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June 17, 2004 |
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Depression The SerotoninDepression Connection Millions of American women suffer from depression, compromising their enjoyment of life, their ability to perform successfully on the job, and their capacity to interact joyously with their friends and families. In fact, depressive disorders afflict 15 percent of the American population (primarily women) and have a greater effect on physical and social functioning, bodily pain and overall health than diabetes, arthritis and even heart disease. Depression is estimated to become the second leading cause of disability in the world by the year 2020. These are disheartening statistics indeed. Worse yet, women are at higher risk for depressionthey become depressed at a rate twice that of men. Why is this so? Some attribute the differences to women in our society having higher rates of victimization, role conflicts, internalization of stress and a greater tendency toward low self-esteem. A study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found a link between depression and early childhood trauma. It is widely known that abused, neglected or unnurtured infants and children are more likely to suffer from depression as adults. Others in the medical community believe that genetics and hormones are significant factors in depression. Regardless of the roots of depression, most depressed people have an important common denominator: low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Of all your body’s chemicals, none has a more widespread effect on the brain and physiology than serotonin. It plays a key role in regulating temperature, blood pressure, blood clotting, immunity, pain, digestion, sleep and circadian (daily) rhythms, and is often referred to as the body’s own mood-altering drug. In your brain, serotonin inhibits the firing of brain cells (neurons), thus producing a relaxing effect on your mood. Researchers believe that it helps to counteract the more “primitive” centers of the brain. When such inhibitory functions fail, in extreme cases the result may be binge eating, drug addiction and even violence. In milder cases, such as mild to moderate PMS, “grouchiness” and irritability are the result.
Read More on Depression: Getting Started Quiz: How Balanced are Your Neurotransmitters? Keep it SIMPLE tip Secret Weapon Against Depression Nutritional Therapies Neurotransmitters Are Derived From Nutrients in Your Diet SAMe – the Natural Antidepressant Complementary Therapies Depression Release Breathing Exercise Yoga Pose for Depression Relief
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