The Methylfolate and Depression Relationship: What You Need To Know
An overwhelming proportion of people today live with depression. Recent statistics suggest that depression affects between 5% and 10% of individuals, including 7.1% of US adults. Depression is the third most common reason for consultation in primary care, making it one of the most common mental disorders of our time. Some researchers predict it will become the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
One in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. It can strike at any time, but most commonly during the late teens to mid-20s. In fact, the age group with the highest rate of depression is those aged 18.25 (13.1%). Women are more likely than men to experience depression; one-third will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.
We here at Methyl-Life™ are experts in the value of methylfolate and its intricate relationship with depression. This article will discuss exactly what you need to know to improve your own folate levels and overcome ‘the black dog’.
What is depression?
Depression is a complex disorder that comes in many forms, and each person’s experience may be slightly different from someone else’s.
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies the most common depressive disorders as:
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
Signs and symptoms of depression
While it’s normal to feel a little down from time to time, prolonged feelings of hopelessness and sadness are definitely not.
Clinical depression affects nearly every aspect of daily life: how you think, feel, and go about your normal activities. Sleeping, eating, working, and relationships all seem more difficult.
In short, depression can severely impair your ability to carry out tasks or function properly.
- Feeling persistently sad, anxious, hopeless
- Constant pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in former hobbies and activities
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Sleeping problems
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Unexplained aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
The severity and frequency of these symptoms and how long they last will vary from person to person.
What causes depression?
The onset of any particular depressive episode may have several causes. Events in your life can play a part, as can chemical changes in your brain.
The most common risk factors include:
- Biochemistry
Chemical imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in the brain are usually the predominant factors in the development of depression. - Genetics
A history of mental illness often runs in families. If one identical twin suffers from depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of also developing depression at some stage in life. - Personality
Those with low self-confidence, poor self-esteem, or who struggle to deal with stress are more likely to experience depression. - Environmental factors
Regular exposure to negative situations such as neglect, violence, abuse, or poverty can increase the risk of developing depression.
What is the methylfolate and depression relationship?
The link between folate deficiency and depression was first postulated in the 1960s with the advent of assay techniques. Since then, scientists have established evidence linking low folate status and depression from two sources:
- A significant percentage of patients with depression are reported to have low folate levels
- Studies have shown that folate is effective in improving the outcome of conventional treatments for depression
What is methylfolate?
To understand methylfolate, it’s important to first understand folate and the process of methylation.
The link between MTHFR and depression
How can methylfolate help with depression?
Dealing with Depression? Check Out our Methylfolate Product Line:
How much methylfolate should I take for depression?
Where to buy methylfolate supplements
Methyl-Life™ Methylfolate 15 (physician-recommended, depression-level dose)
Benefits of Methyl-Life™ Methylfolate 15
- Formulated specially for people with heightened need for folate due to genetic (MTHFR) defects, dietary deficiencies or drug-induced need (i.e. taking warfarin, coumadin, metformin, etc.)
- Bypasses MTHFR gene mutations to optimize the body’s methylation process
- Boosts energy and motivation
- Helps protect against toxins and disease by boosting glutathione
- Supports overall wellbeing
- May reduce symptoms of depression by promoting SAMe and therefore serotonin
- May help manage homocysteine levels caused by folate deficiencies
- May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Third-party testing to ensure safety and efficacy