At the present state of development, biochemical treatment usually does not result in complete freedom from medication for persons with severe mental illness. The treatment for these biochemical disorders is highly individualized, with most patients reporting good treatment effectiveness. High-histamine depressives overproduce and retain excessive levels of histamine, an important neurotransmitter which affects human behavior. They are under-methylated resulting in generalized low levels of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This syndrome often involves seasonal variations in depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, inhalant allergies, and frequent headaches.
Biochemical treatment revolves around antifolates, especially calcium and methionine.
Three to six month of nutrient therapy are usually needed to correct this chemical imbalance. As in most biochemical therapies, the symptoms usually return if treatment is stopped. Low-histamine depressives are usually nervous, anxious individuals who are prone to paranoia and despair. They are over-methylated which results in elevated dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Although free of seasonal allergies, they often report a multitude of food and chemical sensitivities.