DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmp.v11.i1.2
Manav Kapoor
Independent Researcher
Punjab, India
Abstract
Depressive disorders represent one of the most common mental health challenges worldwide, prompting the need for effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatments. This manuscript investigates the comparative efficacy and safety of herbal antidepressants versus synthetic antidepressants. Over the past few decades, while synthetic medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been widely prescribed, herbal alternatives have emerged as a promising and often better-tolerated option for some patients. This study reviews literature up to 2022, analyzes statistical outcomes, and employs a mixed-methods design to evaluate clinical responses, side-effect profiles, and patient adherence in both therapeutic modalities. The research incorporates both quantitative data—presented in a comparative table summarizing key clinical parameters—and qualitative insights from previous studies. Findings suggest that herbal treatments, including extracts from St. John’s Wort, Saffron, and Rhodiola rosea, offer comparable efficacy to synthetic agents for mild to moderate depression, with a reduced burden of side effects in certain populations. However, the variability in preparation, dosage, and active compound concentrations in herbal remedies demands further standardization. The results support an integrative approach in managing depressive disorders and highlight the potential benefits of combining both treatment modalities under careful clinical supervision. Overall, the manuscript provides evidence that encourages further clinical trials and standardization efforts to optimize the use of herbal antidepressants and to better define their role relative to synthetic drugs in contemporary psychiatric practice
Keywords
Herbal antidepressants; Synthetic antidepressants; Efficacy; Side effects; Patient adherence; Integrative medicine; Comparative analysis
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