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Treat Depression without Drugs

Second Opinion Physician is an online telemedicine practice managed by your Walsh Approach, depression doctor online, Dr David Epstein D.O. Use this site to order methylation testing, copper overload testing, pyrrole urine tests and the full set of labs for treating depression without drugs.

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Functional Medicine Care

For the best success, a follow-up care plan will consider health history and the role played by diet, digestion and lifestyle. The body performs best by improving oxidative stress, hormone balance, cellular metabolism and inflammation.

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MTHFR Genetic Mutations?

MTHFR positive gene mutations suggests that methylation benefits from methylated B vitamins. The problem with this diagnostic theory is that folic acid reduces serotonin activity. Thus folates are not advised for low serotonin depression.

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Lab Tests for Methylation

The Walsh approach, to depression and mood disorders, utilizes histamine and homocysteine to more accurately establish methylation status and to determine supplement strategy.

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Walsh Approach Specialist

Dr. Epstein is a Walsh-trained functional medicine general practitioner. Call for a free-pre-consultation to learn how this approach might work for you.

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Nutrient Role in Brain Function

According research and teachings of William Walsh PhD., of the Walsh Institute, most persons with depression and other mood disorders exhibit one or more of the 'Five Biotypes of Depression.' And many are successfully treated with supplementation.

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Biotype Testing and Consultation

In using this site, individuals may order a lab panel and physician consultation to address the possible cause and best remedy to improve neurotransmitter function, naturally.

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Histamine and Plasma Methylation Testing

Understanding the concept of methylation pathway, and how it is used by Walsh Practitioners, instead of MTHFR testing, to treat depression without medications.

Treat Depression without Drugs | Walsh Protocol | David Epstein, D.O. | Depression Doctor Online

Lab testing and medical consultations by functional medicine physician. Dr David Epstein, D.O.  has focused his practice in the Walsh Approach for more than 10 years. Patients may utilize this website to order lab tests for methylation, tests for copper overload and the full panel of labs outlined by Dr Walsh for evaluation and customized nutritional therapy to treat depression without drugs. Options available here to order lab tests with or without consultations. Or, bring your own Walsh test results for a Second Opinion.  Dr Dave is your depression doctor online for methylation testing, copper overload testing, pyrrole testing and and other key nutrients researched and found to be vitally important in managing mood and behavior disorders.  

Walsh Approach Test Lab Panel

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Includes Primary Labs Per the Walsh Approach for Assessing Mood and Behavior Disorders

This lab panel is utilized to identify possible methylation imbalance, copper overload, oxidative stress and other factors that influence and neurotransmitter activity. Targeted, individualized supplementation needs are determined from this panel based on your unique biochemistry:

Copper Overload Testing - Serum Copper
Zinc Deficiency Testing - Plasma Zinc
Ceruloplasmin
Methylation Testing - WB H istamine
Homocysteine
Vitamin D
Complete Blood Count
Metabolic Panel

Consultation and Biotype Report

Full Consultation with Dr David Epstein, D.O., plus Biotype Report and Phone Discussion

This is one of several consultation options available for patients. Other choices include a simple 10 minute or 20 minute phone consultation or consultation based on labs provided by other physicians, or no labs at all. This full Biotype Assessment includes the following:

Review of History
Blood Test Interpretation
Biotype Report
Supplement Plan
Phone Discussion
Supplements Discount

 

 

What is my "Biotype?"

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Your Botype is your distinct biochemical profile based on a specific set of laboratory tests and corresponding symptoms. This information helps physicians establish whether you fall into one or more of the "Five Biotypes of Depression," a term coined by Dr William Walsh, based on his research findings that indicate there are five classifications of nutrient imbalances most commonly underlying depression and other mood disorders.

By reviewing the lab results of the Comprehensive Biotype Panel, Walsh protocol physicians can pinpoint the specific biochemical imbalances you might be encountering. This can inform us about the activity of critical neurotransmitter activity, reuptake and receptor sensitivity.

Why take this test?

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One might consider taking this test as a first choice for managing depression and other mood disorders, or when medications have failed or are a less desirable option.

