The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think

Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by spiffytech on Thursday January 26, 2023 @12:24PM (#34534954)

I have a genetic mutation called MTHFR C677T, which means my body doesn't process vitamin B9 with the necessary efficiency. B9 is upstream of regulating the quantities of monoamine neurotransmitters the brain synthesizes (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinepherine).

(Not everyone with an MTHFR mutation experiences symptoms. For a long time I didn't. Best guess is my body changed after a period of intense stress.)

I take L-Methylfolate 15mg, which bypasses my digestion and provides my body with the processed materials directly.

The brand name for this is Deplin, which requires a prescription. I just switched to over-the-counter L-Methylfolate - it remains to be seen if it's as effective.

Fun fact: once I started taking Deplin, I had to come off of all my traditional antidepressants. They were at max dosage and having no effect, but once my brain was flooded with neurotransmitters, all the antidepressant side effects kicked in, including (perversely) amplifying depression symptoms.

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by bnjms on Thursday January 26, 2023 @05:46PM (#34539983)

How did you find out about the MTHFR mutation? How was it tested for?

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by spiffytech on Thursday January 26, 2023 @05:55PM (#34540056)

I took a mail-in genetic test from Genomind. I didn't understand the significance of the result until I was coincidentally prescribed Deplin and mentioned the mood change to my ADHD coach, who connected the dots.

Having a concrete scientific explanation for the empirical result I was seeing was a great confidence booster, bolstered some hypotheses I had, and helped me identify next steps in my journey.

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by kayodelycaon on Thursday January 26, 2023 @06:39PM (#34540436)

I have the same MTHFR mutation. Deplin really helped with some serious short-memory issues. Can’t speak for the depression aspect since I’m bipolar. Too much noise to signal.

Over the counter should be identical. I only prefer the prescription because it’s regulated and less likely to be fake. :)

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by slv77 on Friday January 27, 2023 @08:33AM (#34545763)

TMG (betaine) utilizes an alternate methylation pathway and for me was life changing.

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by resters on Thursday February 02, 2023 @07:11AM (#34625476)

I'm curious if you noticed any other health changes/improvements after starting L-Methylfolate.

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Re:The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think by spiffytech on Thursday February 02, 2023 @11:05AM (#34628493)

I didn't notice anything else, but the mood impact was all I was paying attention to.

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