Safe alternatives to anti-depressants. By John N Demos, MA, LCMHC, BCIA-EEG The depressed brain has been studied for several decades by researchers using various forms of brain imaging. Typically, the person with depression has a condition known as prefrontal left-hemispheric slowing. In other words the left side of brain operates slower than the right side of the brain. Slow brain wave activity is reflected by reduced cerebral blood flow in the same area of the brain. The pattern of slowing in the left side of the brain has been identified in children as well as adults. Those who were born with this pattern have always been at risk for depression even if the symptoms of depression have not yet manifested themselves. What therapy options are open to those suffering with depression? One out of every ten Americans has taken anti-depressants such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, etc. for depression. Drug-management therapy seems to be an ideal solution; in some cases symptoms such as fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and negativity are greatly reduced. For some, but certainly not for all, medication provides immediate short-term relief. However, the FDA has warned the public of potential dangers of anti-depressants. Furthermore, Glenmullen, the author of The Prozac backlash questioned the safety of taking medications for prolonged periods. He provided the following statistical dangers related to anti-depressant use: " 60% suffer sexual dysfunction. " 10% suffer mild to moderate muscle spasms. " 10-25% suffer neurologically driven agitation. " 50 % suffer withdrawal syndromes. Consequently, many depressed adults and the parents of depressed children have searched for safe long-lasting alternatives. One alternative therapy that has been studied is neurofeedback (brain wave training). In numerous studies depressed individuals have learned to increase left hemispheric activity by neurofeedback training. This has resulted in improved cerebral blood flow without the use of medications or dangerous side-effects. Neurotherapy is a process rather than an event; it does not act like medication. Neurofeedback trainees often report a lifting of symptoms in just a few training sessions. After 6 training sessions, one man in his mid-forties reported the following: "It feels like I am on Prozac again." This same man continued to train for a total of 20 sessions and his depression has not returned. If you or your loved one suffers from depression it is wise to find the right therapy solution. If your depression is accompanied by left hemispheric slowing then neurotherapy may be the answer. Non-invasive brain imaging techniques and neurofeedback training are available in numerous locations throughout the United States and Canada. To find a clinician in your area: www.bcia.org, www.isnr.org, www.aapb.org. Bibliography: Davidson, R.J., & Irwin. W. (1999). The functional neuroanatomy of emotion and affective style. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 3(1), 11-21 Demos, J. (2005). Getting Started with Neurofeedback. NY: WW Norton & Co. Glenmullen, J (2000). Prozac Backlash; Overcoming the dangers of prozac, zoloft, paxil and other antidepressants with safe effective alternatives. NY: Simon & Shuster ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Demos, MA, LCMHC, BCIA-EEG is a Licensed Professional Counselor, nationally certified neurofeedback practitioner and author of Getting Started with Neurofeedback. He conducts workshops for health care professionals who are interested in adding neurofeedback to their practice (www.eegvermont.com). Neurofeedback of S. VT clinic is an alternative therapies clinic located in Brattleboro, Vermont.