Depression, Vitamins and Chronic Illness

Mental health experts have studied the connection between chronic illness and depression. Correctly diagnosing and treating a particular condition means understanding its definition. The definitions of different psychological disorders are in a state of constant change.

Currently there are 3 generally recognized types of clinical depression:

1. Major Depression
2. Dysthemia
3. Bipolar Disorder

In its broadest definition, depression is the result of overwhelming thoughts such as anxiety, fear, pessimism, or helplessness being turned inward on oneself. The specific causes of a depressive disorder or event may not be clearly pinpointed, but in all cases of clinical depression, there is an underlying problem with the brain's chemistry. When depression is concurrent with chronic illness, determining whether one causes the other can be difficult.

There is evidence that illness triggers depression. There is also evidence that shows depression leads to illness. Elissa Sonnenberg's article, "Depression and Chronic Illness: Which Comes First" explains how the body and mind interact.

Many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience depression, but what causes the depression? Based on what the medical community knows about the links between vitamin deficiencies and depression, one can reasonably assume that vitamin deficiency may play a role in the mental health of CF patients.

Proper diet and nutrition is essential for people with CF; not only because it enables the body to fight of infection more easily, but because the brain needs to be in good health. Health care professionals agree that complex carbohydrates are necessary for optimal brain function. Things such as whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta serve as an excellent source of B vitamins, which deliver a supply of amino acids to the brain.

Depression can be a coinciding problem for those with chronic illness. Could something as simple as a vitamin supplement be the answer?

Credit: Shevelev Vladimir

Copyright: Shevelev Vladimir