Blood tests for Depression and Mood Disorders

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SSRI-Research

 

1 Nov 2004 11:37:50 -0000

Subject:[sSRI-Research] Blood tests for Depression and Mood Disorders

 

 

 

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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is

part of the GSDL communication links with our physician customers.

 

 

 

 

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