Rates of Depression and Anxiety have skyrocketed especially since the start of the pandemic. More than ever, people are in need of effective tools to improve their mental health. The default tools used in our current system are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications can be effective in certain situations but often come with a significant side effect profile. Moreover, this one size fits all approach to medications just doesn’t work effectively enough.
Recent research has shed further light on the validity (or lack thereof) of some of the proposed mechanisms of Depression primarily that of a serotonin deficiency. More than ever, we now need a multipronged, multidisciplinary approach to Depression and my guest today implements that model perfectly in his practice. This is an important discussion for those suffering from Depression/Anxiety and those that provide care for it.
We discuss:
- His story and journey into the world of medicine and specifically mental health.
- Why the epidemic of depression is increasing.
- Some basics about the Neurobiology of depression and what the new research is showing specifically about Serotonin.
- What role SSRIs and other psych medications should have and are we overusing them?
- How a more holistic and integrative approach to depression can be more beneficial.
- Newer therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Ketamine, etc., and what benefits these can provide and what is the evidence behind them.
Serotonin Meta-analysis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0
Guest Bio:
Dr. Qazi Javed is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who is trained in integrative and herbal medicine. He has a private practice called Integrative Psychiatry Austin where his team includes a PA, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Neuropsychologist, Nutritionist, Therapist, and Health Educator. His practice also offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Functional Medicine.
His team considers their work sacred. They believe in healing rather than symptom resolution. They integrate various modalities, and work as a team to assess and then treat. They assist other people in healing themselves and this puts people in control of their own treatment choices.
Connect with Dr. Javed
Website: https://integrativepsychiatryaustin.com/
Connect with Dr. Akhter
Website: www.madinamedicine.com
Email: info@madinamedicine.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter