A number of factors contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Psychosocial factors like stress and grief or biological influences like genetics can all play a role in the development of anxiety and depressive disorders. Additionally, researchers have found that levels of DHEA, a hormone, may also have an impact on these conditions.
About DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a type of hormone manufactured by your adrenal glands. According to the Tufts Medical Center, DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in your body. Steroid hormones influence a number of biological processes, including the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, as well as playing a role in energy metabolism. Some people have higher secretions of DHEA than others, although its not exactly clear why this occurs. Additionally, as you age, your levels of DHEA begin to decline, potentially increasing your likelihood of developing disorders like anxiety and depression. Some studies have found that increasing your DHEA levels through supplementation may have a beneficial impact on these disorders, especially depression.
DHEA and Depression
A clinical study published in 1996 in the journal "Psychological Medicine" examined DHEA levels in a group of depressed 8- to16-year-old study participants. The results found that low levels of DHEA in the morning were positively associated with major depression. Another study, published in the November 2000 issue of the journal "Biological Psychiatry" found similar results in adult study participants with depression, suggesting that increasing levels of DHEA with supplementation may have a beneficial effect on depression. Interestingly, a study published in the April 1999 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry" examined the effects of elevating DHEA levels in patients with major depression through dietary supplementation. The results found that patients who received the supplement experienced a much higher reduction in depressive symptoms than patients who received a placebo only.
DHEA and Anxiety
Studies regarding DHEA's effect on anxiety are more limited and have had conflicting results than studies about DHEA and depression. One study, published in the 2006 issue of the journal "Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences," found higher levels of anxiety were associated with higher morning secretions of DHEA in patients experiencing a major depressive episode. Another study, published in the March/April 2002 issue of the French medical journal "L'Encéphale" found that higher levels of DHEA were associated with decreased levels of anxiety. There are virtually no studies evaluating the effects of DHEA treatment for anxiety.
Considerations
While levels of DHEA appear to have an influence on depression and anxiety, the available clinical studies are preliminary and have produced often conflicting evidence. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you think you have anxiety or depression, consult your doctor. Inform your doctor if you choose to use a DHEA supplement.
References
- Tufts Medical Center: DHEA
- "Psychological Medicine"; Adrenal Secretion During Major Depression in 8- to 16-year-olds, I. Altered Diurnal Rhythms in Salivary Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone ...; I. M. Goodyer et al.; 2009
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Altered Salivary Dehydroepiandrosterone Levels in Major Depression in Adults; A. Michael, et al; November 2000
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Double-Blind Treatment of Major Depression With Dehydroepiandrosterone; O. Wolkowitz, et al; April 1999
- "Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences"; Positive Correlation Between Anxiety Severity and Plasma Levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Medication-free Patients Experiencing a Major Episode of Depression; C. Hsiao; 2006
- "L'Encéphale"; Study of the Stress Response: Role of Anxiety, Cortisol and DHEAs; M. Boudarene, et al; March/April 2002
