- In a study that spanned 15 years, researchers at the University of Florida learned how a receptor called GPR158 functions in relation to depression.
- In a study of mice that experienced suppression of GPR158, they were less likely to have stress-induced depression.
- After the researchers came up with the structure of GPR158, they were then able to link it to the amino acid glycine.
Depression affects millions of people, and while numerous medications treat depression, it can be hard to find the right one.
While researching neurotransmitters, scientists at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology made a discovery that identified how an amino acid is connected to depression.
The discovery was based on more than a decade’s worth of research to learn more about how brain cell signaling works. While finding a link to depression was not the goal of the initial research, the scientists are excited about their findings since they could shape the future of depression treatments.
The findings are published in the journal Science.
According to the
While some people experience situational depression, which may come about because of circumstances (such as the death of a loved one), others experience depression for longer periods, and it can become Major Depressive Disorder.
Some signs and symptoms of depression the NIMH lists include:
- feeling sad regularly
- experiencing feelings of emptiness
- having a decrease in energy or feeling fatigued
- having trouble with sleep
- feeling thoughts of self-harm
People who experience persistent depression symptoms may need treatment. Doctors may prescribe medications, suggest therapy, or recommend lifestyle changes to help…
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