Q I'm being treated for depression and an anxiety disorder, and I also have insomnia. Can I receive psychiatric treatment and Korean Medicine treatment at the same time?
A Depression/anxiety and insomnia have a bidirectional relationship in which they worsen each other, so treating them together is effective. Psychiatric medication and Korean Medicine treatment can be combined, and sharing information about the medications you take allows the process to proceed safely.
Detailed Answer
Depression and insomnia have a bidirectional relationship in which each causes the other. Depression disrupts sleep, and lack of sleep in turn worsens depression, sustaining a vicious cycle. Anxiety disorders likewise cause insomnia through hyperarousal. If you are receiving antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication from psychiatry, it is important to share your medication list with your Korean Medicine doctor before combining treatments. In most cases the risk of interaction is low, but certain herbal ingredients may interact with some antidepressants.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view sleep disorders accompanied by depression and anxiety as a combined Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency (simdam-heogeop) plus Heart-Spleen Yang Deficiency (simbi-yangheo) pattern, and use prescriptions that strengthen Heart and Gallbladder Qi while also supporting Spleen and Stomach function. When psychiatric treatment is being carried out concurrently, Korean Medicine treatment focuses on improving sleep quality and restoring daytime energy.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can I return to natural sleep without sleeping pills? Sleeping without medication has been my dream for so long.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I'm in my 70s. Will Korean Medicine treatment for a sleep disorder be effective? I'm not sure whether less sleep with age is normal or an illness.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I can't sleep at night because of chronic pain (back and joints). Which comes first—the pain or the sleep disorder?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Even after getting into bed, I look at my smartphone and 1–2 hours pass. Is sleep hygiene really that important?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
When I nap because I'm tired during the day, I sleep even worse at night. Does exercise help? How should I handle naps?
#Lifestyle Management