Neuro Endocrine Re Balancing

Depression

Most of the time, if we are prescribed an antidepressant, we are prescribed an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). These antidepressants are known by names such as Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and more. In short, SSRI’s work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a necessary component in healthy neuroendocrine balance. As a result, the serotonin stays in the synaptic gap (the communication space between our cells) longer than it normally would, and may repeatedly stimulate the receptors of the recipient cell. You might think of it as a sort of recycling process.

Other antidepressants prescribed are the types that work on dopamine levels, such as the aminoketone class Wellbutrin, and SNRI’s (serotonin-norephinephrine reuptake inhibitor) like Effexor.

Assuming that you are deficient in serotonin, an SSRI may work for you, but before you settle for a medical "guess," here are several questions to consider in determining effective treatment:

· How does ANYONE know which neurotransmitter is deficient without first conducting valid, reliable test?

· What if you aren't prescribed the right medication for the particular neurotransmitter that is deficient?

· What if an SSRI works for a while and then it seems to stop working?

When you go to the doctor, you may give them a list of symptoms which would result in an appropriate diagnosis of depression. They would likely write out a prescription and send you on your way. The issue is this: what if you are prescribed a medication to enhance serotonin when you need more dopamine? You should be certain of what you need before agree to take any psychotropic medication. Here at Alpha Behavioral Health Services, we test neurotransmitter levels (Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Glutamate) along with Cortisol and DHEA levels.

Low serotonin and low dopamine create very specific symptoms. So do all of the other neurotransmitters. I will go over some of the differences in Serotonin and Dopamine because these two neurotransmitters play a huge role in depression. With low serotonin, common symptoms include:

· Depression with anxiety or irritability

· Carbohydrate cravings

· Constipation/IBS

· Insomnia

· PMS

· Chronic pain

Symptoms of low dopamine levels include:

· Depression with exhaustion

· Poor focus

· Poor memory

· Apathy

· Andropause

· Low libido

If we are not receiving the medication to support the right neurotransmitters, we can further exacerbate the symptoms we are experiencing. This is why we often go back to the doctor and tell them that we aren’t feeling better and have them “try” another one.

Here at our center, we will do an initial consultation to find out what symptoms you are having and then perform clinical tests to see where your neurotransmitter levels are currently. After we review your individualized profile, we will then prescribe supplements that will not “recycle” the neurotransmitters, but rebuild the stores in your body. The supplements contain amino acids that are precursors to the exact neurotransmitter you are lacking, along with enzymes to help your body utilize and convert them. Unlike antidepressants, you DO NOT take the supplements for extended periods of time. Once the stores are rebuilt in your brain, you will come off of the supplements. The longer you are on a prescription antidepressant, the more of a chance there is for it to stop working for you. This is not a concern with natural supplementation.

The testing and supplements are not just for depression. We can, and have, successfully treated anxiety, addictions, ADD/ADHD, anger issues, insomnia, excess stress and more.

If during our testing, we find that there is reason to believe your sex hormones, thyroid or blood sugar may be unbalanced, we will refer you to a medical doctor for treatment, as these hormones are all a part of the communication system that must be in balance for you to feel your best!

Knowing how the communication system in the body works is very important. Clinicians at our center are mindful in treating not just the numbers that the tests reveal, but also your symptoms. We believe it is critical that not only your clinical data shows improvement, but that you FEEL better too.