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Dr. XXXXXXX I Didn T Intend To Close Our Discussion
Question: Dr. XXXXXXX I didn't intend to close our discussion as I am still in need of your views. I recently found out that my vitamin D and folate levels are so so they started me on meds. I read online that low levels of folate can contribute to slow thinking and depression. Is that accurate? I am feeling a little better, able to think a little more clearly and am less fatigued. Could this be part of the solution? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I think yes
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
Three nutrients namely Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), folate and vitamin D are important causes of depression as well as slow thinking. Over the last 10 years of my practice, I routinely observed that almost 30% of individuals respond better when they are supplemented with one or another nutrient as mentioned above (I practice in a country where checking cost is important thing so supplementation is considered better as many of the patients can not afford testing from laboratory).
As I can see that two of them found low on laboratory testing, there is no doubt about their supplementation. Since both are already supplemented and started showing results I feel they are important reasons for slow thinking and definitely the part of treatment.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
I think yes
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
Three nutrients namely Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), folate and vitamin D are important causes of depression as well as slow thinking. Over the last 10 years of my practice, I routinely observed that almost 30% of individuals respond better when they are supplemented with one or another nutrient as mentioned above (I practice in a country where checking cost is important thing so supplementation is considered better as many of the patients can not afford testing from laboratory).
As I can see that two of them found low on laboratory testing, there is no doubt about their supplementation. Since both are already supplemented and started showing results I feel they are important reasons for slow thinking and definitely the part of treatment.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX again I am feeling much better on those supplements. Since I've had chemical depression for so long woudn't it be wise to also be on an antidepressant depending upon what the saliva test shows? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
It is true that above mentioned nutrients play a role in depression but often they are not the stand alone cause for depression over the years. There are other factors (known and unknown) which need to be addressed with use of antidepressant medications.
It is possible that after the saliva test your practitioner will be able to find more appropriate medication for you.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
It is true that above mentioned nutrients play a role in depression but often they are not the stand alone cause for depression over the years. There are other factors (known and unknown) which need to be addressed with use of antidepressant medications.
It is possible that after the saliva test your practitioner will be able to find more appropriate medication for you.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Dr. XXXXXXX my mind still isn't where I want it to be. I still get overwhelmed interacting with others. I need to rest after a short time of conversation. Is that slow thinking? Could my nutrient blood levels be too low on the folate and vitamin D or do I just need an antidepressant, in your opinion? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
I request you to attach the vitamin D and folate reports with follow up query so it can be determined whether they are too low or just low.
Regarding your description I think this is easy fatiguability or low energy rather than slow thinking. Feeling overwhelmed with little activity/interaction is indicative of low energy.
I look forward to explain need of need of antidepressants after getting the nutrient reports.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
I request you to attach the vitamin D and folate reports with follow up query so it can be determined whether they are too low or just low.
Regarding your description I think this is easy fatiguability or low energy rather than slow thinking. Feeling overwhelmed with little activity/interaction is indicative of low energy.
I look forward to explain need of need of antidepressants after getting the nutrient reports.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX the initial blood test determined that vitamin D and folate were low so they put me on supplements a week ago. Wouldn"t I need another blood test to determine whether lthe supplements are the appropriate mg? How can you explain the need for an antidepressant based on levels of folate and vitamin D? Doesn't chemical depression explain the need for an antidepressant? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
The need of antidepressant can not be determined on the basis of serum levels of certain nutrients but it can be determined that how long you need those supplements and at what dosages. In case your vitamin D level is less than 30 the duration will be different than if your vitamin D level is less than 20, as any body can understand.
You may require the another test for exact determination of levels of those nutrients but for experienced clinicians such repeated level determination is not required. Even they can determine clinically whether the level is ok or still deficient.
I also like to acknowledge that need for antidepressant will be determined on basis of chemical depression.
I hope this clarifies.
Since this is last follow up allowed for current question you are requested to post new query using my direct link which is as below, if required.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
This will ensure that query will be posted directly to me and unnecessarily time will not wasted in the administrative process of healthcaremagic.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
The need of antidepressant can not be determined on the basis of serum levels of certain nutrients but it can be determined that how long you need those supplements and at what dosages. In case your vitamin D level is less than 30 the duration will be different than if your vitamin D level is less than 20, as any body can understand.
You may require the another test for exact determination of levels of those nutrients but for experienced clinicians such repeated level determination is not required. Even they can determine clinically whether the level is ok or still deficient.
I also like to acknowledge that need for antidepressant will be determined on basis of chemical depression.
I hope this clarifies.
Since this is last follow up allowed for current question you are requested to post new query using my direct link which is as below, if required.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
This will ensure that query will be posted directly to me and unnecessarily time will not wasted in the administrative process of healthcaremagic.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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