Help, please, for my teenage son!

Q: I have read your book Lifting Depression and I am about to start on Chromax for myself.

I have a 15-year-old (will be 16 in July) son who is depressed, lethargic, has loss of focus, non-motivated, and constantly wants sweets. He refuses to take prescription meds, such as antidepressants. Do you think the Chromax could help him, and if so, what dosage? He weighs approximately 165 pounds, about 5’7” tall. His mood problems are severely affecting his life.

Thank you for your time.

A: Good luck to you. I hope Chromax helps you.

From your description of your son's symptoms, it sounds as if he is suffering from atypical depression. That's the type of depression associated with excessive appetite and unexplained exhaustion. Chromax(R) chromium picolinate has been demonstrated to decrease carbohydrate craving in people with this type of depression. So, yes, I think you should suggest your son take Chromax. You might explain that Chromax is not a man-made, pharmaceutical drug, but is a natural substance. Chromium is an essential trace mineral, just like iron, that is necessary for the body to function normally. Eating a diet high in sweets can cause loss of chromium.

In addition to taking Chromax, I would continue to suggest he consult a mental health professional. You might explain that depression is a medical disorder and there is a treatment for it.

Regarding the amount to take, I recommend a starting dose of between 3 to 5 micrograms per body weight per day, taken in the morning. For your son that would translate into a beginning dose of approximately 500 micrograms per day. If he doesn't respond favorably within a week, I would increase the dosage to 800 micrograms per day.

In addition to taking Chromax, I suggest you encourage your son to follow the other treatment recommendations found in Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection. These include exercis and supplementation of his diet with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil). Fish oil is widely available. Many of my patients with atypical depression were too tired to exercise, so they got into a cycle of overeating, weight gain and less exercise. After beginning Chromax, many of them had enough energy to exercise. And, by controlling their craving for carbs, Chromax helped them fight weight gain.

Please let me know how you and your respond to Chromax.

I wish you best.

Malcolm McLeod, MD