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Are there any alternative therapies for depression?

Although prescription drugs and counseling are the most effective treatments for depression, many people report feeling better after using certain herbal products and dietary supplements. St. John's wort is an herb that can help mild to moderate depression. Research shows it may be as effective and better tolerated than the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are only available with a prescription. St. John's wort is not effective for severe depression.

SAM-e (s-adenosylmethionine) is a dietary supplement advertised to promote "emotional well being." It shows some promise when people use it for up to four weeks as a treatment for depression. But we need more studies to find out if it's useful and safe for longer periods.

Alternative therapies aren't right for everyone. They can cause side effects and may interact with many other drugs including antidepressant drugs. Talk with your doctor before trying alternative therapies for depression.

Sources:
Salmaggi, P. "Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in Depressed Postmenopausal Women," Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (1993).
Grazi, S., M. Costa. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). Prima Publishing, 1999.
Kim, H.L., et al. "St. John's Wort for Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Well-Defined Clinical Trials," Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (1999).
Wagner, P.J., et al. "Taking the Edge Off: Why Patients Choose St. John's Wort," Journal of Family Practice (1999).
Brenner, R. "Comparison of an Extract of Hypericum (LI 160) and Sertraline in the Treatment of Depression: A Double-blind, Randomized Pilot Study," Clinical Therapeutics (2000).
Schrader, E. " Equivalence of St John's Wort Extract (Ze 117) and Fluoxetine: A Randomized, Controlled Study in Mild-Moderate Depression," International Clinical Psychopharmacology (2000).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 1/29/2001.
This information updated 1/2/2007.

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