GSDL: Tests For Depression And Mood Disorders

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Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory

 

http://www.gsdl.com

 

 

Depression and Mood Disorders

http://www.gsdl.com/assessments/finddisease/depression/

 

Feelings of hopelessness, chronic apathy, and low energy levels are

some of the crippling symptoms of depression. Depression can appear as

a consequence of a life change such as divorce, death of a family

member, or loss of work‹or it may insidiously unfold without a clear

cause. For this disorder, the well-known adage, " sound body-sound

mind " reveals a simple basic truth.

 

That's because depression is commonly intertwined with a vast number

of diverse conditions and illnesses--and uncovering potential

imbalances can be a powerful tool for an effective natural and

holistic approach to emotional healing.

 

Depression and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino

acids are crucial source material for the production of important

brain neurotransmitters. Imbalances can result in several major

dysfunctions of the central nervous system linked to depression.

 

Depression and Thyroid Function: A substantial portion of patients

with depression suffer from thyroid hormone imbalances that may make

them more treatment-resistant.

 

Depression and Allergy: Depression seems to predispose individuals to

increased immune hypersensitivity to a wide range of food and

environmental allergens.

 

Depression and Melatonin: Imbalances of the pineal hormone melatonin

are linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder and other mood and behavior

problems.

Disrupted secretion patterns of melatonin can also seriously interfere

with sleep, worsening existing symptoms of depression.

 

Depression and Adrenal Hormones: Overly high levels of the adrenal

hormone cortisol often underlie the biochemical pattern characteristic

of depression, particularly when stress and obesity are also part of

the clinical picture.

 

Depression and Digestive Function: A faulty digestive process can

result in the malabsorption of key nutrients necessary for maintaining

healthy mood patterns and overall feeling of well-being. Overgrowth of

certain intestinal yeasts such as Candida albicans can also trigger

mood swings.

 

Depression and Toxins and Nutrients: Overexposure to heavy metal

toxins like lead and mercury have been clinically shown to induce a

psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Mineral nutrient

imbalances can also cause resistance to treatment.

 

Depression and Glucose and Insulin Tolerance: Fluctuating blood sugar

levels, particularly in diabetic patients, can result in increased

depression, tension, and fatigue.

 

Depression and Vitamins: The B-vitamins play an important role in the

proper metabolism of important brain neurotransmitters linked to mood

and behavior.

 

Depression and Fatty Acids: Fatty acid deficiencies could

significantly contribute to symptoms of depression, particularly in

those at high risk of omega-3 deficiencies, such as alcoholics and

post partum women.

 

Depression and Female Hormones: Female hormone imbalances may help

explain why women are much more prone to certain types of depression

than men.

 

 

 

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