User:Lte1116/sandbox

The ALPS model is a treatment methodology for mild cases of Major Depressive Disorder proposed by Jerome Sarris in 2012. The strategy attempts to integrate usage of antidepressants, lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, and social interaction in order to cure depression.

A Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is a disease that is defined by a clinical depressive episode lasting longer than 2 weeks and is unrelated to recent grief, substance abuse, or a medical condition. The major biological model for the causes of depression is the monoamine theory, which states that dysfunction of the monoamines in the brain—like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—is the root of clinical depression. In 2012, the ALPS model was published for treatment of MDD in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine—adopting the acronym A.L.P.S for antidepressants, lifestyle, psychological, and social. The ALPS methodology attempts to steer from treating depression as merely a chemical imbalance, and implements other lifestyle and social changes into a patient’s life that will eventually cure the patient. This model takes the protective factors that a person possess against clinical depression (nutrient-rich diet, physical activity, social interaction etc.) and reestablish a healthy lifestyle and outlook along with a natural remedy/prescription treatment and regular therapy. The model follows evidence drawn from studies on integrative and personalized medicine, along with CAM therapy.

Antidepressants
The ALPS model supports using regular antidepressants along with treatment in order to create stability for the patient. This includes both natural products and synthetic drugs. Some of the common antidepressants used to combat MDD are SSRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs. When natural supplements were used along with these antidepressants, patients showed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than those receiving placebo. Examples of natural products and nutrients include: Many of these substances will assist in the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in functions like reuptake, degradation, receptor binding, synthesis, anti-inflammatory effect, and enhancement of cell membrane fluidity. It has also been noted that acupuncture as a treatment for depression can reduce the severity of the disease on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Acupuncture has been linked to opioid pathways in the brain, which work similarly to antidepressants that facilitate neurotransmitter function.
 * Hypericum perforatum: St. John’s Wort
 * Rhodiola rosea: roseroot
 * Crocus sativus: saffron
 * L-tryptophan
 * Omega-3 fatty acids
 * S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)

Lifestyle
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that patients find a balance between meaningful work, a good night’s sleep, exercise, and pleasurable hobbies. It also involves maintaining a balanced diet along with the necessary medications prescribed by the doctor. A basic balanced diet includes foods rich in nutrients like folate, omega-3, L-tryptophan, vitamins B and C, zinc, and magnesium. More guidelines to a healthy living—for a well or sick individual—can be found at the | Mayo Clinic. Along with proper consumption, there should be proper restriction to diet. Patients with MDD should refrain from the use of alcohol or recreational drugs, as they can increase likelihood of an episode. If a patient has a mostly sedentary lifestyle, it is strongly advised that the individual begin to partake in light to moderate physical activity. This can be as casual as walking for 30 minutes a day to rigorous exercise. There is also data that suggests that participating in yoga can reduce depression and improve mood through the combination of peaceful practice and strenuous activity. Sleeping for eight hours a day and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and peers is also important for a patient’s lifestyle.

Psychological
It is important for patients to continue with psychological intervention and therapy. This could mean seeking help from a psychologist, attending group therapy sessions, or gaining more knowledge about the disease itself. It has been shown that as a patient is healed psychologically, there is a biological benefit as his/her brain activity increases and the reuptake of neurotransmitters becomes more effective. It is crucial that individuals with MDD maintain supportive relationships with friends and family, as well as with their care providers. These social units will provide the patient with emotional nourishment which is necessary to mental health. It has also been found that forms of relaxation therapy, like meditation and coordinated breathing, can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood. Psychoeducation is meant to initially provide the patient with more information about the disease, its triggers, and options for better treatment. This education is meant to empower the patient ; giving him/her a better insight into the illness itself.

Social
Evidence suggests that both healthy and mentally ill individuals who participate in social isolation will experience some form of depression. Patients are encouraged to create positive social networks and stay in contact with family and friends throughout the treatment process. Often patients with MDD feel hopeless or attacked in a social setting. It is vital that these individuals learn assertiveness, recognition of social boundaries and guidelines, and appropriate communication skills in order to thrive in public. If a patient is wary about public settings, it is useful to enroll in a group therapy program, which is becoming increasingly prevalent over the Internet. Spirituality is an overlooked factor of social interaction that can provide a protective affect against depression. Patients who explore religiosity often assign a profound meaning to their lives and are better able to face the challenges of their depression.

Appropriate Usage
It is recommended that the ALPS model be applied to patients that are experiencing mild to moderate MDD. Patients with severe MDD should seek further medical attention and possible hospitalization if the condition does not improve with ALPS related therapy alone.

Limitations
The ALPS model is not a universal cure. Some examples of people who may not obtain optimal benefit from this methodology include: Depression is difficult to treat and manage throughout a patient's lifetime regardless of severity or diversity of treatment.
 * Patients with chronic or severe MDD
 * Patients who do not understand how to control the usage of nature supplements
 * Patients who abuse alcohol or illegal drugs
 * Patients who experience high anxiety or feel burdened by the treatment process
 * Patients with other physical or mental ailments that may limit the types of treatment that can be used