Exploring Your Psychiatric Care Options with
Carolina Counseling Services

Have you ever wondered if supplements can be just as effective as prescription medications? If so, you aren’t alone. With a growing awareness of mental illness, this line of questioning is expanding to treating mental health symptoms. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, but is it safe to forgo psychiatric medications and focus on supplements? The answer to this question is complex and complicated to say the least. Everyone is different and there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to treating your symptoms. Natural doesn’t necessarily equal safe. Consulting with a professional is essential to finding the approach that is right for you.

More About Supplements and Mental Health

Popular supplements thought to improve mental health include; omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s Wort, magnesium, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), and certain B vitamins. They have been believed to improve mood, anxiety, and cognitive function resulting in many studies to determine how valid this claim is. Many of these nutrients play a role in brain function and neurotransmitter activity, which are key factors in maintaining optimal mental health.

There has been evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of depression. St. John’s Wort has been rumored to do the same for depressive symptoms. Magnesium has been found to decrease anxiety, improve ability to relax, improve mood and even aid in sleep.

These and other supplements can appear to offer a less invasive and more holistic alternative to taking prescription medications. Some even claim to have fewer reported side effects. The flip side to this is that supplements often cannot safely replace medications and may lead to complications and side effects of their own. It is always best to consult with a psychiatric professional before taking anything to affect your mental health. Again, natural does not always equal safe.

What Does the Research Have to Say?

While some studies support the effectiveness of specific supplements for mild psychiatric symptoms, the evidence is generally inconsistent or weaker than for pharmaceutical treatments—especially for moderate to severe psychiatric disorders.

Moreover, supplements are not rigorously regulated by agencies like the FDA in the same way medications are. This means variability in quality, dosage, and even the presence of contaminants can be a concern.

The Mayo Clinic cites that “St. John’s wort can interact with many medicines. A few examples include blood-thinning medicines, birth control pills, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS medicines and medicines to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Also, do not take St. John’s wort while taking prescription antidepressants. The mix can cause serious side effects. St. John’s wort may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder.”

Similar concerns are also noted for SAMe; “SAMe is not approved by the FDA to treat depression in the U.S. More research is needed to find out if SAMe is helpful for depression. In higher doses, SAMe can cause upset stomach and trouble passing stool. Do not use SAMe if you’re taking a prescription antidepressant. The mix may lead to serious side effects. SAMe may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder.”

Supplements can be helpful, however, they also carry their own risks for side effects and dangerous drug interactions.

An Integrative Approach to Psychiatric Care

Rather than thinking in all or nothing terms, many providers prefer an integrative approach. This approach combines medication with evidence-based supplements, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary improvements.

Some find that supplements can be used alongside medications as long as they are addressed with a medical professional first to rule out any potential adverse effects. A skilled psychiatric provider can help you to explore your options and alert you to any possible concerns or contraindications.

Be Aware of the Risks

Going off psychiatric medication without professional supervision can lead to serious consequences, including relapse, worsening of symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, and even potential risk of harm to yourself or others.

As mentioned above, some supplements even interact adversely with medications. It can be dangerous to start a supplement without consulting your provider. For example, St. John’s Wort can interfere with antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners, among other medications.

Finding an Integrative Prescriber with CCS

Supplements cannot fully replace psychiatric medications for most—especially for those with moderate to severe mental health symptoms. They may help in conjunction, however, it is never safe to begin without consulting your prescriber. Having a comprehensive care plan is important. Your care should be individualized to you and your unique needs.

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with licensed psychiatric professionals that have your best interests in mind. Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and many more. Call CCS now to schedule your first appointment!