The cycle of stress, inflammation and depression
We assist people who are non-responsive or resistant to traditional treatment approaches
Treatment approaches
Depression is complex condition with the most significant features being low mood and loss of pleasure in life. These are often accompanied by somatic symptoms (bodily), psycho-motor disturbances (agitation), insomnia and cognitive symptoms (lowered brain function). Hopelessness, guilt and suicidal ideation are also frequently present.
Science is now revealing that chronic stress is pro-inflammatory and a significant factor in depression, affecting the front part of the brain and the hippocampus (involved in memory).
(Cohen, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2017).
**We realise the importance of medications in treating depression, however they do not work for everyone, with many patients stopping them due to side effects. Further, some patients simply do not respond, while others do not like them.
What to expect in your consultation/s & treatment
1.
We begin by asking you to complete the HAM-D questionnaire, so we can assess your needs and measure changes.
2.
We can then determine the best treatment for you, using one or a number of the following:
- Photobiomodulation.
- Nutraceutical support, including omega-3 fatty acids, B,D vitamins, curcumin, saffron and magnesium.
- Laser (needleless) acupuncture, a painless treatment which has demonstrated decreases in inflammation and increases in seratonin, dopamine and endorphins, as well as improved nerve function and connectivity.
- Identify and structure lifestyle improvements including exercise, sleep support, diet, meditation, green-space walking and yoga.
- Humour therapy, which short term can activate and relieve the stress response, and long term, can improve the immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction and improve mood.
- Trans auricular vagus nerve stimulation (an FDA approved treatment for depression), via an earclip attached to a TENS machine.
Some depression improvement statistics
%
52%
Laser (PBM):
Studies using PBM for depression show up to 52% improvement when targetting the DMN (default mode network).
Cassano (Harvard Group, 2018)
%
Up to 60%
Vagus Nerve Stimulation:
Response rate up to 60% and remission rate up to 40%. (Foley, et al. 2014).
%
Up to 70%
Nutraceuticals:
Curcumin and Saffron help depression by reducing inflammation, and have been shown in studies to benefit up to 70% of individuals. (Ng, 2017, Noorbala, 2018).
%
Up to 70%
Lifestyle Improvements:
Combined lifestyle interventions have been shown in research to improve depression between 40 – 80% depending on the intervention. For example exercise is up to 70% effective, (Schuch, Cochrane review 2019)
%
72%
Laser Acupuncture
Needleless (laser) acupuncture has been shown to yield a clinically and statistically significant response rate of up to 72%. (Reduction in depression symptoms). (Quah-Smith 2013).
**Due to space considerations, only the first authors are named in the reference.
Further information about photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation (aka Low Level Laser, Cold Laser or Light Therapy), improves cellular health so the body can heal. The treatment is non-invasive and drug free. There are no side-effects and it’s painless to receive, so patients of all ages are able to be treated for conditions such as Parkinson’s, Migraine, Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury (also commonly used for musculo-skeletal conditions).
When certain wavelengths of light and certain doses are applied, the light is absorbed and converted into energy. As that energy (ATP) is restored to the cell, oxidative stress is reduced and this stimulates the body’s healing response. The scientific mechanism by which this works is well understood and documented.
With over 6ooo thousand research studies published (in 2018 – one every 37 hours), this treatment is at the cutting edge of conventional therapies. The Thor unit, which we use at Bioelectronic Medicine, is the best available. Please watch the video for a deeper explanation.
For non-invasive, non-drug depression and anxiety support
Contact Dr Paul Brunton at Bioelectronic Medicine today to book your appointment