Nature's Cure: Herbal Remedies in the Treatment of Depression
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Authors
McCoy, Courtney E.
Issue Date
2013
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Since the birth of antidepressant medication in the 1950s, many people have found
symptom· relief from major depression (Lieberman Ill, 2003). Selective serotonin ·
reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors lessen
depressive symptoms by effecting neurotransmitters in the brain. However, many people
avoid taking these common antidepressants due to the numerous adverse effects they
produce, leaving their depression to go untreated (Astin, 1998). Alternative and
complementary medication is being researched to produce similar effective results as
common antidepressants, but without the negative side effects. Among the most common
alternative therapies being studied is herbal medication, such as St. John's wort, saffron,
roseroot, and lavender (Sarris, Panossian, Schweitzer, Stough, & Scholey, 2011). These
herbs were compared to placebo and several antidepressants to determine their efficacy
and side effects. The most studies conducted were on St. John's wort, and it was found
that St. John's wort was more effective than placebo, and just as effective as several
common antidepressants, such as imipramine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram, with
significantly lower side effects; however, more studies are needed to determine long-term
effects of this herb (Linde, Berner, Egger, & Mulrow, 2005). Saffron, despite being as
effective as imipramine and fluoxetine with no significant difference in side effects
produced, needs more studies conducted, with larger trial groups and longer trial length.
Roseroot and lavender need substantially more studies conducted before being
determined a safe alternative for depression (Sarris et al., 2011 ).
Description
vi, 41 p.
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