Very interesting series of articles/research on the topic of biological causes for depression–not just neurotransmitters, either. Talking about viruses, parasites, and bacteria. For too long this area has been ignored as a possibility. When they discovered that some ulcers are actually caused by bacteria, it opened doors to thinking about other causes of other diseases. The gut is called “the second brain” and much of our serotonin and dopamine are generated there.
Why wouldn’t we think about how other biological factors affect mental health? These two articles give us food for thought.
It might not be the case that these pathogens are responsible for 100% of the cases of depression. But if it IS the case for some cases, if could we intervene and significantly reduce or eliminate major depressive disorder for some people, why wouldn’t we investigate this? Depression has always been thought of as a chronic, life-long condition once it is recognized; unless it is due to situational causes.
If we could eliminate MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) for even 10% of the population, this would be worth it. Depression is so pervasive. See this article at Harvard for stats on the increase: Astounding increase in antidepressant use by Americans (2011). And this article from 2013 shows that “Nearly one in four women ages 50 to 64 were found to be on an antidepressant, with 13 percent of the overall population also on antidepressants.” (From Study shows that over 70% of Americans take prescription drugs, 2013). That’s a lot of people.
I am hopeful that there will be more research in this area that psychotherapists and functional medicine/integrative medicine and hopefully someday mainstream doctors will be able to use to address the symptoms (and suffering) of major depressive disorder.
Check out these two articles. I’m going to be following this journal and their research. I feel like it’s one of many “blind spots” that we have not looked into as a contributing factor in major depressive disorder (and perhaps other mental health issues).
Read on and let me know what you think: