Research
5-HTP as a treatment for depression
A series of trials showed that both tryptophan and 5-HTP performed better than a placebo in treating depression. The results were promising enough to warrant further study.
Researchers found giving 5-HTP to manic and depressed patients correlated with increased serum cortisol concentrations (as compared to a normal control group.)
This article is an analysis of several natural substances (including 5-HTP) for effectiveness in treating depression. The discussion indicates that 5-HTP is a potentially useful alternative treatment.
The link between 5-HTP and serotonin
This article indicates that use of 5-HTP is an effective way to increase serotonin levels, and goes into the explanations and benefits of such.
This case study demonstrated significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of a girl suffering from hypothalamic syndrome, a condition hypothesized to be at least partially caused by disturbed serotonin levels, following the therapeutic administration of 5-HTP.
The relationship of dopamine, depression and motivation.
This article explores the relationship of dopamine with depression and motivation. It finds that dopamine levels are consistent with the effect/reward processing of depression (higher levels = better motivation).
This article reviews some published findings relating to the connections between dopamine and Anhedonia, and speculates as to whether the role dopamine plays in experiencing pleasure is purely ability based or more motivational in nature.
Researchers administered L-DOPA, a drug that increases dopaminergic function, prior to asking patients to engage in planning (imaginary) pleasurable future events. It was found that those who received the dopamine treatment had a significantly enhanced ability to anticipate pleasurable experiences.
A postmortem analysis of the brains of 11 subjects with major depression was compared to an otherwise similar group of subjects with no depression. The results supported the hypothesis that dopamine deficiency contributes to the risk, onset, and continuing state of depression.
A study of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (8 with a history of depression, 12 without) revealed that dopamine deficiency may provide an explanation for the increased prevalence of anxiety and depression associated with this disease.
This genetically based study examined the role of a specific version of serotonin transporter gene (called the S allele) in the experience of and recovery from sad moods. It was found that the effects of the S allele on the amygdala* offers promising support and explanation for the association between the S allele and elevated risk of depression.
L-Theanine as a stress reducer
This double blind study found a link between L-Theanine and how subjects reacted to stressful situations.
Link--> Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. (January 2007) "L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses." Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45. Epub 2006 Aug 22.
Link--> Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C. (2006) "The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21-30. Review.
The relationship between serotonin, melatonin, and sleep
This article discusses the positive effects of melatonin on sleep and also takes into consideration the possibility of dose dependency and various side effects.
This article indicates that low serotonin levels sometimes found in menopausal women, particularly those suffering from fibromyalgia, may explain increased rates of sleep disorders in this sector of the population.
The impact of depression on relationships
This article discusses scientific studies which have indicated that chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin are intimately connected with the ways in which we express and experience romantic love and social bonding.
Link--> Stein, DJ; Vythilingum, B. (May 2009). “Love and attachment: The psychobiology of social bonding”. CNS Spectrums, 14 (5): 239-42.
A national study determined that postpartum depression has significantly negative effects on parenting capabilities, most notably by decreasing the likelihood of successful anticipatory guidance.
Link--> Paulson, James F; Dauber, Sarah; Leiferman, Jenn A. (August 2006). “Individual and combined effects of postpartum depression in mothers and fathers on parenting behavior”. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 118 (2): 659-658.
Negative family emotional climate was found to greatly increase risk of depression and anxiety in children as well as to play a role in worsening severity of pediatric asthma.
Sleep disorders and depression
Research involving correlations between insomnia and depression spanning a 30 year period (1980-2010) was collected and analyzed. Statistically, people suffering from insomnia were twice as likely to develop symptoms of depression as compared to healthy individuals with normal sleep patterns.
A recent study indicated that patients with obstructive sleep apnea were at high risk for becoming depressed, particularly if they were experiencing excessive drowsiness and fatigue during the daytime hours.
