Dr. Mikail Kogan was recently featured in the article, “What are Anti-Depressants?” One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, and during the pandemic a quarter more people were affected by anxiety and depression. The article explains that men are much less likely than women to seek help for mental illness and to use prescription medication. Reasons include shame and stigma, but for males, the fear of erectile dysfunction is also a deterrent. For these reasons, the use of over-the-counter medications can be a more appealing option for some people.
Dr. Kogan notes, “Over-the-counter (OTC) medications aren’t backed by the same research, but they can help ease mild to moderate symptoms of depression.” While not recommended for those with severe depression or as a substitute for SSRIs or other prescribed meds, Dr. Kogan states, “St. John’s wort has been used for mood regulation for centuries, and St. John’s wort and valerian, as well as supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and 5-hydroxytryptophan (or 5-HTP), can treat some mild depression symptoms.” Read more about over-the-counter treatments for depression and anxiety.
Stay tuned for Dr. Misha’s next GW podcast featuring Dr. Noshene Ranjbar of University of Arizona who was also interviewed in the linked article.
Dr. Mikhail Kogan is the medical director of George Washington University’s Center for Integrative Medicine and is a Director of George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine.