Most common imbalances that lead to depression and anxiety include, for example,  copper, ceruloplasmin and zinc imbalances. Copper overload testing is a simple lab that can explain why a large number of people experience anxiety and depression. Copper overload is caused by a variety of factors and because it is so common, a large number of persons can be treated for depression without drugs. Another common cause of mood disorders is undermethylation and overmethylation. Methylation testing can be done with a simple whole blood histamine test, or more extensively with a plasma methylation pathway test. Methylation is a condition we are born with and if undermethylated, our mood imblances are likely due to low serotonin and dopamine activity. Overmethylators on the other hand have high serotonin and dopamine depression and are best treated with folates and niacin. Dr David Epstein, a functional medicine physician with 10 years of experience with the Walsh Protocol, is well equipped to provide help in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

Why treat depression without drugs?

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Prescription drugs are the go to treatment for depression, despite the fact it is possible to treat depression without drugs. That's because doctors are generally unfamiliar with nutrient therapy and the role nutrients play in affecting the function of neurotransmitters.

Drug deficiency is not the cause of depression. Biochemical imbalances, though, are most often the root cause of depression and a wide range of other mood and behavior disorders. Therefore it is impractical to assume medications will solve the problem and recognize the harmful effect they can lead to when taken indescriminantly or for extended periods of time.

If copper overload test reveals depression is due to zinc deficiency or copper overload, then anti-depressants will not likely be of any help. The same goes for methylation imbalances. Overmethylators, who are functioning with high levels of serotonin and dopamine are likely to do extremely bad with antidepressants, such as SSRI drugs which further increase these neurotransmitters.

Approaching mental health care based on an individuals unique biochemical status, rather than by prescribing a drug based on a specific diagnosis, holds greater promise as it addresses the underlying biochemistry that originally led to the imbalance of neurotransmitter function.

What are the next steps to get started?

Don't hesitate to give me a call. I'm more than happy to chat at no cost to help answer any lingering questions or to provide reassurance about whether this approach is right for your situation. You can click on the image above to call me, send a message, or arrange a pre-consultation call. If you're already confident that this is the test and consultation you want, there's no need for this preliminary call. If you've ordered a consultation, rest assured we'll have an opportunity to talk afterwards.

When you're prepared to order the Comprehensive Biotype Panel, simply click on the provided link or navigate via the menu above. Upon purchase, I'll send you a lab requisition via email, complete with detailed instructions and a link to your nearest Lab Corp facility. All you need to do is bring this form to the lab; they will request your ID and collect a blood sample. No additional lab fees are required.

Typically, your results will be available within 3 business days. They will be sent to my office initially, and then forwarded to the email address you've provided at checkout when you made your order.

Once the consultation has been ordered, you will receive a lab requisition and instructions by email with link to a questionnaire and consent form.

This information will be used to prepare your Biotype Assessment. It takes about 2-3 days to prepare and send. Once received, you may schedule a call as soon as the next day to discuss any questions you may have about the findings, assessment, supplement plan, lifestyle recommendations.

Based on the results, Dr Dave's expectations regarding your best chances for improvement and long term strategy will also be discussed.

Dr David Epstein, D.O. is a functional medicine doctor with 35 years of general practice experience. As a Walsh Approach Practitioner, Dr Dave treats depression without drugs as he has an excellent knowledge of methylation testing and treatment, and copper overload testing which are two major factors that make up 3 of the Biotypes of Depression, as Dr Walsh describes. His functional medicine background provides hime with the expertise to address other contributing factors such as oxidative stress, toxic overload, intestinal dysbiosis, auto-immunity and hormone imbalances.

Follow Up Care

Dr. Dave is on hand for follow-up questions, consultations, or retesting of elements from the Comprehensive Panel. For best results, we typically recommend retesting those components that were previously imbalanced, usually 2-3 months after beginning supplement therapy. This website conveniently enables you to order lab testing for individual items whenever necessary. Brief consultations to review the results are also an option. If you have queries, feel free to send an email. He will check your prior lab results and guide you on any necessary retesting.

Additionally, you can order a variety of other lab tests and panels through this website. Depending on the specific test, Dr. Dave may be in a position to evaluate your results, offer advice, or refer you to a relevant specialist or a suitable local physician.

