Treatments Of Clinical Depression - Herbs As Alternative Treatments Of Clinical Depression

There is a variety of treatments of Clinical Depression. Some come with some very serious side effects. We will discuss some of these treatments and their effects. We will then discuss the use of herbs as alternative treatments of Clinical Depression.

Treatments of Clinical Depression

Electroconvulsive Therapy - ECT is also known as shock therapy. The patient is given two medications: a general anesthetic and a muscle relaxer. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and wires are attached to them. A series of shocks are delivered. A seizure should result if the therapy was done correctly. There will only be mild movements in the hands and feet due to the muscle relaxer. The patient awakens and is very confused. They remember nothing surrounding the treatment. People have reported loss of memories sometimes years' worth of memories are gone.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is an invasive surgical procedure where a kind of pacemaker is placed in the chest. It is connected to the Vagus nerve that runs from the neck to the brain. This nerve is thought to influence mood. Research appears somewhat contradictory with some reporting this procedure works while others report that there isn't enough evidence one way or the other.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - TMS is still an experimental procedure but many hospitals and clinics offer it anyway. It is performed using a magnetic coil that is charged with pulses of electricity and passed over the scalp. The current penetrates the bones of the skull and stimulates nerve cells in the brain. TMS has the potential to become very precise and capable of targeting specific areas of the brain. Studies are still being done.

Antidepressants work on the chemicals in the brain thought to influence mood, namely Serotonin and Norepinephrine. They work to balance out the brain's chemicals by affecting the levels and the brain's ability to use them more efficiently.

Herbs as Alternative Treatments of Clinical Depression

Herbs are used in many ways including flavoring foods, as part of salads, and in healing or treating health conditions. For centuries they have been used in tribal rituals and by Shaman in healing practices. They can be used in their natural form, brewed in teas, smoked as in aroma therapy (similar to incense) and in moist compresses that are applied to injuries.

There are herbs known for their positive effects on moods. They include Chamomile, Green Tea, and Grape Seed. Each of them affect mood and they may also benefit other health conditions.

Herbal supplements for the treatment of Clinical Depression should be manufactured to pharmaceutical standards. The metabolism of each ingredient should have been tested at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients should have been tested as well. This ensures their potency, effectiveness, and quality. You know you are getting what the label says you are getting.

Conclusion

Treatments for Clinical Depression include medical procedures such Electroconvulsive Therapy - ETC, anti-depressant medications such as Prozac, and Herbal Supplements using specific herbs known to influence mood. If you feel you are depressed get help as soon as possible. You and your doctor can find resources that may be available such as psychiatrists or counselors. Your doctor can be a great asset in treating your depression (or any other health condition) and you can be your own advocate.