Speaker: Kenneth Proefrock. Depression and anxiety are complex psychiatric disorders that affect 25-30% of the population (a conservative estimate) and come with an enormous social cost. Recent evidence suggests that these disorders are far more complex than ever before appreciated and are products of epigenetic, genetic, and situational circumstances that include neurotransmitter metabolism, altered receptor sensitivity, immunological inputs and psychological processing. The current arsenal of psychotropic pharmaceuticals are only effective for 50-60% of the population, take 4-6 weeks to become fully effective, and seldom bring long-term resolution. We review the history of pharmaceutical approaches to antidepressant/anti-anxiety drug development, discuss where and why these strategies fall short of their intended goals and what they have taught us about the biochemistry of mood disorders.  We propose novel approaches to these conditions using botanical, nutritional and lifestyle measures. We also discuss strategies for safely weaning patients from their pharmaceutical agents.

Related product: The lecture notes for this recording are available here: 2018 Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine: Conference Book Download (PDF)

Continuing Education for Naturopathic Physicians: This recording has been approved for .5 general and 1.0 pharmacy CME credits by

• California Naturopathic Doctor's Association (CNDA)
• Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM)
• Arizona SCNM (Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine)

More information: CME for NDs: Southwest Conference 2018