Depression - Causes & Side Effects

Introduction

This section outlines the causes of Depression, substances that can further exacerbate Depression, side effects of Depression and substances that Depression sufferers should avoid.

The principal underlying cause of almost all cases of (endogenous) Depression is alterations in neurotransmission involving:

1)                  A reduction in Dopamine levels.

2)                  A reduction in Serotonin levels (manifesting as an inability to relax).

3)                  A reduction in Norepinephrine levels (manifesting as reduced motivation).

4)                  An increase in Acetylcholine levels (resulting from high levels of Stress).

Limbic System

 Malfunctioning of the Cingulate Cortex of the Cingulate Gyrus is a cause of Depression.

Aldehydes

 Acetaldehyde may cause Depression.  ^[1]

 Formaldehyde may cause Depression by damaging the Central Nervous System.

Amino Acids

 Excessive accumulation of Homocysteine may exacerbate Depression:  ^[2]

 17% of elderly Depression patients have elevated Homocysteine levels.

 Tyramine may cause Depression (by overstimulating the Adrenal Glands and depleting reserves of Norepinephrine).

Carbohydrates

 Excessive consumption of Fructose may cause Depression (in persons who are Fructose Intolerant).  ^[3]

 Excessive consumption of Sucrose may cause Depression.  ^[4]

Environmental Toxins

 Chloroform may cause Depression.

 After testing thousands of Depression subjects in Texas, it was found that Chloroform exposure was the cause in approximately 33% of patients.

 Amalgam Dental Fillings may cause Depression (due to the Mercury component of Amalgam Dental Fillings).  ^[5]

Food Additives

 Aspartame may cause Depression (primarily due to the Methanol content of Aspartame).  ^[6]

Hormones

 Excessive production of Cholecystokinin (CCK) may cause Depression.

 Elevated Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) may contribute to Depression (CRH stimulates ACTH which, in turn, stimulates the production/release of Cortisol, which is implicated in Depression).

 Excessive production of Cortisol may cause Depression.  ^[7]

 Melatonin may cause Depression in 2% of persons using supplemental Melatonin.  ^[8]

Immune System Chemicals (Cytokines)

 Elevated Interleukin 1 levels may cause Depression.  ^[9]