By Dr. David L Pollack

Over my 17 years in practice, I’ve witnessed a dramatic shift in the average age of my patients. A decade ago, most of my clientele were 50 and older. However, in the past five years, I’ve seen a significant increase in patients in their teens and twenties.

One of the most concerning trends I see in this younger population is the quick prescription of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. When these patients come to my office, I always ask: What kind of blood testing have you had to rule out underlying chemical or metabolic imbalances that could be contributing to your symptoms? More often than not, the answer is little to none. There are numerous factors that can either contribute to or even fully explain anxiety and depression—yet, they often go unexamined. Let’s explore some of the most common ones.

The Gut-Brain Connection

One of the most frequent health issues I see in young adults struggling with anxiety and depression is chronic digestive dysfunction. The gut and brain are deeply interconnected for several reasons:

1. Neurotransmitter Production – The digestive system produces approximately 70 percent of the body’s total neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. If gut health is compromised, neurotransmitter balance can be disrupted, affecting mood and mental well-being.

2. Nutrient Absorption – Many young adults experience dietary shifts and absorption issues that prevent essential nutrients from reaching their cells. Carbohydrates, which are often overconsumed, can increase cortisol levels, exacerbating anxiety. Meanwhile, proteins and healthy fats are often lacking.

3. Chronic Discomfort – Persistent digestive discomfort can act as a constant source of stress. This ongoing irritation signals the body that it is not at ease, perpetuating anxiety symptoms.

Hormonal Imbalances

Beyond digestion, I often investigate hormonal health. A thorough thyroid assessment is crucial, yet many conventional doctors perform only basic screenings, such as TSH and T4 tests. While these are a starting point, additional tests—T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies—are essential. In some cases, standard thyroid hormone levels may appear normal, but elevated antibodies reveal an underlying issue that can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Cortisol and reproductive hormones also play a significant role. Chronic stress depletes cortisol, which in turn affects estrogen and testosterone production. For women, irregular menstrual cycles, excessive or scanty bleeding, and severe cramps can signal hormonal imbalances. For men, libido issues and persistent skin problems are common indicators, though blood work is often needed to confirm imbalances.

Neurotransmitter Levels

Lastly, we must consider neurotransmitter balance itself—particularly serotonin, the primary target of most anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. Yet, many patients have never had their serotonin levels tested before being prescribed medication. If serotonin is low, these drugs may be beneficial, but if levels are normal or high, they likely won’t help and may even cause unwanted side effects. A safer, more natural approach is to provide the body with serotonin precursors, allowing it to regulate its own balance rather than relying on medication. However, in many cases, when we optimize digestion and balance hormones, neurotransmitter levels correct themselves naturally.

A Comprehensive Approach

Beyond the factors mentioned above, numerous other issues can contribute to anxiety and depression in young adults, including eye movement and tracking disorders, pelvic and tailbone misalignment, sinus congestion, liver and kidney dysfunction, rib cage restrictions and sympathetic nervous system overstimulation.

The good news? These issues can often be quickly, safely and effectively addressed—sometimes in a matter of weeks, or even overnight. It is an honor to help young people transform their lives through targeted, holistic care. By identifying and correcting the root causes of their symptoms, we empower them to reclaim their health and well-being—without unnecessary medications or lifelong dependency on pharmaceuticals.

Pollack Wellness is located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, in Commack, NY. For more information, call 631-861-HEAL (4325) or visit PollackWellness.com.