Mood Disorders

Etiologies

Inflammation

- in adolescent depression: https://www.dovepress.com/evaluation-of-inflammatory-response-system-irs-and-compensatory-immune-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JIR

Cholesterol

Here's some information about the relationships with cholesterol and mental health:

Statin use is associated with the lower risk of depression:

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24370264/

and statin augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has an antidepressant effect:

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27148902/

of course, we know low cholesterol is associated with depression,

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4215473/

and high cholesterol is associated with stress and panic disorders:

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1536278/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1558435/

and other psychopathologies:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385736

One thought I would like to add is berberines (a component of botanical goldenseal and oregon grape) are great for both mood and cholesterol.

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6307759/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466986/

Low HDL-C

study of 41 patients with bipolar disorder, 34 patients with major depression, or controls

results showed:

- all patients had significantly lower HDL-C values than control subjects

- Increased TG levels were found in patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy subjects.

- no differences in the cholestrol and LDL-C levels and body mass index

- significant differences in the ratios of cholesterol/HDL-C and LDL- C/HDL-C values (atherogenic index) among groups.

- conclusion: low HDL-C levels and high atherogenic index might be a hallmark of affective disorders

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Supplements

Amino acids

Carnatine

-may be a biomarker:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8514700/

Vitamins

Vamin D

- Increased circulating 25(OH)D concentrations following 8-week vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU 2wks−1) resulted in a significant decrease in BDI-II scores in patients with mild to moderate depression. However, this effect was independent of the serum concentrations of the studied inflammatory biomarkers.

- Current research suggests that Vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day) could could help alleviate symptoms of depression.

https://www.mdlinx.com/article/the-vitamin-that-affects-mood-and-may-help-with-depression/4SsgGvdsCXkamoDxp9hXBf?show_order=6&utm_campaign=reg_wellness-update_231015_wellness-update-nl_registered-users-a90&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email

Botanicals

Rauwolfia

- used for the treatment of hypertension, it may be contraindicated due to lowering of catecholamines and neurotransmitters https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566472/

Fish Oil:

- EPA 4 g/d in MDD demonstrated a medium effect size for response rates versus placebo in overweight individuals with elevated inflammatory markers, and change in hs-CRP may be correlated with clinical response.

Bee Propolis:

Bee propolis and depression, glucocorticoid receptor activity support:

The natural substance, propolis, made by honey bees has been shown to have many positive anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. It exhibits ani-depressant effects through its influence on the glucocorticoid system.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703885/

Running vs. antidepressants

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032723002239?via=ihub

Highlights

- 141 patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder participated in this study.

- Running therapy and antidepressant medication had similar effects on mental health (remission and response rates). Exercise improved metabolic markers while antidepressants made slightly worse

- Running therapy outperformed antidepressant medication on physical health variables.

- Running therapy is a valuable treatment strategy in mental health care.

Bipolar disorder

Etiologies:

Low HDL-C:

study of 41 patients with bipolar disorder, 34 patients with major depression, or controls

results showed:

- all patients had significantly lower HDL-C values than control subjects

- Increased TG levels were found in patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy subjects.

- no differences in the cholestrol and LDL-C levels and body mass index

- significant differences in the ratios of cholesterol/HDL-C and LDL- C/HDL-C values (atherogenic index) among groups.

- conclusion: low HDL-C levels and high atherogenic index might be a hallmark of affective disorders

SUPPLEMENTS

Lithium orotate for Bipolar Disorders:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8413749/

Lithium and autism:

Research in JAMA pediatrics suggest that higher lithium levels are associated with autism.

- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2803171

PMDD

- low 5a-pregnanediol can be a contributing factor to PMDD and irritability due to issues with the GABA receptor's inability to adjust for sensitivity to fluctuating neurosteroids . This metabolite can cross the blood-brain-barrier and binds to GABA receptors, supporting a calming effect. Women who metabolize their progesterone through this pathway with lower levels of 5a-pregnanediol may benefit best from oral progesterone for symptoms of anxiety and difficulty sleeping .