Testing a natural solution for Brisbane depression sufferers
A new Brisbane-based study hopes to discover if a natural supplement can help people suffering from depression, who are not getting better from anti-depressant drugs alone.
The University of Queensland is looking for another 20 to 30 volunteers to take part in a 15 week study to test whether a natural supplement, S-adenosylmethionine or 'SAMe', can help people who are currently taking SSRI antidepressants but whose symptoms are not improving.
It is free to take part, and people who have a history of depression that has not responded well to medication can volunteer themselves for study, which will involve an initial assessment at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in Herston and then keeping a weekly log.
SAMe has been available as a nutritional supplement in Australia since the late 1990s and is a compound made naturally in the human body. It is involved in the function of the nervous system and the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, or natural brain chemicals, involved in mood.
Some studies have shown that SAMe can help improve depression, but the evidence is not yet conclusive, which is why UQ is running the Brisbane study as a possible precursor to a bigger national study.
"For the majority of people with depression, if they see their GP and get counselling or psychotherapy through Medicare, or take some form of medication, that treatment will usually work," said the study's principal investigator, Dr Matthew Bambling.
"This study is for the sizeable minority who don't get better despite trying those things; we want to see if taking this supplement could help some of them.
"Most of the people we get as volunteers have had a lifetime of struggle with depression. But we're also happy to work with younger people who are proving resistant to antidepressant medication."
Buying SAMe at health food shop or online can be expensive - over the 15 weeks, each volunteer in the study will be given around $1000 worth of tablets to take. It is recommended that people only take SAMe or any other supplement with anti-depressant medication after checking with their doctor.
While SAMe is thought to be very safe, possible side effects from taking it could include a mild headache, nausea, slight constipation, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and mild changes in appetite.
Depression is extremely common in Australia, with women more likely than men suffer symptoms of mental illness, particularly anxiety disorders.
Studies have found that while antidepressant medication can help some people, especially during acute episodes, it is much less effective for helping people with complicated chronic depressive illnesses.
* If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Dr Bambling via firstname.lastname@example.org or by leaving a message on 0458 959 578.
Top tips to help yourself - or someone you love
Exercise can increase your endorphin levels and the production of neurotransmitters involved with mood, which can help improve depressive symptoms. It can also increase your energy levels, improve your sleep, and increase your sense of control and self-esteem, because you are taking an active role in your own wellbeing. Even a brisk walk each day can be beneficial.
Eat well, drink and smoke less. Food plays a vital role in maintaining mental health as well as physical health. In general, eating a nourishing diet gives people an overall sense of well-being. There are specific nutritional strategies that can help improve mood, maintain healthy brain function and help people with depression, anxiety and related disorders.
Curb your drinking, smoking and other drugs. Heavy drinking can actually contribute to depression or make it worse, since alcohol is a depressant. Even at moderate levels, alcohol can interact with antidepressant medication, reducing its effectiveness. Smoking marijuana can make depression much worse and give people permanent psychiatric problems.
Ask for help. Family and friends cannot expect to always know when someone has a depressive illness and should not feel guilty that they 'did not know'. The best approach is to acknowledge that mood disorders are not uncommon, learn how to recognise the signs and how to offer help. If you think you may be depressed, or are concerned about a family member or close friend, try talking to a general practitioner.
If you are ever in need of someone to talk to in a crisis, please call a 24-Hour Telephone Counselling line:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
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