What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression: The Breakthrough Integrative Approach for Effective Treatment

Michael B. Schachter, M.D. with Deborah Mitchell
Warner Wellness (2006)
ISBN 978-0446694940
Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (6/07)

For most of us, depression still carries a stigma. We’re concerned that other people will react negatively towards us not only because they’re ignorant as to the components and frequency of depression but also because traditional medications for depression may influence our behaviors. Dr. Michael Schachter’s approach to treating depression may eventually alter public perceptions. Schachter approaches depression holistically.

Individuals suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a plethora of other illnesses are all offered medically approved alternate approaches to encourage cures or remissions. Daily we’re bombarded with data promoting healthful lifestyles (eating, sleeping, exercise, stress management, etc.) in order to offset or manage physical disorders; however, Schachter’s similar approach towards depression is novel. Indeed, at this stage, his philosophy does not garner the support of the majority of the medical community. Nevertheless, his work holds promise – at least according to his account in “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression.”

Before I read Schachter’s book, my understanding of depression was limited to psychology course rhetoric supplemented by limited details supplied by a long-distance friend who suffers from a bipolar disorder. As I gained a more comprehensive view of depression from Schachter, I found myself wondering if anyone could entirely control depression with a natural approach, or if some level of traditional medications would always be required to maintain balance. Even Schachter does not completely negate his natural approach being supplemented with a certain amount of medication. However, his premise is to primarily focus on treating depression without heavy reliance on these traditional medications which have potentially devastating side affects. Can I imagine my friend functioning well without resorting to her daily tablets? My well-considered answer is negative, simply because my friend does not possess the discipline to maintain a healthful regime. Nevertheless, I suspect that her level of medication could be lessened if her psychiatrist embraced Schachter’s philosophy and encouraged her to adopt a lifestyle which would not only promote mental well-being but physical well-being also.

“What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression” is not a work solely for individuals afflicted with the disorder, but it is a work which should be consider equally worthwhile for the medical community as well as the general populous. Perhaps, in time, Schachter’s approach will be mainstream and traditional medications will be relegated to an alternate status.

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