Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders are one of the most common conditions we see today, and anti-depressants are one of the most prescribed medications. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are frequently being prescribed to patients without asking the question of why the patient is depressed in the first place. As with any imbalance in the body, it’s important to get to the root cause and treat the cause rather than throwing a band-aid on the symptom.

If you need help with anxiety or depression, click here

Uncovering the Cause to Your Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders are one of the most common conditions we see today, and anti-depressants are one of the most prescribed medications.

From 1999 to 2012, the percentage of Americans on anti-depressants increased from 6.8% to 13%, according to a report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association. (1)

Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are frequently being prescribed to patients without asking the question of why the patient is depressed in the first place. As with any imbalance in the body, it’s important to get to the root cause and treat the cause rather than throwing a band-aid on the symptom.

When you evaluate the medical literature, it’s clear that there are five main causes of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

These five causes include:

1. Inflammation
2. Hormone Imbalances
3. Neurotoxicity
4. Head Trauma
5. Nutrient Deficiency

By addressing these main issues, it’s often possible to reverse your mood imbalances.

Inflammation

The medical literature has much documentation showing the strong link between inflammation and disruptions in brain chemistry. If you have any type of inflammation caused by food sensitivities, omega-3 deficiencies, or anything else, your inflammation needs to be addressed.

Hormone Imbalances

Hormones are often overlooked, but there is a very strong connection between hormones and brain chemistry. Estrogen and progesterone have a powerful impact on your brain balancing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. They act on many of the same pathways that anti-depressant medications do. It’s incredibly important that you address your hormones before going on an anti-depressant.

Toxicity

It’s also been very well published that toxicity, specifically from lead and arsenic, has been associated with different mood disorders. Part of the reason for this is because a lot of these metals will accumulate in your brain and brain tissue and cause brain malfunctioning.

Head Trauma

Head trauma can also cause a disruption in how the brain operates. The risk of depression after a traumatic brain injury increases whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies are another common and overlooked cause of mood disorders. Serotonin and dopamine are both made from amino acids, so if your diet is deficient in amino acids and protein, then you run the risk of inadequate levels of your “feel good” neurotransmitters. Additionally, B vitamins play a key role in the conversion of amino acids to neurotransmitters, so you need to be consuming sufficient levels of these nutrients as well. Nutrient deficiencies can also arise from poor digestion and absorption, so healing your gut is critical.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, we encourage you to work with a skilled practitioner to address the possible underlying causes to help bring your brain back into balance.

To learn more about the main causes of anxiety and depression, check out our video here.

If you need help with anxiety or depression, click here

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Dr. Ruscio is your leading functional and integrative doctor specializing in gut related disorders such as SIBO, leaky gut, Celiac, IBS and in thyroid disorders such as hypothyroid and hyperthyroid. For more information on how to become a patient, please contact our office. Serving the San Francisco bay area and distance patients via phone and Skype.