Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Depression leads to bone loss

Depression is the general lack of serotonin, and other such goodies. This causes a loss of mass from the brain, and now, it appears to cause bone mass loss. I'm always interested in these stories, because of my family history. Nearly all of this can be reversed with some simple little pills.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've learned before that many neurological disorders such as depression and ADD/ADHD are triggered by the underproduction of brain neurotransmitters and stress hormones. Though its link to bone loss is an interesting discovery and if it is likewise caused by an immune system protein, then depressed women should be on the lookout for a sustainable treatment to depression that won't compromise the immune system. Now that is highly unlikely of psychiatric medicine. I think that they should turn to alternative medicine to curb down the symptoms of depression and keep the immune defenses strong. Probably the herbal extracts of St. John's Wort or Passiflora can help to this end, or perhaps an herbal supplement formula will do even better. Some more on depression and herbal supplements at http://www.myherbalremedystore.com/Products/mindsoothe.html

Harold Asmis said...

I'm not a big fan of the herbal route. Lots of studies show that most of them don't do much. I'm taking 60 mg of Celexa. I find the light treatment might be worth 10-20 mg. St. John's Wort, which is big in Germany, might also be worth about 10 mg. I find it's best if depressed people jack up the drugs as much as possible, until they feel it's too much, and then back off. You can't do that with herbals.

Monado said...

I think that St. John's Wort has been proven not to work, i.e. it's no better than a placebo. However, there
s quite a bit of evidence that getting out and going for a walk relieves depression; and the exercis helps to combat bone loss. If you hate the weather, try the greenhouses at Allen gardens or some similar substitute. Also I would try lots of light treatments, painting the walls yellow, throwing in a few plants, etc. ect. Good luck!

Harold Asmis said...

I've gone on the 'bright' side of too much serotonin (by taking a high dose), and I didn't like it. Too sunny, full technicolour dreams, no brains.

Now I strive for 'moderate gloomy' without wanting to kill myself, with a few happy bursts. I think better that way!