For some patients with depression who do not respond to homeopathic treatment I have found that supplementing with specific amino acids and vitamins works wonders. A deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin appears to be the underlying cause of depression. The anti-depressants work by blocking the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters by the nerve cells thus artificially raising the serotonin levels. The problem with this approach is that most patients who are put on anti-depressants find that over time their dose needs to be gradually increased in order for them to see the same result. Since the anti-depressants keeps the nerve cells from recycling the serotonin it causes a depletion within the nerve cell. A more logical approach in treating depression caused by a true serotonin depletion or what the medical profession calls a chemical imbalance is to provide the nerve cells the amino acids and vitamins that they need to make more serotonin. This approach not only provides relief from depression but has no adverse side effects.
