Recurrent Brief Depression in Celiac Disease

Celiac.com 12/19/2003 - According to Italian researchers, brief but recurring bouts of depression and other mood disorders are significantly more common in those with celiac disease than those without the disorder. The researchers conducted a study that looked at 36 clinically diagnosed celiac disease patients and compared them to 144 healthy controls. The study found that those with celiac disease had "significantly elevated risks for major depressive disorders," including major depressive disorders, dysthymic disorders, adjustment disorders and panic disorders. The researchers suspect malabsorption of tryptophan, which can lead to a decrease in serotonin synthesis, as a cause for the elevated mood disorder risk. Another possible cause is the cytokines which are produced in immune reactions that may exert an effect on brain circuits related to mood regulation. More studies are necessary to determine the exact causes.