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Antidepressants

This tag is associated with 16 posts

Are Tryptophan Supplements Effective for Anxiety & Depression?

Tryptophan deficiency has been linked to depression in some people. Not all tryptophan deficiencies are the result of inadequate intake. A deficiency can be caused by problems like absorption issues. Other treatments that are more effective for anxiety and depression include talk therapy, biofeedback, mindfulness and other supplements like . . . Continue reading

How Safe are Cannabinoids?

While CBD “seems to be well tolerated” when taken orally with serious side effects being rare, the scientific literature does not speak with one voice on the safety of THC, taken either alone or in combination with CBD. About one out of five people may experience side effects of combination-products. Continue reading

Exercise Better than Drugs for Lifting Mood

The most common antidepressant drugs got bottom-of-the barrel results in a landmark systematic review comparing the drugs’ effect on depression with that of the talk-therapy CBT and a range of exercise modalities, according to data published  by the prestigious British Medical Journal in February 2024. Continue reading

CBT First on List for Depression and Anxiety

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression is nearly identical to that of pharmaceutical drugs. But when CBT and drugs are discontinued, the chances of depression returning are more than three times greater for people on drugs. For antidepressants, there’s a 54% chance of relapse. It’s 17% for CBT. Continue reading

Talk Therapy Changes the Brain with Lasting Benefits

CBT was found to reduce the size of over-active amygdalas, in people with social anxiety. CBT was also found to reduce amygdala overactivation. The researchers postulated that reduction in both the size and overactivation of the amygdala resulted in decreased reactivity to anxiety-provoking situations, explaining how CBT reduces social anxiety. Continue reading

Supplements vs. Pharmaceuticals for Anxiety & Depression: The Pros & Cons

Just like drugs, some supplements can be beneficial and carry very little risk. Others may not carry much risk, but may not be that beneficial. And then there’s everything in between. The conclusion of this article contains links to articles on popular supplements for anxiety and depression. Continue reading