Over 300 million people suffer from depression globally according to the World Health Organization. This common mental disorder impacts almost every aspect of a person’s life, reducing their ability to function while inducing fatigue and a feeling of worthlessness.

Based on his study of over 30,000 patients and representing disparate chemical imbalances, scientist Dr. William Walsh has defined five depression biotypes. He believes such biotypes may disrupt neurotransmitter or hormone production that regulates mood and energy levels.

The Five Biotypes of Depression 

1. Under-methylation

Over 38% of depression diagnoses may fall under this biotype. Those who are afflicted tend to exhibit low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. They may show high accomplishment levels but tend to have addictive tendencies. They can outwardly appear calm, but frequently carry a tremendous amount of tension. 

2. High-Copper

Women comprise over 95% of this biotype. High levels of copper may lead to anxiety, postpartum depression, and sensitive skin. 

3. Folate Deficiency

Depressed patients having low folate levels have unusually low energy and a libido incongruent with their high anxiety. They often display a high number of food and chemical sensitivities.

4. Toxic Metal

Those with toxic metal depression typically report a periodic metallic taste in their mouth. They exhibit irritability and often mention abdominal pain. They show the impaired function of NMDA—receptors critical to memory function and synaptic plasticity.

5. Pyrrole

In this biotype, people experience severe mood swings, have noise and light sensitivity, and have high oxidative stress. Those with this biotype typically have a deficiency of zinc and B-6. 

Five Integrative Mental Health Solutions for Depression

Physicians and clinics increasingly seek safer, natural solutions that incorporate advanced tools with integrative depression treatments.

Trained in both eastern and western medicine, Yang Institute’s physicians and holistic care specialists conduct comprehensive and thorough evaluations. They then develop customized, strategic plans to address your health and wellness needs. Such individualized plans help them to activate the body’s inner healing—achieving ultimate wellness of mind, body, and spirit. 

Tailored treatment may include acupuncture and herbal remedies, advanced nutrient therapy, functional medicine, psychotherapy, medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and neurofeedback brain training.

1.  Advanced Nutrient Therapy 

Advanced nutrient therapy is a natural method for correcting biochemical imbalances caused by genetic predisposition and environmental stressors. It is based on Dr. Walsh’s half-century of scientific research, and it has successfully treated and benefited thousands of patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and other symptoms.

Since 2013, Yang Institute at Bryn Mawr has applied the Walsh methodology to its biochemical therapies for mental illness, brain dysfunction, and chronic pain. Patients have experienced reduced symptoms and medication needs, improved brain function, and quality of life. View Success Story 

“From age nine, my son, Jim started having scary thoughts that he wouldn’t share, creating huge anxiety. He couldn’t sleep at night, or stay focused during the day, and was very agitated and depressed… The lab test prescribed by Dr. Yang discovered my son had a biochemical imbalance, losing vitamins and minerals critical for his brain to function. He developed a formula with compounded nutrients. Jim has been symptom-free for nearly two-and-a-half years.”
– Jennifer M.

2. TMS, A Non-Drug Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)  is an innovative, FDA-approved therapy that helps patients struggling with major depression after antidepressants have failed or they’ve become intolerant. Since 2008 it has helped many patients regain hope and happiness.

TMS uses a non-invasive, targeted, and low magnetic pulse to modulate the brain’s natural neurotransmitter function. It is safe and has minimal side effects.

“I’ve had years of persistent anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety drastically affected my life. Medication to help ease anxiety and depression made me feel worse. TMS was my last hope; the Yang Institute made me feel very comfortable during my treatment. I’ve made almost a full recovery and am beyond pleased with the care I’ve received…
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3. Neurofeedback Brain Training

The brain has the fantastic ability to adapt. Receiving repetitive electrical feedback pertaining to “right” and “wrong” activities, it’s able to develop new circuits between neurons.

Neurofeedback, endorsed by both the FDA and American Pediatrics Academy,  is an effective non-drug and non-invasive brain training therapy. Safe and time-tested,  Neurofeedback is clinically proven to treat brain  disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder,   insomnia, memory Loss, traumatic brain injury and concussion. 

Neurofeedback is also used to assist brain functions in reaching peak performance. 

“When I was 14, I became depressed, angry, and suicidal. I received advanced nutrient therapy, acupuncture, neurofeedback, and energetic psychotherapy at (Yang Institute). Now I am 9 months into my treatments and completely off medications. I am happier, more social, and enjoy doing things and learning again.” -Samantha

4. Acupuncture as part of Neuro-Psycho Energetic Therapy

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art with a recorded history of over 2,500 years. Its treatment is based on Chinese medicine that describes human physiology and psychology in terms of Qi, the vital energy circulating through channels called meridians. Qi correlates mental and physical functionality with corresponding meridians.  Qi imbalances or stagnation  may cause pain, stress and anxiety.  

After receiving acupuncture treatment, one feels less pain, more relaxed and calmer when the Qi is balanced, sufficient in amount, and flows unobstructedly.  

5. Functional Medicine for Brain Health

Functional medicine applies how lifestyle and environmental factors affect health and cause diseases. It considers that treating abnormal functions and biochemistry in your digestive system can help systemic problems such as autoimmune diseases.

Yang Institute recognizes that emotional distress, digestive dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, immune dysregulation, chronic infection, nutrition deficits, food and environmental toxicity all contribute to brain dysfunction—in addition to physical and mental illness, and affect how one performs and ages. 

Effective treatments usually start with an evaluation and lab tests to discover areas of abnormal functions and address these issues to eliminate the root causes of the disease.

“I didn’t know the food I considered healthy generated inflammation until I did a sensitivity test at the Yang Institute. My doctor said I had costochondritis, an autoimmune condition that made my chest hurt all the time. Once I eliminated inflammation-causing food, my condition disappeared.”
– Jackie Y.

 Seanna’s Story

   If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood swing,  lack of motivation, feeling hard to function,  or other mental health symptoms, and tired of the side effects of medication, then come to see our physicians and specialists at  Yang Institute.

Please contact Yang Institute for a free consultation. 

   We offer Services In Person or Telemedicine    

Offices of Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine:

1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia   I   Bryn Mawr, PA   I   Marlton, NJ