Hope for Those with Depression: Amino Acid Sheds Light on New Treatment Possibilities

One of the most pressing health issues on the globe is major depression. Its prevalence has increased recently, particularly among young people. According to a survey conducted in 2021 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression has an annual economic burden of $326 billion in the United States due to rising disability, suicide, and medical costs.

Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology have found evidence that the amino acid glycine can send a "slow-down" signal to the brain, which may be a factor in some people's severe anxiety and other mood disorders.

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What does the study say?

Scientists at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology found how amino acids are related to depression while studying neurotransmitters.

Psychotherapy can be useful. (Image via Pexels/ Kat Smith)

The study was the result of more than ten years of investigation into the functioning of brain cell signaling. Even though discovering a connection to depression was not the original aim of the study, the researchers are enthusiastic about their results because they could influence how depression is treated in the future.

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What are amino acids?

Chains of amino acids make up proteins. When you consume a protein-rich meal, such as Greek yogurt or lentils, your body breaks down the protein into smaller components known as amino acids.

Your digestive system absorbs amino acids into your circulation. Your body is made up of protein in every cell. As a result, protein tissues like muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, and blood—which are composed of amino acids—need to be created or repaired.

The simplest amino acid, glycine, is "ubiquitously present in all mammalian tissues," according to scientists. A significant neurotransmitter with both inhibitory and excitatory effects, glycine is engaged in a number of fundamental biological processes. Inhibitory neurotransmitter glycines can also be excitatory in developing synapses.

New study suggests Amino acids are useful for treatment. (Image via Pexels/ Daniel Reche)

However, the team also stated that it is unclear which metabotropic receptor mediates the slow neuromodulatory effects of glycine. They made an intriguing observation, stating that "glycine has distinct effects on neural circuits, and glycinergic transmission has been implicated in pathological conditions, including depression."

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Treatment of depression

It may seem as though you'll never be able to emerge from under a heavy shadow when you're depressed. Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. Numerous treatment choices are accessible, ranging from therapy to medication to healthy lifestyle changes.

One type of therapy might be enough to effectively manage your symptoms, or you might discover that a combination of treatments is most effective.

Combining medical therapies with lifestyle therapies is widespread and includes the following:

1) Psychotherapy

You can develop coping mechanisms for unpleasant emotions by speaking with a counselor. Sessions in family or group counseling may also be helpful to you.

When a person meets with a qualified therapist for psychotherapy, also referred to as "talk therapy," they discuss the issues that contribute to their mental health condition, such as melancholy, and learn coping mechanisms.

Take care of your mental health. (Image via Pexels/ Andrew Neel)

2) Light therapy

Your attitude can be controlled and depression symptoms can be lessened with white light exposure. In the treatment of a seasonal affective disorder, also known as major depressive disorder with a periodic pattern, light therapy is frequently used.

Taking care of yourself can help with signs as well. This entails having enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities.

Sometimes treatment for melancholy doesn't work. If your symptoms don't disappear, your doctor may suggest trying another action.