Depression is a serious mental disease that causes a number of debilitating symptoms. Contrary to some opinions, you can't will yourself out of feeling depressed. Depression is a real illness that requires medical treatment just like any other medical issue. While a number of treatments are used to manage and alleviate symptoms, some research shows that certain dietary supplements such as leptin may also help depression.
About Leptin
Leptin is a metabolic hormone that helps to regulate appetite and plays an important role in certain physical conditions such as obesity and diabetes. High levels of leptin are associated with obesity and higher amounts of body fat, while low levels of leptin are found in people with low concentrations of body fat. People suffering from depression and other mental illnesses may also have lower levels of leptin than the rest of the population. According to authors V. Daniel Castracane and Michael Chris Henson in their book, "Leptin," developing research is also focusing on the role leptin may play in the formation of certain other types of illness, such as heart disease, immune disorders and cancer.
Depression Facts
Depression causes significant clinical impairment in a number of areas. While there are several types of clinical depression, they share similar features, which includes frequent feelings of sadness or tearfulness, sleep disturbances and appetite changes, bodily aches and pains that seem to occur for no reason, irritability, lack of self-esteem and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. While depression can be helped through treatments like psychotherapy, medication or holistic approaches such as biofeedback or Ayurveda, some research has shown that leptin supplementation may also provide benefits.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in 2001 in the journal, "Neuroendocrinology," showed that patients suffering from depression have significantly lower levels of leptin compared to healthy study participants. Furthermore, a clinical review, published in 2010 in the "Journal of Obesity," states that leptin insufficiency or resistance may play a contributing role in the development of depressive disorders.
Considerations
While leptin supplementation may help depressive symptoms, you should not use any hormonal supplement unless under your doctor's supervision. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any symptoms you may be experiencing. As depression can become worse if not properly treated, it's important to consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options.
References
- "Leptin"; V. Daniel Castracane, Ph.D and Michael Chris Henson, Ph.D; 2006
- "Neuroendocrinology"; Low Leptin Levels but Norma Body Mass Indices in Patients with Depression or Schizophrenia; T. Kraus, et al; 2001
- "Journal of Obesity"; The Role of Adipokines in Understanding the Associations between Obesity and Depression; V. Taylor and G. MacQueen; 2010
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"; Leptin: A potential novel antidepressant; X. Lu, et al; 2006
