subject: Tyrosine For Depression: A Natural Alternative [print this page] Have you considered tyrosine for depression? Do you think it's possible to naturally alter the chemistry of the brain to help in mood elevation? Is it possible that we can offer something that is far more natural and less problematic to the body in order to help those who are depressed to overcome it?
Teenage and adult depression is one of the most frequently treated problems that can be found in mental health and physicians offices these days. Studies tell us that more than 15 percent of all people get depressed at one time or another and that major depression, which has gone untreated, accounts for about 60 percent of all suicides.
In spite of these studies and our growing knowledge about depression, the reality is that only about fifteen percent of all those who are depressed ever get the right treatment for it.
There is minimal evidence that can tell us exactly what depression is or what it does. We know that it is treatable in many cases, and we know that contributing factors may include life changes or events, as well as chemical changes in the body. Genetics can also play a factor in the depression of some individuals.
There are some major studies in the past that have focused on the level of serotinin, as well as neuro-transmission theories and the biogenic amine factors that affect them. The results have been many and varied, but the bottom line is that we simply do not know on any level what changes in the body produce a state of depression.
Treatment methods sometimes involve MAO inhibitors, serotonin uptake inhibition, as well as tricyclic anti-depression medications - many of which address the chemistry of the brain and produce some side effects that may or may not be tolerable to the patient.
Some physicians particularly abroad are experimenting with nutritional supplements in an effort to aid in the treatment of depression. Tyrosine for depression is one of the most commonly used supplements.
Tyrosine for depression, or L Tyrosine, is a precursor to norepinephrine. It is sometimes helpful to those who do not respond well to other medications because in many cases they are lacking norepinephrine.
Studies have shown that in many cases, patients are able to, after a period of time with the Tyrosine for depression--discontinue other medications. This is, of course, not recommended without the advice and consent of your physician.
Patients who showed a vast improvement after beginning treatment via Tyrosine tended to show that improvement within a 2-3 week time span.
Many patients prefer to include supplement therapy in order to rely on a lower dose, or to eliminate dosages of stronger medications that offer a vast array of negative side effects.
Bear in mind that in many cases, there can be medical causes for your depression. Seek out the advice of your physician to rule out chemical deficits such as vitamin deficiencies and a relationship with oral contraceptives prior to beginning any treatment.
You can feel better, and in many cases, by using a more natural medication such as St Johns Wort, tyrosine for depression, or L-Tyrosine therapy rather than a harsher mood elevating medication.
