Depression Treatment in Greenville, SC
Integrative depression treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry addresses the nutritional, hormonal, and neurological root causes of depression naturally. Call (864) 365-6156.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and impaired function that significantly disrupts daily life. While often treated as a purely psychological condition, depression has clear biological underpinnings: neurotransmitter imbalances, neuroinflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and nutritional deficiencies all contribute to its onset and persistence. Integrative medicine addresses these biological drivers alongside supporting psychological wellbeing.
Common Symptoms
Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective
The conventional 'chemical imbalance' model of depression (low serotonin = depression) is an oversimplification. Research now identifies neuroinflammation as a central driver of depression — inflammatory cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt serotonin synthesis, reduce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, essential for neuroplasticity), and dysregulate the HPA axis.
Sources of neuroinflammation are varied: gut dysbiosis, dietary inflammatory load (processed foods, refined sugars), chronic stress, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and sleep deprivation all independently drive neuroinflammation. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency directly reduces membrane fluidity in neurons and reduces the efficacy of serotonin transmission. Vitamin D, B12, folate, and iron deficiencies are each independently associated with depressive symptoms.
How We Treat Depression at IHP
Acupuncture for depression has been studied in multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, with consistent evidence of significant antidepressant effect. Mechanistically, acupuncture increases serotonin, dopamine, and beta-endorphin levels while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Combined with antidepressant medications, it improves response rates and reduces medication side effects.
Dr. Hendry's functional medicine approach tests for the biological contributors most relevant to each patient: thyroid function (hypothyroidism mimics depression), nutritional status, inflammatory markers, hormonal balance (low testosterone in men, low progesterone in women commonly presents as depression), and gut microbiome health. Correcting these measurable deficiencies and imbalances produces biological shifts that support and sustain mood improvement.
Dr. Hendry's Approach
Dr. Hendry approaches depression as a biologically complex condition that requires individualized treatment. He coordinates care with psychiatrists and therapists where appropriate, viewing his role as addressing the physiological substrate of depression — the inflammatory, hormonal, and nutritional factors that make the brain less resilient — while his colleagues address the psychological dimensions.