Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
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Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

With: Dr. Achina Stein

About the Episode

Explore the causes of symptoms of depression and learn what you can do to start feeling better, faster.

Join American Board-Certified Psychiatrist Achina Palanki Stein as she dives deep into the root causes of depression and anxiety symptoms outside of clinical depression to determine what steps we can take to heal and enjoy our lives again!

What We Discuss

Find the Main Cause

Often, symptoms of depression are offered two modes of treatment: antidepressants and/or psychotherapy. But although fatigue, lack of concentration, sleep problems, loss of appetite, and burnout can look like clinical depression, this may not actually be the case.

Hypothyroidism, Vitamin B and folate deficiency, medication side effects, alcohol consumption, and drug use are traditionally known to cause depression-like symptoms. Trauma is another significant indicator of clinical depression, and having other medical issues causing depression symptoms can inhibit healing.

Infections, Autoimmune Diseases, and Gut Dysbiosis

Some foods cause inflammation, while others are known to reduce it, so it is essential to rule out gastrointestinal issues, gut dysbiosis, and food intolerance as sources of symptoms. Also, chronic infections take an enormous toll on the body and can throw it into disfunction. This can result in the body breaking down and not absorbing what we need to feel good from the foods we’re eating. Lastly, environmental toxins and stress also impact hormones, leading, again, to symptoms of depression.

Candida, Lyme Disease, Lupus, and many bacterial infections can manifest as symptoms of anxiety and depression despite depression not being the root issue. Chronic illness impacts the brain, and it takes an emotional toll. We don’t feel well, we’re irritable and short-tempered, we want to stay in bed, and we’re hard to engage, and that can look a lot like depression. It takes years of training to spot the differences, so exploring these is essential, especially if you’re not feeling better with the usual treatments for depression.

Reverse the Root Causes

Remove what’s causing inflammation and add what’s missing. By uncovering and treating potential root causes, you can start to feel better a lot sooner without having to wait for an antidepressant to kick in. For example, many people are deficient in B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, adding to depression symptoms.

This approach can also apply to psycho-social areas. Many people who hit a snag with cognitive therapy end up circling the same issues without any improvement but find they’re able to move forward again after healing their gut.

The first step is to get evaluated by a physician to get the right diagnosis. Focusing on your diet is another excellent place to start, and find areas where you can supplement what you’re missing. Lastly, adding a probiotic can help heal your gut to start feeling better. The most important thing is that you have to create sustainable habits.

Avoid the “depression wastebasket diagnosis” by listening to this episode with Dr. Achina Stein!

Guest Bio

Dr. Achina Palanki Stein is an American Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over 25 years of practice experience. ​Dr. Stein uses functional medicine to help patients find the underlying or root causes of illness and the nutritional and biochemical imbalances that may be contributing to them. Since 2016, she has been seeing patients in her private practice called Functional Mind LLC, and after writing her book “What If It’s Not Depression?” In February 2020, she launched a companion program to coach those interested in working with her across state lines.

Links

Social Media

IG @dr.achinastein
FB achinasteindo

Links

https://www.AchinaSteinDO.com/
https://fxnmind.com/

Podcast

What if it’s Not Depression https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpdl19d4mbcDV3Roho5mTEQ

Book

What if it’s Not Depression https://www.achinasteindo.com/book

Our Providers
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Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Reverse Depression-like Symptoms
Reverse Depression-like Symptoms

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted