Natürliche Antidepressiva. Kompakt-Ratgeber

Since ancient times, "melancholy" has referred to a mood characterized by sadness and gloom, inspiring poets and thinkers to dark self-descriptions. Today, the term "depression" is used to describe this condition, and a global trend can be observed: alongside an alarming increase in depressive symptoms, which are linked to societal factors, the burdens that follow—such as inability to work, inpatient treatment, and early retirement—are also dramatically rising.

Unfortunately, the health and quality of life of those affected are often jeopardized when strong psychotropic medications are prescribed hastily. If psychological complaints are rooted in unrecognized deficiencies, chemical antidepressants usually prove ineffective. Side effects further exacerbate the dangerous low mood.

This compact guide addresses both the symptom of "depressive mood" and the mental illness "depression," focusing primarily on numerous non-pharmacological, well-tolerated antidepressants and alternative therapy concepts:

• Signs, diagnoses, and causes of depression
• Opportunities and risks of pharmacological treatment
• Endogenous and herbal antidepressants
• Antidepressant measures, nutrients, medicinal herbs, and mushroom therapy

Comprehensively revised, updated, and expanded new edition.