Understandably most parents want to know what they can do to help their child through and out of depression. Immediate reaction is to take the child to a medical doctor who typically prescribes antidepressants. However this may not be the best idea. A recent article published by the British Medical Journal shows that antidepressants should not be prescribed as a medication for depression in people under 18 years of age. After the researchers reviewed all data they described what they called "disturbing shortcomings" in the studies published in favor of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Effexor, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. The researchers final concluding statement was, "Antidepressant drugs cannot confidently be recommended as a treatment option for childhood depression."

So now what do parents do? Find alternatives. These three alternatives to antidepressant medications have all been researched time and time again, and continue to be more effective than the prescription medication, especially when combined together. The three effective alternatives are specific chiropractic adjustments, exercise and Omega-3 supplementation.

In the November 7^th, 2005 Journal of Vertebral Subuxation, a study was performed and showed positive results after adjustments to individuals with depression. All subjects of the study were given a standardized test known as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) both before and after receiving specific adjustments. All subjects received the same process of analysis and technique of correction during the trial. The lower the BDI-II scores the better. The results showed a significant improvement of the average BDI-II scores of the group. As a whole previous to chiropractic care the groups average BDI-II was 17, after chiropractic care for correction of their subluxations the groups average score improved to an 8!

Chiropractic is not just for back pain and headaches. The foundation of chiropractic is to get your nervous system functioning at 100%. When you are functioning at 100% all the messages your brain sends out, are received and read correctly throughout your body allowing you to function better throughout your day.

In addition to chiropractic, another option is exercise. According to the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, people suffering from depression have experienced a boost in emotional well being and energy from as little as a single 30 minute workout. A study in 2005, researchers reported on 80 subjects that were divided into five groups and had specific assigned amounts of exercise. The groups were vigorous exercise 3X a week, another 5x a week, two low-dose exercise - one 3X a week and one 5X a week and one group only doing stretches. Symptoms of depression dropped in all five groups! The largest decrease was in the vigorous exercise group 5X a week with a 48% decrease in symptoms. The research was only based off of a 3 month period. Researchers expect better results with continued exercise.

In another research project published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, 156 subjects were divided into three groups, one exercised, one exercised and were on prescription drugs, and the last group only took prescription drugs. The results showed the benefits of exercise persisted the longest. After six months, only 8% of those in the exercise group saw their depression return, compared with 38% who took drugs. Dr. James Blumenthal who lead the team, said "We had assumed that exercise and medication together would have had an additive effect, but this turned out to not be the case. We did see that the more one exercised, the less likely one would see their depressive symptoms return."

For children, a brisk walk three times a week may not exactly be exciting for them. Look into getting them involved in a team sport. Soccer, football, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, martial arts...etc, all these sports provide the exercise that is vital to improving symptoms as well as increasing social opportunities. If your child is not into playing these sports, look into just playing outside with them or you take a brisk walk yourself and have them keep up on their bike, this way the exercise benefits the entire family!

Lastly one more option that not only helps depression but also increases the health of your child is Omega-3 fish oil. There are two types of oil that our bodies require and should maintain a 1:1 ratio of; Omega-6 to Omega-3. Omega-6 oils are abundant in processed foods, while the main source of Omega-3 is fish. Sadly the typical diet ratio for the average American is 20:1 for Omega 6:3.

Previous studies have shown that people who are depressed often already have lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers at the Swallownest Court Hospital in Sheffield, England studied 70 patients each had been diagnosed with persistent depression, and had not responded successfully to typical pharmaceutical treatments such as Zoloft and Prozac. The results were astounding in that the majority of the patients noted decreased symptoms while on the omega 3 supplement. An additional almost identical study was done at Harvard Medical School and the results with Omega 3 supplementation was described as "highly significant" compared to placebos.

According to the National Mental Health Association, about 85% of depressed patients are classified as mild to moderate. They state that those individuals may find all the relief they need from an increased intake of Omega 3. The best source of Omega-3 is fish, particularly dark meat fish such as tuna, swordfish and salmon. The problem is most people do not eat large enough amounts of fish in a week, so Omega-3 supplements are a great alternative.

The only thing to remember about Omega-3 supplements is that they NEED to be Neutraceutical grade quality. Unfortunately you don't find high quality supplements with full label disclosure at your local Wal-Mart, GNC, Walgreens or CVS.

The best part about all the alternatives mentioned above, is that they are not only encouraged for those with depression but for everyone! They all promote healthy living with only positive side effects!

If you would like more information on specific chiropractic, high quality reasonably priced Omega-3 supplementation, or simply just have a question please call or email Dr. Amanda.

Jordan Family Chiropractic

Phone: 724-741-6080

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