Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Most of us have been told that depression is related to seratonin. Most of us have taken meds directly related to seratonin. However, this study seems to have found the gene responsible for depression and it has nothing to do with seratonin.
Who do you believe?
Full article at:
http://www.scientistlive.com/15895/gene-for-depression-discovered.thtml
"In a significant break-through, researchers identify P2RX7 as the gene responsible for major depressive disorders and, surprisingly, find it has no link with seratonin.
It has been known for many years that genetic factors are at the base of depression and bipolar disorder, but the complex molecular networks involved remain unknown.
The actual gene, known as P2RX7, is found in humans and animals and is responsible for depression. It has taken many years to find, said neuroscientist, Professor Barden from CHUL Research Centre in Quebec, speaking at the Forum of European Neuroscience. Finding it is highly significant in uncovering the molecular pathways involved in depression.
Who do you believe?
Full article at:
http://www.scientistlive.com/15895/gene-for-depression-discovered.thtml
"In a significant break-through, researchers identify P2RX7 as the gene responsible for major depressive disorders and, surprisingly, find it has no link with seratonin.
It has been known for many years that genetic factors are at the base of depression and bipolar disorder, but the complex molecular networks involved remain unknown.
The actual gene, known as P2RX7, is found in humans and animals and is responsible for depression. It has taken many years to find, said neuroscientist, Professor Barden from CHUL Research Centre in Quebec, speaking at the Forum of European Neuroscience. Finding it is highly significant in uncovering the molecular pathways involved in depression.
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
In the case of a specific disease that has only one cause, like cycle cell anemia, it is more easily attributable if a specific gene is found to cause it.
But in the case of depression, bipolar, and even diseases like diabetes, there are many factors that may contribute or cause the diseases, and the findings of a specific gene that is entirely responsible is not so clear cut.
In the case of depression, I believe there are two main reasons why it occurs:
situational, (nurture) and biophysiological (nature). Because some people can experience the same trauma and one will come through it unscathed while another will be debilitated, I surmise that some degree of genetic proneness is there to begin with.
Conversely, if an otherwise healthy individual suffers undue, especially repetative, stress at an early age, such as many surgeries or abuse, or chronic illness, I also believe that depression can be caused by that as well.
Addresse(s) Neuroscience, CHUL Research Centre, Ste-Foy, Canada
In keeping with a role of P2RX7 in the aetiology of mood disorders, both antidepressant agents and mood stabilizers modify its expression.
Just dont think there is a simple explanation for any of it.
I hope they find a cure or prevention for it in the future. However, I have had to so long now, even if they cured it, I would have to unlearn some of my survival skills. We would kind of have to start over as a blank slate and learn how to deal effectively with others.
So, cause, treatment and cure is never going to be as simple as take two asprin and call me in the morning.
In essence, I guess it is both nature and nuture.
I agree, zaza.
"What is particularly exciting is that P2RX7 has nothing to do with serotonin, said Professor Barden. Drugs that boost the flow of serotonin can be effective anti-depressants, but take weeks to take effect. The fact that P2RX7 that has nothing to do with serotonin could partly explain why."
Read something else about boosting seratonin bypassing the gene, etc.
In my thinking, I remembered a car I had that I knew it was a quart low on oil when the heater blew cool and one would usually think oh, better check the antifreeze level. Different fluid systems somehow connected. I'm not an auto mechanic.
Anyway, I don't think seratonin is a myth... I think depression is like a jigsaw puzzle... seratonin is one piece... this gene might be the entire border.
But it does yield hope for folks who do not respond well to SSRIs... or even effexor, an SNRI (that selects a big N word chemical to block the re-uptake instead of seratonin)and that is really good thing.
So if anyone is suicidal that today's meds don't help, it would be ironic to off yourself with this research going on... they tested this theory, the next step is a med for humans, a miracle drug is on the horizon.
genetic research holds many, many new ways of dealing with our bodies and brains. it's very exciting. :)
and even with all the research being done...we've only a tiny fraction of knowledge about how our brain truly "works"
The other thing that I noted in my reading is that all depressions are lumped together and treated as the same thing. There is another article that distinquishes on type of depression.
For example, bipolar depression, unipolar depression, schiophrenic depression and so on. Some people may not be receiving help with regular meds depending on the type of depression being treated.