Vitamin B folate or folic acid – active in citrus fruits, legumes, green, leafy vegetables – is yet another arrow in the psychiatrist’s quiver for managing treatment – resistant depression (TRD).
Deplin (l-methylfolate) is a folic acid type of derivative. Deplin helps normalize amounts of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Folate is also crucial to the production of S-Adenosyl-Methionine, or SAM-e, which aids in the synthesis of nerve cell membranes and activates norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine – three neurotransmitters linked to depression. Numerous studies have found that depressed patients consistently have lower serum folate concentrations.
Joseph Wegmann, R.Ph., LCSW is a licensed clinical pharmacist and a clinical social worker with more than thirty years of experience in the field of psychopharmacology. His diverse professional background in psychopharmacology and counseling affords him a unique perspective on medication management issues. In addition to consulting with numerous psychiatric facilities, he has presented psychopharmacology seminars to thousands of clinicians in 46 states.
Joe has also served as a Clinical Director of Pharmacy Services at a major metropolitan area hospital and as a Regional Director of Hospital Services for Premier Healthcare Corporation. He has served as Adjunct Professor of Psychopharmacology in the graduate School of Social Work at Southern University of New Orleans for 16 years and maintains an active psychotherapy practice specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Joe is the author of Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications, published by PESI, Inc.