Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year. (Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun; 62(6): 617-27). Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment. (DBSA, 1996). We at Monterey Bay Wellness understand the myriad reasons for your "low mood" and will investigate a biochemical etiology to your symptoms. Specifically, we can measure and evaluate the brain neurotransmitters most associated with mood disorders and imbalance.
Most commonly associated with positive mood is the neurotransmitter, Serotonin. If you, or someone you know, have ever been prescribed an "antidepressant," the action of this class of medications is to perpetuate Serotonin in the brain assisting in mood elevation. However, there are other ways to support this pathway often without the use of medications, or in addition to your current regimen for more cumulative results. Different foods, amino acids, supplements, and activities all play a role in Serotonin production and balance. Actually, approximately 90% of our Serotonin is produced in the gastro-intestinal tract, not the brain. We will work with you in attempt to discover the source of your mood disturbance and support you in the best, most cumulative manner.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting more than 40 million people, or 18% of the nation. As most know, anxiety is a multifactoral issue with many potential sources and triggers. One common reason for anxiety is due to an imbalance in the inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid or GABA. GABA acts in the central nervous system to reduce neuronal excitability resulting in a greater state of calm, reduced muscle contractility/tone, and supports sleep onset.
Most commonly associated with positive mood is the neurotransmitter, Serotonin. If you, or someone you know, have ever been prescribed an "antidepressant," the action of this class of medications is to perpetuate Serotonin in the brain assisting in mood elevation. However, there are other ways to support this pathway often without the use of medications, or in addition to your current regimen for more cumulative results. Different foods, amino acids, supplements, and activities all play a role in Serotonin production and balance. Actually, approximately 90% of our Serotonin is produced in the gastro-intestinal tract, not the brain. We will work with you in attempt to discover the source of your mood disturbance and support you in the best, most cumulative manner.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting more than 40 million people, or 18% of the nation. As most know, anxiety is a multifactoral issue with many potential sources and triggers. One common reason for anxiety is due to an imbalance in the inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid or GABA. GABA acts in the central nervous system to reduce neuronal excitability resulting in a greater state of calm, reduced muscle contractility/tone, and supports sleep onset.
We Can Measure:
|
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
Serotonin GABA |
Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
Dopamine Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) Glutamate |
Other Potential Causes of Mood Disorders...
Common Low Blood Sugar Signs and Symptoms
- Foggy Brain
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Somnolence
- Irritability
Another extremely common cause of anxiety is hormone imbalances, specifically in Progesterone, Estrogen and Testosterone. The two "strongest" inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitters, Serotonin and GABA are "pushed" by Estrogen and Progesterone respectively. In men, Testosterone pushes both Dopamine and Serotonin thereby "balancing" the brain. In women, perimenopause and menopause are extremely common times for conditions such as anxiety and depression to surface given the relative reduction in these two neuro-supportive hormones.
"Depression is said to affect one person in ten in the US. Statistically, there is a 20% increase in the number of clinically depressed people per year, which makes it one of the fastest growing epidemics of our time."
