Posted by Miguel (209.42.192.28) on August 20, 2000 at 19:21:50:
In Reply to: Depression, 5HT, and seratonin. posted by Paco on August 20, 2000 at 11:23:33:
Well, you have hit the nail right on the head, so
to speak (no pun people). The way I see it, it is
irrelevant which one is first, although, if depression
was first, then anti-depresants would be answer to
CH, which apparently, although helpful, are not.
Also, do people suffering from depression also suffer
from CH? In most cases the answer is no. This is
interesting because although CH and depression
are both 5-HT dependent, people suffering from
depression somehow are able to eliminate enough
5-HT to avoid the CH attacks. This is perhaps why
people suffering from depression show lower levels
of serotonin. Now, Is CH a problem with not enough
5-HT2A receptors being made at the neural level?
Man!!! MAN!!! MAN!!
Totally unrelated, but I am writing this as I enjoy
a very nice plate of chorizo, queso manchego and
mejillones en escabeche, along a Portuguese Sagres Dark beer.
The stuff is simply orgasmic! I miss this so much when I
have my episodes...
Anyway, it is undeniable that CH sufferers show
some depression. This is probably a two-fold
problem: 1) Partly due to the 5-HT levels, 2)
Brought about by the duration, potency and desperation
to rid ones' self from the pain. The more and longer it hurts,
the more our self steem, and good spirits are affected.
In other words, partly due to depresion itself, and
partly self-inflicted. It is also a well known fact
that there is a relation between 5-HT and suicide.
Many CH sufferers considered the option at some point.
Once more, likely due to the 5-HT, as well as the
self-inflicted downward mood spiral brought about
by our condition.
What is best for this problem? Who knows. However,
an approach that has worked for me is to lower my
stress levels, and improve my moods at any cost,
hopefully without utilizing anti-depresants. In so far
it has worked well.
Interestingly enough, there is also a correlation
between psychosis, epilepsy and CH...all 5-HT related
in some way or form...
Miguel