- Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood. This dysfunction causes the pancreas to make more insulin to compensate.
- Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that can have a profound effect on people’s overall well-being.
- A new study suggests that people with insulin resistance have a higher risk of developing major depressive disorder.
Insulin resistance can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, which, without proper management, can lead to severe health problems.
Major depressive disorder is a common and severe mental health problem. Its prominence means that researchers are striving to identify factors that put people at risk of developing depression.
A new study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, found that participants with insulin resistance had a higher risk of developing depression than those who did not. The findings appear in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Insulin resistance
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source note, the chronic condition of diabetes centers around the hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the body releases insulin, this hormone allows the body’s cells to absorb sugar from the food the person eats.
Without enough insulin, the sugar from food builds up in the bloodstream, depleting the body’s energy stores. Excessively high levels of blood sugar can lead to serious long-term health complications. Currently, 34.2 million people have diabetes in the United States, where it is the seventh leading cause of death.
In addition to the many people with diabetes, about 88 million adults in the U.S. have what is called prediabetes. This occurs when blood sugar levels are high but not high enough for the person to receive a diabetes diagnosis.
The American Diabetes Association notes that insulin resistance, also called impaired insulin sensitivity, occurs when the body stops responding to insulin the way it should. The insulin that is available becomes less effective, and the pancreas produces more insulin to try to compensate.
As the resistance gets worse, the pancreatic cells that make insulin can wear out. Eventually, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, and blood sugar levels rise. Insulin resistance can then develop into prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
The exact cause of insulin resistance remains unclear. However, both genetic and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development.ADVERTISEMENTOnline therapy can help with depression
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Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder, which people more commonly just call depression, is a highly prevalent mental health condition. The CDC estimates that 1 in 6Trusted Source adults will experience depression at some point in their life.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a mood disorder that influences how people think and feel. It can also have a major influence on a person’s ability to function in their day-to-day life. A doctor may diagnose someone with depression after specific symptoms have been present for 2 weeks or more.
The possible symptoms of depression include:
- feelings of anxiety or sadness that are persistent
- feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or irritability
- difficulty sleeping
- changes in appetite
- loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- pain, such as a headache, that has no apparent cause or does not get better with treatment
- suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide
Not everyone with depression experiences every symptom of the condition, but it can take a serious toll on people’s well-being and their daily activities. It can also increase the risk of suicide.
Due to the significance of depression, researchers are continuing to look into risk factors that can help detect and treat the condition at an earlier stage.MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTERKnowledge is power. Get our free daily newsletter.
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Link between insulin resistance and increased depression
The study in question collected data from participants who were part of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). The researchers followed the study participants over a 9-year period.
They measured three factors that indicate insulin resistance:
- the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterolTrusted Source, which the researchers say “has been well-correlated with the gold standard for insulin resistance and is often used in a clinical context”
- blood sugar level, in the form of fasting plasma glucose level
- waist circumference
The 601 participants that the team included in the data analysis were those who had no previous history of clinical depression or anxiety. The researchers screened the participants for depression and other psychiatric disorders, took lab specimens, and checked the participants’ physical measurements at their initial evaluation and again after 2 years.
The participants then underwent psychiatric evaluations 4, 6, and 9 years after initial evaluation. The team based the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of incidents of depression on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a standardized classification system for the diagnosis of mental health conditions.
The researchers accounted for several covariates, including the participants’ age, sex, education level, level of physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol use.
Their main analysis found that all three indicators of insulin resistance were associated with an increased risk of depression.
The researchers further examined the specific subgroup of people who did not have indicators of insulin resistance when the study started but developed prediabetes — based on plasma glucose levels and other indicators of insulin resistance — by the 2-year follow-up.
They found that those who developed prediabetes during the first 2 years of the study were more than two times as likely to be experiencing major depression at the 9-year follow-up than those who had normal plasma glucose levels at the 2-year point.
