A variety of problems can cause symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, including hormonal irregularities, physical or emotional stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and many other causes. As a naturopathic doctor, I am committed to finding the underlying cause of your symptoms. With specialty testing or even simple labs, we can uncover the causes of your mood disorder. Based on this testing, we can create a plan that is individualized to each patient.

There are many options for treating these conditions, from conventional antidepressants, such as Prozac, Effexor, or Cymbalta, to natural treatments such as homeopathic medicine and herbal supplements. Most of my patients are interested in reducing or avoiding conventional medications, and I have helped many patients in finding natural alternatives for improving their mental and emotional health. We can explain all of these options to you and make sure your questions are answered, including how natural treatments might affect current medications.

Naturopathic doctors in Arizona have prescription rights, meaning that your naturopathic doctor can write you a prescription for an antidepressant if he or she feels it is necessary. This also means that if you are currently on a prescription medication for depression or anxiety, and you want to taper down to a lower dose before going off the medication, we can write you a prescription for the lower dose, while transitioning you to natural therapies. Some medications, such as certain antipsychotic drugs, may only be prescribed by psychiatrists, so we may have to work with your psychiatrist to taper these medications down. Some of these medications can be split as well, which may allow for an easy taper without a new prescription.

When a patient with bipolar disorder comes to our office, I will usually begin my natural treatment program with a homeopathic prescription that is designed to balance one’s mood and improve health naturally. This homeopathic medicine will not interact with any current medications, so it is ideal for patients who want to taper off medications gradually, while beginning a natural protocol. Homeopathy is also safe during pregnancy and lactation, and for children. I also may offer an acupuncture session to my new patients, which can help to reduce muscle tension and stress, and improve energy and relaxation. After a few weeks, we will assess the patient’s response to the initial prescription, and then possibly begin a gradual taper of medications, if desired. At any point during the treatment, we can make changes as necessary, and add supportive nutritional or botanical therapies to improve mood, reduce withdrawal reactions, and assist in a healthy recovery.

When it comes to treating depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, the best course of action is to address the underlying cause. You may just want to take a pill that covers up your symptoms. But if you prefer to get to the root of the problem and treat it naturally, there are many options that are safe, effective, and affordable.

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Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.