Understanding & Conquering Depression
from Huberman Lab
by Scicomm Media
Published: Mon Aug 23 2021
Show Notes
This episode, I explain what major depression is at the biological and psychological level and the various treatments that peer-reviewed studies have revealed can help prevent and treat depression. I explain the three major chemical systems that are altered in depression: norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. I discuss genetic predispositions to depression and how stress, thyroid hormone and cortisol play a role in many forms of depression. I also discuss inflammation as a common feature of many depression symptoms. I review 8 specific science-supported protocols for treating and avoiding depression, including EPA fatty acids (which have been shown to rival certain prescription treatments), how exercise protects against depression, studies of creatine, adjusting dopamine balance and more. I also discuss the results of ongoing clinical trials for ketamine and psilocybin for depression, how these compounds work and finally, I review how ketogenic diets can help in certain cases of depression, especially treatment-resistant major depression.
Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
Mood Disorders & Maintaining Mental Health (Protocol 1)
Sponsors: AG1, LMNT & Waking Up
Major Depression
“Anti-Self” Confabulation
Autonomic (Vegetative) Symptoms of Depression
Norepinephrine, Dopamine & Serotonin
SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.): Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Epinephrine/Motor Functions, Dopamine/Motivation & Craving, Serotonin/Emotions
Physical & Emotional Pain are Linked: Substance P
Hormones & Depression: Thyroid & Cortisol
Genetic Susceptibility to Depression: Impact of Stress
Understanding Biological Mechanism Is Key: Recipes versus Skills
Tools for Dealing with Depression: Logic & Implementation (Protocol 2)
Brain Inflammation & Mental State: Cytokines, Prostaglandins, etc.
Protocol 3: Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3, EPAs: Eicosapentaenoic Acid)*
How EPAs Help Offset Depression: Serotonin Synthesis, Kynurenine, Quinolinic Acid
Protocol 4: How Exercise Offsets Depression
Protocol 5: Creatine Monohydrate, Forebrain Function & NMDA Receptors*
Protocol 6*: Ketamine, PCP (*Prescription-Only), & NMDA-Receptor Function
Protocol 7*: Psychedelics (*In Clinical Trials) for Major Depression: Psilocybin*
Protocol 8: Ketogenic Diet, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Summary of Protocols Covered
Support & Additional Resources