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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffAlternative medicine strategies for depression include supplements and mind-body techniques. Here are some common alternative treatments for depression.
Herbal remedies and supplements
A number of herbal remedies and supplements have been used for depression. Examples include:
- St. John's wort. Known scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, this is an herb that's been used for centuries to treat a variety of ills, including depression. It's not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat depression in the United States. Rather, it's classified as a dietary supplement. However, it's a popular depression treatment in Europe.
- SAMe. Pronounced "sam-EE," this is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. The name is short for S-adenosylmethionine. As with St. John's wort, SAMe isn't approved by the FDA to treat depression. However, it's used in Europe as a prescription drug to treat depression.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a diet rich in omega-3s or taking omega-3 supplements may help ease depression and also appears to have a number of other health benefits. Cold-water fish and fish oil supplements are good sources of omega-3s. Omega-3s are also found in flaxseed, walnuts and some other foods.
Some supplements — including St. John's wort and SAMe — can interfere with antidepressants.
Mind-body connections
The connection between mind and body has been studied for centuries. Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners believe the mind and body must be in harmony for you to stay healthy.
Mind-body techniques used to improve depression symptoms include:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Guided imagery
- Massage therapy
As with dietary supplements, take care in using these techniques.
Make certain you understand risks as well as possible benefits before pursuing any therapy for your teen. To be safe, talk to your teen's doctor before he or she takes any herbal or dietary supplements — particularly St. John's wort or SAMe. Keep in mind, alternative treatments aren't a replacement for conventional medical treatment or psychotherapy.
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