What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about (Tm): Depression: The Breakthrough Integrative Approach for Effective Treatment

Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (6/07) For most of us, depression still carries a stigma. We're concerned that other people will react negatively towards us not only because they're ignorant as to the components and frequency of depression but also because traditional medications for depression may influence our behaviors. Dr. Michael Schachter's approach to treating depression may eventually alter public perceptions. Schachter approaches depression holistically. Individuals suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a plethora of other illnesses are all offered medically approved alternate approaches to encourage cures or remissions. Daily we're bombarded with data promoting healthful lifestyles (eating, sleeping, exercise, stress management, etc.) in order to offset or manage physical disorders; however, Schachter's similar approach towards depression is novel. Indeed, at this stage, his philosophy does not garner the support of the majority of the medical community. Nevertheless, his work holds promise - at least according to his account in "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression." Before I read Schachter's book, my understanding of depression was limited to psychology course rhetoric supplemented by limited details supplied by a long-distance friend who suffers from a bipolar disorder. As I gained a more comprehensive view of depression from Schachter, I found myself wondering if anyone could entirely control depression with a natural approach, or if some level of traditional medications would always be required to maintain balance. Even Schachter does not completely negate his natural approach being supplemented with a certain amount of medication. However, his premise is to primarily focus on treating depression without heavy reliance on these traditional medications which have potentially devastating side affects. Can I imagine my friend functioning well without resorting to her daily tablets? My well-considered answer is negative, simply because my friend does not possess the discipline to maintain a healthful regime. Nevertheless, I suspect that her level of medication could be lessened if her psychiatrist embraced Schachter's philosophy and encouraged her to adopt a lifestyle which would not only promote mental well-being but physical well-being also. "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression" is not a work solely for individuals afflicted with the disorder, but it is a work which should be consider equally worthwhile for the medical community as well as the general populous. Perhaps, in time, Schachter's approach will be mainstream and traditional medications will be relegated to an alternate status.

There are as many books written about depression, as there are symptoms of this baffling disease, particularly since the malady appears to be intensifying among all age groups from children to the elderly. In addition, several books are written about all-natural approaches for treatment of depression. However, Dr. Schachter's book may very well be the best breakthrough book to date for the content and information related to the many types of depression that afflict more than 19 million Americans each year. The term, 'you are what you eat' has been around for decades, but this book brings a new meaning to that phrase. Not only does the author describe and outline the characteristics that define the various types of depression, but explains in layman's terms how to conquer, without medication, this debilitating illness by eating the proper foods in the correct proportions. Nutritional deficiencies are described in detail, along with a variety of symptoms that require specific supplements. The book is divided into two parts. Part one, 'Coming To Terms With Depression,' has three chapters that describe various approaches for treating depression and introduce the nutritional approach. You will also discover your biochemical profile and learn how to get the professional help you need. Part two, 'How To Prevent and Treat Depression Comprehensively,' has ten chapters that focus on the use of nutritional supplements for the many emotional, medical, and mental symptoms of depression. Each chapter ends with an overview entitled, 'The Bottom Line,' which highlights the important factors of that particular chapter. In my opinion, whether you are suffering from depression or have a loved one or even an acquaintance that is tormented by this widespread and vicious malady, this book is for you. I highly recommend this exciting approach as an effective alternative treatment of depression. Armchair Interviews says: Important look at depression.

I have used a couple of other books in the past for using supplements and amino acids to combat my depression. This book is the BEST out of those three. Dr Schachter gives a more comprehensive overview of the types of neurotransmitters and than an approach to start balancing the inhibitory and then the excititory neurotransmitters. This book contains more information about amino acids and with a better understanding about what ranges of each you could try. I have been trying this and it has been helping me. Plus there is much more in this book such as lists of medical tests, herbs, diet, toxins, hormones, light and stories.