Clinical Roundtable (Audio)

Major depressive disorder affects nearly 15 million American adults, and millions more suffer from mild-to-moderate depression. An estimated 1 in 10 Americans are on some type of antidepressant medication, yet a new study finds that the benefit of these antidepressant medications is “minimal” or “nonexistent” in patients with mild-to-moderate depression (read a commentary on this study). This month’s Clinical Roundtable discussion explores the issue of integrative treatment of depression. The clinical challenge question posed to our panel is this:

Regarding the integrative treatment of depression, what aspects are often overlooked or poorly understood in clinical practice?

NOTE: Each recorded answer is approximately 10 minutes.

Henry Emmons, MD - PLAY RESPONSE

Henry Emmons, MD, is a consultant to seven Twin Cities area college counseling centers and several other organizations, and is a popular workshop presenter. He is a past recipient of a Bush Medical Fellowship, which funded a sabbatical to study natural and mindfulness therapies in the practice of psychiatry. He has created adult education programs through the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, and has developed the “Resilience Training Program” for the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing. His first book, The Chemistry of Joy: A Three Step Program for Overcoming Depression Through Western Science and Eastern Wisdom, was published by Simon and Schuster in 2006. His next book, The Chemistry of Calm: Cultivating the Roots of Resilience will be published in October, 2010.

James S. Gordon, MD - PLAY RESPONSE

James S. Gordon, MD, a Harvard educated psychiatrist, is a world-renowned expert in using mind-body medicine to heal depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. He is the Founder and Director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Dean of the Graduate School of Mind-Body Medicine at Saybook University, a Clinical Professor at Georgetown Medical School, and recently served as Chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. His most recent book is Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven Stage Journey Out of Depression (Penguin Press).

Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND - PLAY RESPONSE

Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, Lac, is the President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and owner of San Francisco Natural Medicine where he integrates naturopathic medicine with acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine to provide natural health solutions to improve health and treat disease. He received his doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University. He is a founding member and past president of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association and is one of the first Naturopathic Doctors to be licensed in California. In 2004, he was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Council.

Nancy Gahles, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA) - PLAY RESPONSE

Nancy Gahles, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA), is the Founder and Director of Health & Harmony Wellness Education, a consultation and resource center for Integrative Healthcare in Manhattan and Queens. She has been in family practice since 1980. Dr. Gahles is the President of the National Center for Homeopathy (NCH) (http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/. She is the author of a bimonthly health column, Health & Harmony, in The Wave newspaper and has published articles in several professional and consumer magazines. Dr. Gahles serves as an expert and co-host of a monthly radio show, Inner Health Through Homeopathy. Dr. Gahles is the co-author of a grant to the National Institute of Health (NIH) on irritable bowel syndrome and homeopathy. She is als an Ordained Interfaith Minister.

About the Moderator

Karolyn A. Gazella - Publisher/Editor in Chief Natural Medicine Journal

Karolyn A. Gazella is a veteran publisher in the field of integrative medicine with more than 17 years of experience. She is the founding publisher of the journal Integrative Medicine and has written hundreds of articles for both consumers and healthcare professionals on the topic of natural medicine. She is the co-author of the Definitive Guide to Cancer, Return to Beautiful Skin, and her most recent book, Boost Your Health With Bacteria. She is the creator and managing editor of the Healthy Living Guide series of booklets and books available through Better Nutrition magazine. Karolyn was recently acknowledged as one of the "Top 10 People from 2009 in Integrative Health Care and Integrative Medicine" by the Integrator Blog.