When Medical News Today asked her to comment on the study, Dr. Faye Riley, senior research communications officer at Diabetes UK, said, “This research offers important clues into the two-way links between these complex conditions [diabetes and depression] and the impact of factors such as blood cholesterol and sugar levels.”https://85c50c51f80ce01731bfab27a623a4c9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Study limitations and continuing research
The study did have limitations. For example, the researchers were unable to utilize the euglycemic clamp technique, which they describe as the gold standard, to assess insulin resistance.
Also, the authors note that “this analysis was not powered to measure the development of metabolic pathology in a 2-year follow-up period.” Due to this, they recommend that future studies replicate the findings and continue to research the link between the onset of prediabetes and depression.
Study author Dr. Katie Watson also pointed out that more research is necessary to determine the direction of the relationship between insulin resistance and depression. She explained to MNT:
“It came as a bit of a surprise that being insulin resistant was linked to a significantly higher rate of depression during a 9-year follow-up period. We were not sure of the directionality of the relationship between the two health conditions. Now, it seems plausible that there is a bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and depression; we have to do more research to figure that out.”
She further explained how the information that the team gleaned from the study may influence further research and clinical practice. She told MNT: “We are also exploring the idea of the metabolic subtype of depression. It is possible that different treatments or approaches help manage depression in people with insulin resistance. These tools may inform clinical practices in the future.”
Dr. Riley was also enthusiastic about further research in this area. She told MNT, “We look forward to larger studies that help further pinpoint the biological links between diabetes and depression, helping uncover the most effective ways to reduce the risk of depression for those with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and vice versa.”
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Is there a cure for depression?
There is no cure for depression, but many different treatments are available to manage the symptoms.
The symptoms of depression vary among individuals. A treatment plan that includes medical interventions, support, and lifestyle changes can enable a person to live a normal and full life with the condition. However, finding the right treatment plan is a process that can take time.
Alternative remedies cannot treat depression on their own, but some may complement traditional medical treatment and therapy.
Keep reading to learn more.
Can you cure depression?
Depression is a lifelong condition, as there is no cure. However, this does not necessarily mean that it will affect a person every day of their life. With the right treatment plan, remission is possible. The treatment plan may need adjusting throughout a person’s life.
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Between 80% and 90% of people with depression respond well to treatment, meaning that they see an improvement in their symptoms or the symptoms disappear.https://85c50c51f80ce01731bfab27a623a4c9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Recurring depression
It is common for a person with depression to experience depressive episodes between longer periods of remission in which they have no symptoms.
Not everyone who recovers from depression will need ongoing treatment, but those who do may have a depressive episode if they stop treatment.
Although a person may not have any symptoms of depression for years, a period of stress, a significant life change, or bereavement could trigger a depressive episode.
It is not always possible to predict the triggers for depression. Some people may find that noting the events, feelings, and situations that came just before a depressive episode helps them pinpoint a possible cause. Being aware of their triggers may help a person avoid depressive episodes in the future.
After a depressive episode, a person may wish to review their treatment plan. Medication, therapy, or support may need adjusting.
Stress is a common trigger for depression. Managing stress can help prevent symptoms of depression. Some suggestions for managing stress include:
- drinking plenty of fluids
- eating a healthful diet
- getting enough sleep
- talking to family or friends
- limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
- practicing mindfulness
- taking on less responsibility at work
It is not always possible to avoid stress. Moving home, a busy period at work, or relationship difficulties can all be a part of life. If a person knows that they have a stressful event in the near future, careful planning can help lower the risk of it triggering a depressive episode.
A person can talk to family and friends about support and coping strategies. Good organization and planning for change can help. It can also be beneficial to take a break from work, where possible, or free up time on weekends to relax.ADVERTISEMENTOnline therapy can help with depression
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Treatment
About 15.7 million adults in the United States have experienced depression, but only around one-third of these individuals have sought treatment.
People may avoid seeking treatment because they think that the problem is not serious, that depression is shameful or a weakness, or that they can treat it themselves. Depression is a serious medical condition that needs treatment from a professional.
Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe:
- mild depression has some effect on daily life
- moderate depression has a significant impact on daily life
- severe depression can make daily life impossible
The treatment plan will depend on the severity and type of the symptoms and what the person wants from treatment. A medical professional can help the person put together a treatment plan. This plan can include therapy, medication, and lifestyle measures.
For mild depression, exercise, self-help, and therapy can work well. For moderate depression, a doctor may recommend medication. Severe depression often requires a combination of therapy and medication.
Learn more about the types of depression here.
Therapy
Two forms of psychotherapy that professionals commonly use to treat depression are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
CBT can help a person understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help them overcome negative thoughts and build a more positive view of themselves.
IPT focuses on personal relationships. It can help a person whose depression has an association with relationship or communication difficulties.
The National Institute of Mental Health offer advice on finding a therapist.
Medication
An antidepressant is a medication that treats depression by adjusting chemical levels in the brain. Many different types of antidepressants are available. A person’s symptoms and medical history can help inform the prescription.
Antidepressants can have some side effects, but these tend to decrease in severity the longer the person takes the medication. A person should not stop taking antidepressants until they have consulted a medical professional. A doctor can advise on how to reduce the dose safely over time.https://85c50c51f80ce01731bfab27a623a4c9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlMEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTERKnowledge is power. Get our free daily newsletter.
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Alternative therapies
It can take time to find the right treatment for depression, and the process can be frustrating. A person may take a medication but find that they still have symptoms. Or they may have therapy and still experience a depressive episode.
A person may look to alternative, complementary, or integrative medicine for help with depression. To explain these terms:
- complementary therapies go alongside traditional treatment or medicine
- alternative therapies replace traditional treatment or medicine
- integrative health focuses on coordinating traditional treatment or medicine with complementary therapies
There is little evidence that alternative therapies can treat depression. In some cases, they could be dangerous if a person uses them in place of conventional treatment.
Some people with depression find that complementary therapies help them manage the condition, alongside medication and therapy. Complementary therapies include homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.
A 2019 review of complementary and alternative medicine for treating depression looked at the evidence for different therapies. The authors made the following conclusions:
- Acupuncture: Unlikely to have any positive effect on symptoms of depression.
- Aromatherapy: Very little scientific evidence available, but studies suggest that it provides some relief for feelings of depression in healthy adults.
- Light therapy: Not enough evidence of any positive effects on depression symptoms.
- Mindfulness: Some evidence that it could reduce the risk of relapse.
- St. John’s wort: This herb may help reduce the severity of depression compared with a placebo. However, it can affect how well other medications work.
- Yoga: Not enough evidence of any positive effects on depression symptoms.
A 2018 review looked at the evidence for using homeopathy to treat depression. The authors found limited research but noted that people who used homeopathy to treat depression reported an improvement in symptoms. Homeopathy may offer some benefits in comparison with a placebo.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat depression. Although low risk, there is little evidence that it can reduce the symptoms of depression.
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drug that changes how the brain works and, therefore, alters a person’s thoughts and feelings. A small 2017 study found that the drug had short-term positive effects on people whose depression had not responded positively to other treatments. The study stressed the importance of a safe, controlled setting and warned of the possible risk of psychosis.
Learn more about some herbs that may help with depression here.
Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyle measures can support a person in managing depression. A treatment plan usually includes suggestions for healthful habits. These can include:
- keeping a diary to track thoughts and feelings
- exercising regularly
- adopting a healthful diet and drinking plenty of fluids
- practicing mindfulness
- talking to friends, family, or a support group
- avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs
- keeping to a routine
- setting achievable goals
- finding a hobby or trying something new
- taking on manageable responsibility or volunteering
Summary
Although depression has no cure, many effective treatments are available to manage the condition.
Every person is different, and individually tailored treatment is important. Finding the right treatment can help a person live with depression without symptoms.
Alternative therapies are not a replacement for medication and therapy, but, alongside conventional treatments, they may help a person manage depression symptoms.
Source: Medical News Today
