It’s back to the basics - that one size does not fit all as the current medicalised approach used. But because understanding individual needs takes time in a medical appointment, plus this is not taught, we will always be treated as if we came from the same cookie cutter.
Thank you for your reply. See I wasn’t depressed, anxious yes as a new mom and doing my Masters and I had a traumatic medical experience( I was rid I had a blood clot but I didn’t it was an error. I was very healthy before the meds but I do have complex trauma. Can this all be nervous system Dysregulation? I was never well on the meds
While I can't say specifically for you, I do think nervous system dysregulation can be a primary factor for many people. Addressing that can go a long way or be sufficient for some people. For others, however, there can be strong genetic factors that contribute to nutrient imbalances (that impact neurotransmitters) and/or difficulties with detoxification that further add to symptoms.
...you are an invaluable resource! With PARKINSON’S disease diagnosed in 2019, omicron BTI infection 12 2021, LONG-COVID to this day, and profound mycotoxicity ( REALTIME LAB URINEALYSIS+++++ for EVERY fungus on the list including Black mold, i am not getting a handle on it, since I have to stop H-BOT, PBM, red light therapy etc. Due to cost. I'm definitely going to consult with you . I've been reading your column for sometime--but you really have my MTHFR in an uproar!
Frankly I cannot figure it out – – Will get the test for histamine--and schedule my consults --I am in Florida
I sadly had to take Prozac off and on for 20 plus years. I’m trying to survive without it. I don’t ever want to take an antidepressant again. They somehow mess terribly with the brain.
You might consider looking at the Walsh Research Institute Website, where there is information on the small number of nutrient imbalances that appear present in the majority of people with brain-related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. They also have a list of doctors trained in evaluating for and treating these. https://www.walshinstitute.org/biochemical-individuality--nutrition.html
This was very interesting, I came off ssri and a benzo years ago, 11 years and I have never been the same. Prior to going on these meds for sleep and a bit of anxiety due to being a new Mom, I had no health issues, very healthy 35 year old. At 11 years off I am disabled. Can you maybe shed some light as to why? The whole experience has left me traumatized. I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
I wish I had a direct answer for you. While there is an argument for medications causing a shift in someone's neurotransmitter functioning, I think very often there are underlying biochemical issues that both contribute to the onset of symptoms, but also contribute to the challenges with coming off the medications or the persistence of symptoms. For example, the Walsh Research Institute found that 94 % of women who had postpartum depression or anxiety had relatively high copper (copper goes up naturally during pregnancy, but should decrease after birth). For some women it can stay high and contribute to things like anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, depression. Something like that, for example, can be occurring and not resolving (until the high copper is addressed). In such a case, it can be difficult to know if it is due to the medication, or if it is due to persistence of a biochemical imbalance. Another example. Dr. Joseph Brewer tested 112 patients with chronic fatigue and fond that 93% of them had elevated levels of mycotoxins. All this to say that for many people that I see, even if new problems emerge after being on meds, root causes, such as nutrient imbalances or toxicity should still be considered and could have been there or could have become problems along the way. I hope something here is helpful. Here is that study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3705282/
Please clarify, if I'm not understanding. I think you are asking what I would generally recommend for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. I would recommend working with a conventionally trained doctor and also learning about/considering lifestyle factors that have been found to be beneficial, which I suspect you are likely already doing.
Same here! Exactly the same story. Benzo and some pain killers for about 1 year became bedridden and have been ever since. For 8 years now I haven’t left my home since 2017
As in my response above to Helen, I would say, as much as possible, consider underlying root causes (or other root causes). Typically, there is more than one. That doesn't mean the medications weren't problematic, but instead, that there were likely underlying root causes to the original symptoms that are still present and that could be impacting persistent symptoms by themselves or worsening persistent medication related symptoms.
I also have ME/CFS On of the triggers were severe adverse reactions to psychiatric drugs.
Any trauma or trigger can create the condition. One of the things in order to heal is to reboot the nervous system and immune system (rewire) alongside adding what is missing (add) like restoring gut microbiota and nutrients in the right order, dose and frequency for you. As well as removing anything that stands in the way (remove), like heavy metals, chronic infections, mold toxicity, trauma and limbic system dysfunction (part of the rewire).
