Depressive disorders: A multidimensional non-drug approach

Abstract

In Europe, 25% of the population suffers from one type of depressive disorders each year. When depression is diagnosed, one on two people will actually be given a medication e.g. antidepressant and benzodiazepine (when correlated to anxiety or sleep trouble); the relapse risk is about 50%. This pathology and its chemical treatment affect the individual's health and life balance, e.g. cognitive impairments, family circle and career. Plus, side effects might create dependence, inability to focus or drive, disinhibition leading to suicide attempts. In addition, it also affects society at an economic level.

Comparing prior research, there are many causes to depressive disorders, a fragile balance that allows depression to begin and last. These causes include psychological factors (personal history, loss, trauma) biological factors (genetic predisposition, neurochemical dysregulation, bacteria) and environment (stress, social interaction, family circle, physical environment). Due to their multiple causes and maintenance factors, we consider depressive disorders in a multidimensional clinic through non-drug approach treatment and prevention. In severe depressive disorders and resistant depression EMDR therapy has shown effective results. Taking in account the high chance of relapses (50%), we highlight regular physical activity as a prevention factor that diminishes relapses chances compared to medication. Furthermore, meditation practice impacts cerebral plasticity. Finally, an environmental approach through luminotherapy (increase serotonin precursor) or nutritherapy (bacterium balance) helps healing and prevents relapses. These therapies can be easily adapted to any population and institutional context.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.