See how Annette, 62, worked through decades of treatment-resistant depression through a programme focused on functional pathology, targeted nutritional support, and dietary change.
Annette, 62 and self-employed, was referred to the programme while receiving inpatient mental health care. She described a lifetime history of depression beginning in her early teens, and decades of treatment-resistant depression managed with antidepressant medication that had not resolved her symptoms.
In the weeks before intake she had experienced two hospital admissions. She described her energy as running on nervous energy, with sleep of around three hours a night. When asked what she hoped to achieve, her answer was to have joy in her life rather than continuing to fake her way through it.
| Measure | Baseline (June–August 2025) |
|---|---|
| Depression (DASS-21) | 17 — Extremely Severe |
| Anxiety (DASS-21) | 15 — Extremely Severe |
| Stress (DASS-21) | 21 — Extremely Severe |
| PCL-5 (PTSD screen) | 54/80 — Likely |
| Sleep | Approximately 3 hours per night, severely disrupted |
This programme was delivered through functional pathology testing, targeted nutritional supplementation, dietary modification, and lifestyle adjustments. It did not include psychotherapy or counselling. Annette continued her existing prescribed medications throughout, under the care of her treating doctors.
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Dried urine hormone panel | Hormone and cortisol mapping across the day |
| Comprehensive nutritional profile | Nutritional and metabolic assessment |
| Hair tissue mineral analysis | Mineral status, metabolic type, heavy metal exposure |
| Organic acids testing | Cellular metabolism, neurotransmitter metabolites, mycotoxins |
| Comprehensive GI panel | Gut microbiome analysis and inflammatory markers |
| Continuous glucose monitoring | Real-time glucose stability assessment |
| Pharmacogenomic panel | Genetic drug metabolism profile |
Testing identified a number of findings that the naturopathic team considered relevant to Annette's presentation, including elevated metabolised cortisol suggesting the adrenal system was under sustained stress, low secretory IgA indicating compromised gut immune function, a metabolic pattern consistent with sluggish thyroid and adrenal function, elevated ammonia-producing gut microbes, and markers suggesting mould exposure.
Pharmacogenomic testing indicated she was a poor metaboliser on one enzyme pathway and an intermediate metaboliser on another — information relevant to how she processes certain medications, and shared with her treating practitioners.
Mood support, omega-3 and fat-soluble vitamins, amino acid and mineral complex, and bone broth — focused on foundational nutrients and the gut-brain axis.
Digestive enzymes, adrenal and thyroid support, zinc and copper rebalancing, vitamin C, and bioavailable iron.
Therapeutic B-complex and B1 repletion following further testing, alongside cardiovascular support.
Liver and detoxification support as testing indicated the body was actively clearing accumulated heavy metals.
Alongside supplementation, Annette introduced morning sunlight exposure to support her circadian rhythm, avoided corn following the mycotoxin findings, added daily bone broth and fermented foods, reduced evening blue light, and maintained daily walking.
| Measure | Baseline (Jun 2025) | Follow-up (Dec 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Depression (DASS-21) | 17 — Extremely Severe | 0 — Normal |
| Anxiety (DASS-21) | 15 — Extremely Severe | 0 — Normal |
| Stress (DASS-21) | 21 — Extremely Severe | 2 — Normal |
| PCL-5 (PTSD screen) | 54 — Likely | 3 — Unlikely |
| Area | Baseline | At follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Low, described as running on nervous energy | Described as steady and balanced through the day |
| Sleep | Around 3 hours, interrupted | Restful, waking refreshed |
| Mood | Acutely unwell, recently hospitalised | Described as calm and stable |
| Activity | In survival mode | Returned to painting, writing, and language learning |
| Alcohol | Binge patterns linked to depressive episodes | Reported months passing without drinking |
Biochemical retesting over the same period showed her metabolic type shifting in a direction her practitioners interpreted as thyroid and adrenal function improving, with zinc and phosphorus levels rising, calcium normalising, and evidence of active detoxification.
Annette's programme ran alongside her existing psychiatric care rather than in place of it, and change in a single case cannot be attributed to any one element. The naturopathic team identified the following as potentially significant.
Testing identified several imbalances — adrenal, thyroid, gut, and nutritional — that had not previously been explored, and which the team considered plausible contributors to her symptoms.
Supplementation was adjusted over time in response to repeat testing rather than set once at the outset.
Sunlight exposure, sleep hygiene, dietary adjustments, and daily walking were sustained alongside the supplementation.
Annette continues with naturopathic support, and follow-up retesting is scheduled for late 2026 to monitor her biochemical markers over the longer term. She has remained under the care of her treating medical practitioners throughout.
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Get in TouchThis case study reflects one individual's experience and is published with consent. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. Individual results vary. The Goodsky programme is a complementary approach and does not replace medical treatment — we encourage everyone to continue working with their GP and specialist healthcare providers.