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While we don't accept insurance directly, we can provide you with a Superbill upon request, which may allow for potential reimbursement from your insurance provider. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a diagnosis code prior to ordering labs at Lab Corp, which is necessary if you intend to have Lab Corp directly bill your insurance.

Understanding that budget constraints might be a factor for some, we offer alternatives to divide the panel. For example, you may opt to order only a copper overload panel or a methylation panel. We also offer different consultation options, such as a brief 10 or 20-minute phone call to discuss results. While we cannot review a full questionnaire and provide supplement details in such a short call, this might be a viable option under certain circumstances. Furthermore, for those experiencing financial difficulties, discounts may be available upon request.

The Walsh Approach

Dr. Walsh's trailblazing research on methylation testing and copper overload testing has shed new light on its effects on mood disorders, such as depression and autism. He has also unveiled the crucial role of copper toxicity in anxiety and depression. His insight into the epigenetic role of folic acid in serotonin reuptake offers clarity on its indiscriminate use, particularly among individuals "deemed" to be undermethylated based on the prevalent MTHFR genetic test. This transformative understanding has led to the creation of tailored nutrient therapies, significantly advancing mental health management. Thanks to his relentless efforts at  physician training globally, the Walsh Protocol has made a profound impact on countless lives.

Biotype Nutrients is an online supplement store developed exclusively for patients evaluated by Second Opinion Physician. Although purchasing from this platform isn't mandatory, it offers competitive pricing and high-quality brands arranged per the Five Biotype system developed by Dr. Walsh. If you've had a Biotype Assessment prepared by Your Online Physician, you will receive a discount coupon for all purchases made on this vitamin and minerals website.

Dr. Dave's Blog Posts

Copper Overload and Post Partum Depression

By Epstein

Copper Toxicity and Postpartum Depression (PPD) Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that affects many women after childbirth. A major contributing factor is the fact that during pregnancy, copper levels naturally rise in order to facilitate new blood vessel formation to the developing fetus and placenta. However, a number of women who […] Read More

Raising Ceruloplasmin to Improve Copper Overload Symptoms

By Epstein

Copper Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms and Increasing Ceruloplasmin to Improve Free Copper What is Ceruloplasmin? Ceruloplasmin is a multi-copper oxidase enzyme that plays a crucial role in the transportation of copper throughout the body. It is synthesized in the liver and released into the bloodstream, where it binds to copper and transports it to the organs […] Read More

Addressing Elevated SAH-S-Adenosylhomocysteine, in Undermethylation

By Epstein

Improving Mental Health; When Undermethylation is Exacerbated by Elevated Levels of SAH SAM/SAH Ratio in Methylation Status: Its Implications The SAM/SAH ratio, as per Dr. Walsh, is a key factor in determining methylation status. Doctors Data provides an excellent test panal for evaluating methylation status when undermethylation is likely. An imbalance, particularly undermethylation marked by […] Read More

Mastering Histamine Intolerance: Low Histamine Diet & DAO Enhancing Foods

By Epstein

Managing Histamine Intolerance: A Comprehensive Guide on Low Histamine and DAO Enhancing Foods Are you dealing with mood disorders, inflammation, digestive problems, or other persistent health challenges? You might not be aware that these issues could be linked to elevated histamine levels in your body. Histamine, a critical component in our immune response, can cause […] Read More

Histamine Intolerance: DAO Supplements & Testing

By Epstein

Histamine Intolerance: DAO Supplements & Testing Histamine intolerance can significantly impact one’s quality of life, presenting with various symptoms that may be difficult to manage. Second Opinion Physician is a telehealth practice specializing in diagnosing and addressing health conditions associated with histamine excess, methylation imbalances, and mood-related disorders. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore […] Read More

Methylated Folate for Depression – Not Necessarily

By Epstein

Understanding Folic Acid, Methylation, and Related Mood Disorder Symptoms: Insights from Dr. William Walsh. Contrary to popular belief, methylation status is not solely determined by MTHFR positive genetic mutations, and high homocysteine does not necessarily mean someone is low in folates. Folates, including methylated and non-methylated forms, can improve methylation, but they may lower serotonin […] Read More