For optimal functioning as humans, our body needs forty essential nutriments daily. It is not hard to understand then how nutritional deficits play a role in mood disorders if we are lacking in nutrients. Not everyone wants to take prescription medication to improve their moods. In fact, there are many adjustments to diet that can produce significant improvements for many.
Some prescription medications can do more harm than good. Ninety five percent of prescription medications have side effects that can range from minimal to severe. Common side effects of prescription drugs can include weight gain or a loss of joyfulness and expression of emotion such as anhedonia and alexithymia. More dangerously, prescription medication may create unpredictable brain states such as mixed mania and even suicidal ideation. Research also tells us that long-term use of prescription drugs has even been associated with diabetes, morbidity, cancer, dementia and cardiovascular issues.
Functional Psychiatrists who specialise functional medicine use a more holistic approach and are proving that Psychopharmacology is not the only route for those with wanting mental wellness. They believe a thorough health check alongside psychotherapy will identify any deficits in the body that could potentially lead to mood issues.
Some neuropsychiatric symptoms include gluten intolerance, Inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine function, and hormone function. Researchers now prove the significance of the gut-brain connection and how irritation in the gastrointestinal system may affect the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in mood changes.
Inflammation in the body is also known to cross the blood brain barrier changing our brain chemistry, subsequently resulting in a destabilisation of our mood. Then there are nutritional deficiencies that are responsible for creating a domino effect on our mood.
To feel energised and mentally well we must produce serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. For the body to produce these chemicals we need tryptophan, b6, b12, tyrosine, copper and zinc. Stress hormones can also be reduced by introducing supplements such as melatonin, magnesium and ashwagandha.
A doctor takes approximately eighteen minutes to assess and diagnose a patient and 3 minutes to write a script. Functional psychiatrists believe that to address the real cause of any mental health issues assessment needs to take longer and be more comprehensive. This mean taking blood tests and trying different supplements. It may take a little longer to find the root of the mental health problem by using a holistic approach, but studies confirm there may also be less risk of side effects for those with moderate mood disturbances.