I know many people with Me/CFS that got very sick from SSRIs and neuroleptics.
It is a long road back, but I believe in full recovery when the body and mind gets its needs met and overcomes the challenges standing in the way.
I also have the condition PSSD, unable to have orgasm and also reduced sensation of touch in genitals. Caused by a couple of pills only of SSRI.
Healing will take time but the process is underway and I don't really chase any symptom.
I have great belief in functional medicine, Ayurveda, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and emotional work and family system therapy.
I am also creating holistic health communications tools based on what I have learned and I will share my story when I am recovered.
My suggestion to you is to work with a Functional Medicine provider and also get treatment from a trauma expert and expert in Family Constellation Therapy. Also doing DNRS (rewiring your limbic system) is highly recommend. But you do trauma work and DNRS not at the same time.
Like all things a good treatment Strategy takes into account:
Dose (how much), frequency (duration and how often), form (the type, for ex injection vs pill) and context (current situation, time of day, season etc).
A good practitioner also makes sure to get at the root cause and not only try to mask or adress symptoms.
Many people do the mistake of chasing getting their orgasm back with a pill or they want their pain to go away and does not slowly and gradually our their bodies and mind into a healing state that over time will melt the symptoms away. But the absence or presence of symptoms is not always a good measure of progress or not. It depends on what you are looking at. A positive change in behavior can be a good starting point to see if something is helpful or not for example.
Thank you for this. I to believe the body can heal given the right tools, however I am not able to work with a functional Doctor, I am disability. I am doing this on my own. I am in therapy. Any particular diet? I know we all are different I know.
It’s back to the basics - that one size does not fit all as the current medicalised approach used. But because understanding individual needs takes time in a medical appointment, plus this is not taught, we will always be treated as if we came from the same cookie cutter.
Thank you for your reply. See I wasn’t depressed, anxious yes as a new mom and doing my Masters and I had a traumatic medical experience( I was rid I had a blood clot but I didn’t it was an error. I was very healthy before the meds but I do have complex trauma. Can this all be nervous system Dysregulation? I was never well on the meds
While I can't say specifically for you, I do think nervous system dysregulation can be a primary factor for many people. Addressing that can go a long way or be sufficient for some people. For others, however, there can be strong genetic factors that contribute to nutrient imbalances (that impact neurotransmitters) and/or difficulties with detoxification that further add to symptoms.
Yes I agree, but if I can’t work with a functional Doctor can’t afford it as I’m on disability what does one do to support themselves
Thank you Dr. Snyder! Very informative and encouraging article.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it useful.
...you are an invaluable resource! With PARKINSON’S disease diagnosed in 2019, omicron BTI infection 12 2021, LONG-COVID to this day, and profound mycotoxicity ( REALTIME LAB URINEALYSIS+++++ for EVERY fungus on the list including Black mold, i am not getting a handle on it, since I have to stop H-BOT, PBM, red light therapy etc. Due to cost. I'm definitely going to consult with you . I've been reading your column for sometime--but you really have my MTHFR in an uproar!
Frankly I cannot figure it out – – Will get the test for histamine--and schedule my consults --I am in Florida
I'm so glad you found this helpful and glad that you are finding your answers.
DMSO has become “popular” as a substance for many issues. Do you know what, if any benefit DMSO has, pro or con regarding Parkinson’s?
I wish I could be more helpful here. I don’t have experience with DMSO.
I sadly had to take Prozac off and on for 20 plus years. I’m trying to survive without it. I don’t ever want to take an antidepressant again. They somehow mess terribly with the brain.
You might consider looking at the Walsh Research Institute Website, where there is information on the small number of nutrient imbalances that appear present in the majority of people with brain-related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. They also have a list of doctors trained in evaluating for and treating these. https://www.walshinstitute.org/biochemical-individuality--nutrition.html
This was very interesting, I came off ssri and a benzo years ago, 11 years and I have never been the same. Prior to going on these meds for sleep and a bit of anxiety due to being a new Mom, I had no health issues, very healthy 35 year old. At 11 years off I am disabled. Can you maybe shed some light as to why? The whole experience has left me traumatized. I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
I wish I had a direct answer for you. While there is an argument for medications causing a shift in someone's neurotransmitter functioning, I think very often there are underlying biochemical issues that both contribute to the onset of symptoms, but also contribute to the challenges with coming off the medications or the persistence of symptoms. For example, the Walsh Research Institute found that 94 % of women who had postpartum depression or anxiety had relatively high copper (copper goes up naturally during pregnancy, but should decrease after birth). For some women it can stay high and contribute to things like anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, depression. Something like that, for example, can be occurring and not resolving (until the high copper is addressed). In such a case, it can be difficult to know if it is due to the medication, or if it is due to persistence of a biochemical imbalance. Another example. Dr. Joseph Brewer tested 112 patients with chronic fatigue and fond that 93% of them had elevated levels of mycotoxins. All this to say that for many people that I see, even if new problems emerge after being on meds, root causes, such as nutrient imbalances or toxicity should still be considered and could have been there or could have become problems along the way. I hope something here is helpful. Here is that study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3705282/
What if one can not work with functional Doctor what do you recommend?
Please clarify, if I'm not understanding. I think you are asking what I would generally recommend for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. I would recommend working with a conventionally trained doctor and also learning about/considering lifestyle factors that have been found to be beneficial, which I suspect you are likely already doing.
Same here! Exactly the same story. Benzo and some pain killers for about 1 year became bedridden and have been ever since. For 8 years now I haven’t left my home since 2017
Hi Alexa, I am sorry you are going through this. I am sending you virtual Hugs. Never give up hope.
As in my response above to Helen, I would say, as much as possible, consider underlying root causes (or other root causes). Typically, there is more than one. That doesn't mean the medications weren't problematic, but instead, that there were likely underlying root causes to the original symptoms that are still present and that could be impacting persistent symptoms by themselves or worsening persistent medication related symptoms.
I also have ME/CFS On of the triggers were severe adverse reactions to psychiatric drugs.
Any trauma or trigger can create the condition. One of the things in order to heal is to reboot the nervous system and immune system (rewire) alongside adding what is missing (add) like restoring gut microbiota and nutrients in the right order, dose and frequency for you. As well as removing anything that stands in the way (remove), like heavy metals, chronic infections, mold toxicity, trauma and limbic system dysfunction (part of the rewire).
I know many people with Me/CFS that got very sick from SSRIs and neuroleptics.
It is a long road back, but I believe in full recovery when the body and mind gets its needs met and overcomes the challenges standing in the way.
I also have the condition PSSD, unable to have orgasm and also reduced sensation of touch in genitals. Caused by a couple of pills only of SSRI.
Healing will take time but the process is underway and I don't really chase any symptom.
I have great belief in functional medicine, Ayurveda, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and emotional work and family system therapy.
I am also creating holistic health communications tools based on what I have learned and I will share my story when I am recovered.
My suggestion to you is to work with a Functional Medicine provider and also get treatment from a trauma expert and expert in Family Constellation Therapy. Also doing DNRS (rewiring your limbic system) is highly recommend. But you do trauma work and DNRS not at the same time.
Like all things a good treatment Strategy takes into account:
Dose (how much), frequency (duration and how often), form (the type, for ex injection vs pill) and context (current situation, time of day, season etc).
A good practitioner also makes sure to get at the root cause and not only try to mask or adress symptoms.
Many people do the mistake of chasing getting their orgasm back with a pill or they want their pain to go away and does not slowly and gradually our their bodies and mind into a healing state that over time will melt the symptoms away. But the absence or presence of symptoms is not always a good measure of progress or not. It depends on what you are looking at. A positive change in behavior can be a good starting point to see if something is helpful or not for example.
Take care.
Thank you for this. I to believe the body can heal given the right tools, however I am not able to work with a functional Doctor, I am disability. I am doing this on my own. I am in therapy. Any particular diet? I know we all are different I know.