LDN for mental health conditions - ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and more: Integrative Functional Medicine San Antonio TX
- John Kim
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Integrative Functional Medicine in San Antonio, TX
In the field of integrative & functional medicine, practitioners in San Antonio, TX, are exploring innovative strategies that go beyond conventional symptom management. One emerging option is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)—a medication originally prescribed in higher doses for opioid addiction, now being repurposed in small doses for a variety of conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
This article explores how shifting perspectives in mental health—from purely neurotransmitter-focused theories to considering neuroinflammation—have opened the door for treatments like LDN to gain attention as a safe, potentially effective adjunct therapy.
Rethinking Mental Health: Beyond Neurotransmitters
For decades, mainstream psychiatry has largely attributed mental health conditions to imbalances in neurotransmitters—the brain’s chemical messengers.
ADHD is often linked to insufficient dopamine, which affects motivation, focus, and reward processing.
Anxiety and depression are frequently tied to serotonin disruptions, impacting mood stability and emotional regulation.
Conventional medications such as stimulants for ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) or SSRIs for mood disorders (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) aim to boost availability of these neurotransmitters.
While these medications can help many people, they also come with limitations:
Side effects such as insomnia, weight changes, or sexual dysfunction.
Risk of dependency in certain medications.
Variable effectiveness—many patients don’t achieve full relief.
These limitations have prompted researchers to ask: Is there more to the story?
The Neuroinflammation Connection
Emerging research highlights the role of neuroinflammation—persistent, low-grade inflammation in the brain—as a potential driver of various mental health disorders.
When the brain’s immune cells (microglia) become overactivated, they release pro-inflammatory cytokines that can:
Disrupt neurotransmitter signaling.
Impair cognitive function.
Contribute to emotional instability.
Possible links:
In ADHD, inflammation may disrupt dopamine pathways, worsening attention and impulse control.
In anxiety and depression, it can influence stress regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing vulnerability to chronic worry, low mood, and fatigue.
This perspective has sparked interest in anti-inflammatory therapies that could complement or even reduce reliance on traditional psychiatric medications.
LDN: A Neuroprotective, Anti-Inflammatory Option
Low Dose Naltrexone, typically prescribed at 0.1–4.5 mg per day, works differently from standard psychiatric medications. At these low doses, LDN:
Temporarily blocks opioid receptors, leading to a rebound increase in endorphins.
Modulates the immune system and reduces chronic inflammation.
Inhibits microglial activation, lowering the release of inflammatory cytokines in the brain.
Potential mental health benefits:
ADHD: May indirectly support dopamine balance by reducing inflammation.
Anxiety: Could help regulate the stress response, promoting calmness.
Depression: May improve mood by addressing inflammatory contributors to low serotonin and dopamine activity.
Other conditions: Early reports suggest potential benefits in bipolar disorder, PTSD, and post-COVID “brain fog.”
In San Antonio’s integrative clinics, LDN is often combined with personalized nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and targeted supplements for a root-cause approach.
Safety, Tolerability, and Accessibility
LDN is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects—most commonly mild, temporary sleep changes or vivid dreams. Unlike many psychiatric medications, it carries minimal risk of dependency or withdrawal.
Key points for patients:
Requires a prescription, usually from a provider familiar with off-label uses.
Must be compounded by a specialized pharmacy.
Works best when integrated into a comprehensive care plan.
Final Thoughts
Mental health care is evolving. While neurotransmitter-focused treatments remain valuable, recognizing the role of neuroinflammation offers exciting new pathways for care. Low Dose Naltrexone stands out as a promising, low-risk tool that aligns well with the integrative functional medicine philosophy—addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms.
If you are in TX, FL, GA, MO, or IL and are interested in exploring LDN for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, consult with an integrative functional medicine provider to see if this approach is right for you.
Dr. Yoon Hang Kim, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, dedicated to uncovering root causes and providing personalized healing for chronic and complex conditions. He is a recognized expert in Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) therapy and offers telemedicine services across multiple states—including Quincy, IL and throughout Illinois, San Antonio and all of Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Atlanta as well as the rest of Georgia.
contact Dr. Kim: https://hushforms.com/directintegrativecare-secure-contact-form
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