Antidepressants are a class of pharmaceutical medications that are used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction and even chronic pain. There are several different subclasses of antidepressants and many different specific medications that are considered antidepressants.
Rising Antidepressant Use in Canada Amid Uncertainty Over Mechanisms of Action
The various subclasses are categorized by the general mechanism of effect they exert on the biochemistry of the neurological system; however, scientists don’t entirely understand how antidepressants work. Nonetheless, there has been a steady increase in the number of Canadians who are using a prescribed antidepressant over the past few years and in 2022, researchers found that the prevalence of antidepressant use amongst Canadians is 16.9%, which is an increase from 14.8% in 2019.
Effectiveness and Potential Side Effects of Antidepressants
Antidepressants are thought to be effective in providing a reduction in symptoms, particularly in those who have moderate or severe levels of major depressive disorder. In contrast, for less severe forms, this type of medication may not be very effective. And when taking antidepressant medications, there should be an awareness of the potential side effects that can arise.
Depending on the exact type of antidepressant medication being used, side effects can include loss of libido, increased weight, flattening of mood and even suicidal ideation. If you are taking an antidepressant and it is not helping and/or if the side effects are too severe, then other therapeutics should be considered.
In Canada between the early 2000s and 2016, the prevalence of an annual major depressive episode was approximately 5.4%
Naturopathic Support for Depression in Ontario
In the province of Ontario, antidepressant medications are not one of the types of pharmaceuticals that Naturopathic Doctors are permitted to prescribe. But despite that fact, many people will see a Naturopathic Doctor to get help with the depression that they suffer from. In some cases, they may already be taking an antidepressant medication and they’re looking for additional support or they tried antidepressant drugs in the past. Still, it wasn’t helpful or in other cases, they’re just begging to experience issues with low mood and want to address it without needing to rely on pharmaceutical medications.
How Naturopathic Doctors Support Depression Treatment
In either case, working with Naturopathic Doctors can be an excellent choice as an alternative or a complementary choice in the treatment of depression. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to appropriately assess depression and other associated health concerns to evaluate if other factors are contributing to the state of one’s mental health.
Naturopathic Doctors can be beneficial when providing care for depression because they’re trained to take a holistic approach and to assess the causative factors when working with patients and even though this may take time understanding a patient’s story, especially in the context of understanding their mental health, helps to treat the condition successfully. Further to this, Naturopathic Doctors have the expertise to recommend several different types of therapeutic approaches that are safe and effective for treating depression while avoiding treatments that are not proven effective or may not be secure.
Antidepressant Medications | Naturopathic Approaches | |
|---|---|---|
Mechanism of Action | Alters brain neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) | Supports overall physiological balance; addresses multiple contributing factors |
Common Side Effects | Weight gain, loss of libido, emotional blunting, suicidal ideation (rare) | Minimal side effects; typically includes improved overall wellness |
Personalization of Treatment | Generally standardized (same dose/medication for broad groups) | Highly individualized (diet, lifestyle, supplements tailored to the patient) |
Approach to Root Causes | Primarily symptom management | Emphasis on identifying and addressing underlying causes |
Individualized and Evidence Based Naturopathic Treatments for Depression
By using an individualized yet holistic approach, naturopathic medicine can be a very suitable way to treat depression because a Naturopathic Doctor may be able to identify specific issues that are causing depressive symptoms and then seek to address those issues in order to address the low mood condition.
Naturopathic Doctors have many tools to treat depression, depending on what individual issues, risks or causes are present. To treat depression using Naturopathic Medicine, a Naturopathic Doctor might recommend certain aspects of lifestyle medicine such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity or stress management practices and strategies.
And beyond that, there is a great deal of proven evidence that shows there are many botanical and nutraceutical supplements that can effectively and safely treat depression. In fact, several natural therapeutics have been heavily researched and were proven to be as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants while being safer since they cause fewer and less serious side effects compared to the medication based counterparts.
Naturopathic treatments for depression typically have minimal side effects and they will often improve overall wellness
Naturopathic Medicine: A Safe and Individualized Path for Depression Treatment
While antidepressant medications can be a helpful tool for some individuals struggling with depression, they are not the only option available. Naturopathic medicine offers a safe, evidence informed and individualized approach that can either complement pharmaceutical treatment or serve as a standalone strategy for those seeking alternatives.
By addressing the underlying causes of depression and supporting overall well being through lifestyle interventions, targeted supplementation and holistic care, Naturopathic Doctors provide a valuable and effective path toward mental health recovery. For those looking to explore a more comprehensive, patient centered approach to treating depression, working with a qualified Naturopathic Doctor can offer both hope and tangible results.
If you’re looking for a holistic, personalized approach to managing depression, connect with our team at Aspire Natural Health. Our experienced naturopathic doctors are here to help you explore safe, effective and evidence based options tailored to your unique needs, whether as an alternative or complement to conventional care. Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward lasting mental wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Naturopathic Doctors prescribe antidepressants in Canada?
Prescribing rights for naturopathic doctors (NDs) vary by province. In Ontario, NDs are not permitted to prescribe antidepressant medications, while in provinces like British Columbia, licensed NDs can prescribe certain pharmaceuticals, including some antidepressants. Always check your local regulations.
2. How do Naturopathic Doctors support patients with depression if they can’t prescribe antidepressants?
NDs offer holistic and individualized care, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of depression. They use evidence based therapies such as nutrition, lifestyle changes, botanical medicine and targeted supplementation to support mental health.
3. Are naturopathic treatments for depression evidence based?
Yes. Many natural therapies, including specific botanicals (like St. John’s Wort), nutraceuticals and lifestyle interventions, have been shown in research to be effective for mild to moderate depression, sometimes with fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants.
4. Can naturopathic and conventional treatments be combined?
Absolutely. Naturopathic doctors often work collaboratively with medical doctors and psychiatrists, providing complementary care that can be used alongside pharmaceutical treatments to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects.
5. What are the main differences between naturopathic and conventional approaches to treating depression?
Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management with standardized pharmaceutical prescriptions. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes personalized care, addressing root causes and using a variety of natural therapies to support overall well being, with minimal side effects.
Conclusion
Naturopathic doctors play a valuable role in supporting individuals with depression, whether or not they can prescribe antidepressants in their jurisdiction. While NDs in Ontario cannot prescribe these medications, they are trained to assess and address the root causes of depression using a holistic, evidence based approach. This may include dietary guidance, lifestyle modifications, botanical and nutraceutical supplementation and mind body therapies.
For those seeking alternatives or complementary strategies to conventional antidepressants, naturopathic medicine offers individualized care that prioritizes both safety and effectiveness. Collaboration between naturopathic and conventional practitioners can provide the most comprehensive support for mental health recovery.
