and at Naturopathic Care, we believe we can substantially reduce the impact of mental health disorders. This can be achieved by comprehensive testing services followed by the prescription of safe and effective remedies catered for the individual based on test results.
I have just completed a three day International Summit on Mental Health. I have come away with even greater insights to help assist people suffering from a number of conditions and disorders including:
* Aggression
* Alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal
* Antidepressant / SSRI withdrawal
* Anxiety / Panic attack
* Autism
* Behavioural disturbances (ADD, ADHD)
* Chronic fatigue syndrome
* Depression
* Drug detoxification
* Epilepsy
* Insomnia
* Memory loss
* Migraine
* Obesity / Weight loss programs
* Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
* Poor concentration
* Schizophrenia
* Stress
At this seminar, many colleagues discussed the over prescription of antidepressants and their many associated side effects. With the correct monitoring of patient progress these medications do help a number of people. However, the potential side effects range from decreased libido and weight gain to feeling emotionless. In some instances, people who weren’t formerly suicidal have committed suicide while taking these medications. It is therefore good to know that safe and effective natural medicines can be used. Following an antidepressant withdrawal program, many patients have described the difference between natural and pharmaceutical treatments with statements such as: “My brain now functions in its normal manner, I feel happier but I still feel myself” or “the fog has lifted, I no longer feel like a zombie, I now experience my natural highs, while taking the edge off the lows.”
For patients to receive the most accurate prescription of either natural or pharmaceutical medication,brain chemistry can be assessed scientifically (for more details see my website) via analysis of brain neurotransmitters and genetic conditions that create imbalances. The cause of depression is not a Prozac deficiency. In addition to examining brain chemistry through medical testing, a more logical and holistic look at causes may include environmental triggers, such as food, chemical and mold sensitivities or allergies; deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and hormones; heavy metal toxicity (aluminum, mercury, cadmium); leaky gut syndrome; blood sugar imbalances; imbalances of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system or difficult relationships with parents.
It is surprising that people taking serious medications such as Prozac or Effexor are not having their brain chemistry tested before they are prescribed these medicines.
The following parameters are tested at Naturopathic Care when assessing individual biochemistry – Serotonin, Dopamine, Noradrenalin, COMT Activity, Epinephrine, MTHFR gene, Kryptopyrroles, and Histamine.
*National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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