Major depressive Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder affected approximately 21 million American adults, or about 8.3 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in 2021. Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering from depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment. (DBSA, 1996). At Regenerative Medicine of Carmel, we understand the myriad reasons for your "low mood" and will investigate a biochemical etiology to your symptoms. Specifically, we can measure and evaluate the brain neurotransmitters most associated with mood disorders and imbalances.
Serotonin Production & Balance
Most commonly associated with positive mood is the neurotransmitter Serotonin. The most common type of antidepressant is the Selective Serotonin Receptor Inhibitor (SSRI). SSRI antidepressants increase serotonin in the brain, therefore assisting in mood elevation. However, there are other ways to support this pathway without medications or in addition to your current regimen for more cumulative results. Foods, amino acids, supplements, and activities all play a role in Serotonin production and balance. Approximately 90% of our Serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, not the brain, so gut health also plays an important role in mood. We will work with you to discover the source of your mood disturbance and support you in the best, most cumulative manner.
Anxiety Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting more than 19% of the nation. As most know, anxiety is a multifactoral issue with many potential sources and triggers. One common reason for anxiety is an imbalance in the inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA. GABA acts in the central nervous system to reduce neuronal excitability, resulting in a greater state of calm, reduced muscle contractility/tone, and supported sleep onset.
We can measure:
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
- Serotonin
- GABA
Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
- Dopamine
- Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
- Glutamate
Potential Causes of Mood Disorders
Common Signs & Symptoms:
- Foggy Brain
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Somnolence
- Irritability
Another common cause of anxiety are hormone imbalances, specifically Progesterone, Estrogen, and Testosterone. The two "strongest" inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitters, Serotonin and GABA, are "pushed" by Estrogen and Progesterone, respectively. In men, Testosterone pushes both Dopamine and Serotonin, thereby "balancing" the brain. In women, perimenopause and menopause are common times for conditions such as anxiety and depression to surface, given the relative reduction in these two neuro-supportive hormones.
"Depression is said to affect one person in ten in the US. Statistically, there is a 20% increase in the number of clinically depressed people per year, which makes it one of the fastest growing epidemics of our time."