We often associate depression causes with mental imbalance. According to Clinical Depression.co.uk , clinical depression is the world's number one mental disorder. Anger, anxiety and stress are usually seen as the culprits behind depressive episodes. Long term stress can also rewire the brain leaving people susceptible to depression.
We are aware that mental problems can produce physical symptoms; stress can induce heart problems, for example. However, is the reverse true as well? Can changes in our body trigger mental disorders?
Definitely, asserts Erick Kasten, Professor of Medical Psychology at the University of Lubeck in Germany.
In his article "Ruled by the Body," Kasten suggests that symptoms of depression can be caused by common ailments and situations like nursing a cold or lack of water. In short, body ailments or imbalances can easily be causes of depression.
Inflammation and Depression Causes
Chronic inflammation, if left untreated, can lead to mood disorders. Because the immune system is tied to the brain, what happens to the body affects the brain as well. When the body is under attack, immune molecules called cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain neurons that govern emotions.
These brain neurons respond by releasing substances that produce fatigue, distractedness and moodiness. Recent studies at the University of Melbourne in Australia point to chronic inflammation as a significant risk factor for depression.
Inflammation as a cause of depression is not as far-fetched as it might seem. Melinda Werner in her article "Infected with Insanity," states that current scientific research has identified a strong link between mental illness and prenatal infections.
In several long-term studies of children with obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD, streptococcus , the microbe that causes strep throat, has been strongly associated with the sudden development of OCD in these children. Researchers believe that this mental condition is caused by the body's immune system which, in an attempt to attack the microbes, attacks the body's brain cells as well.
Hormonal Imbalances can Cause Depression
It is well known that fluctuating hormone levels are responsible for depression and anxiety in menopausal women. Robert Gottesman M.D. states that excess estrogen levels can produce an agitated form of anxiety so disturbing women report they want to "jump out of their skin."
A drop in the blood levels of the male hormone testosterone can produce irritability and moodiness in men as well. An underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism) can also contribute to hormonal changes that bring about anxiety and psychological distress. Research indicates that hypothyroidism increases a person's risk for mood disorders seven times.
Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can also bring about intense mood swings, rage and anxiety. Elevated hormone levels due to an overactive thyroid can overstimulate a patient's metabolism and damage the body's ability to respond to stress.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Depression Causes
Deficiencies in micronutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, calcium, iron and omega 3 - fatty acids are linked to depression causes. Studies have shown a correlation between omega 3 fatty acids and maternal depression. Recent research studies have also indicated that a decrease in DHA ( an omega 3 fatty acid) in female rats is associated with low levels of serotonin, the "feel good" neurotransmitter.
Lack of magnesium has been implicated as a cause of depression. According to Leo Galland MD FACN, magnesium deficiency compromises the body's ability to deal with tension. An important part of the stress response system, magnesium produces the energizing and calming effects needed to combat anxiety. A chronic sense of alarm or apprehension depletes the body of magnesium which in turn prevents the body from coping with stress. A vicious cycle is thus created.
A study done in Paris indicates that competitive Type As are more prone to have magnesium depletion due to stress.
Lack of Water and Mood Problems
Even something as simple as water dehydration can bring about depression symptoms. Without water, our brain cells shrivel up, making us less effective in processing information. Research shows that even mild dehydration can lead to a significant impairment of brain and body processes.
Moreover, lack of water prevents the transportation of tryptophan across the bood-brain barrier. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is converted to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that combats depression.
The assumption that depression is all or mostly in the head may lead to an over-reliance on medication as treatment. In many cases, these do not work because the causes lie elsewhere - in the body. Kasten suggests that we look at the mind disorder through the body: "Seeing mental illness in the context of the body can...help us see sources of distress that we might otherwise miss."
Sources:
Kasten, Erich, "Ruled by the Body," Scientific American Mind, March/April 2011: 53-57.
Wenner, Melinda, "Infected with Insanity," Scientific American Mind, April/May 2008: 41-51
Mary Desaulniers - I am a retired teacher and grandmother looking forward to the next 30 or more years with great relish and enthusiasm. My passions are ...
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