Depression symptoms improved through targeting of metabolic deficiencies

Written by Hannah Wilson

Major depressive disorder is estimated to affect almost 15 million American adults, at least 15% of whom are not sufficiently treated by conventional therapies, including antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. A new study from researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (PA, USA) provides hope for a novel approach to treating the disorder, targeting metabolic deficiencies. The researchers first observed abnormalities in CSF levels of biopterin, an enzyme cofactor involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, 5 years ago while treating an adolescent with longstanding depression. After receiving an analogue of biopterin to correct the observed deficiency, the patient’s depression symptoms displayed drastic...

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free