Package Description

Course Description:

The prevalence of depression is increasing, which has created a growing need for treatment options, including for patients who respond poorly to conventional approaches. Naturopathic Doctors are uniquely positioned: counseling as a therapeutic modality, longer appointments that facilitate strong doctor-patient relationships, and an understanding of nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Despite this, many practitioners report not feeling confident, or competent in supporting mental health. Through this presentation, you will gain clarity on what an evidence-based approach to treating depression looks like. This will include a review of the evidence-based therapies available to us as Naturopathic Doctors to treat depression with a focus on nutraceuticals and botanical medicine. Additionally, there will be a discussion of the many nutrient deficiencies and hormonal transitions that can lead to (or aggravate) symptoms of depression. Through case studies and research, we will review what assessment and case management for depression looks like.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the pathophysiology and etiology of depression beyond the serotonin model of depression, including the inflammatory model of depression.
2. Assessment and case management for depression, including biochemical assessment parameters to investigate ‘co-occurring’ or ‘aggravating’ factors of depression (e.g., TSH, vitamin D, fasting blood glucose, ferritin).
3. Learn evidence-based nutraceuticals and herbs that are effective at treating depression.
4. Review the signs and symptoms of when herbs and nutrients are not enough (e.g., when to refer).
5. Learn nutrition and other lifestyle measures that support depression.

This session is approved for 1.25 General, 0.25 Pharmacology CE Credits with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).  After completing the material, you will automatically receive your CE certificate.

Special Thanks to our Sponsor for this session