Posted by kka on November 9, 2003, at 14:47:13
In reply to Re: motivation needed » Clayton, posted by Cruz on November 9, 2003, at 14:12:03
Your research on the endocrine systen is very interesting!
I have been on a similar quest as Clayton to understand the biochemical basis for my depression and social phobia. I began over 20 years ago. The direction it has taken me is to endocrine system function and not seritonin, NE or dopamine. If you think the neurotransmitters are poorly understood, look into endocrine systems and you will see equally poor understanding.
> About 15 years ago I began to suspect that the hormonal protein Inhibin B might be a factor in my own disorder. Through the years evidence has convinced me that I do not produce enough Inhibin B. I think it plays a role in the circadian rythym of endocrine hormones. It looks like it may be many years more till this will be confirmed in research studies. It is known that Inhibin B suppresses the secreation of FSH. Because of this researchers were trying to see if it had potential as a male contraceptive, but when they measured significant levels of Inhibin B in brain and spinal fluid they concluded that Inhibin B had a larger role than just suppressing FSH. This larger role has not been identified. You see studies done lately on PMS, menopause and other areas where they do note the low levels of Inhibin B, but seem to discount any significance, saying its only function is to suppress FSH. They seem to have not done their homework. Inhibin B has a large role in our endocrine systems. When researcher will wake up and try to understand this is anyones guess.
> In my opinion the current popular monominergic theories of mood disorders have more holes than a wedge of swiss cheese. We suffers more than anyone want to understand the biochemical basis of our problem. Unfortunatly the knowledge is not available yet.
> When I read were people claim a particular med treats a certain symptom of a mood disorder by raising or blocking reuptake of seritonin, NE , or dopamine, and by adding another med to work synergistically with the other to do something else, I don't see the logic. No manufacturer of any med for mental illness has ever claimed to know the mode of action of their product.You are so right on this.....very confusing!!!
> Now I think pharmacuetical company's are both our saviours and sabetuers at the same time. We have to rely on their current meds to funtion as best we can, but they drive research and there is little incentive for them to really understand the biochemical problem in mental illness. They work at developing new synthetic chemicals that will be profitable. Say for example if many of us had a hormonal protein that was in excess or below what was needed for proper mental function, like thyroid hormones(which was discovered in the 1930's) and all we needed was more or less of such hormone. Pharmacueticals see little profit in this.
They are certainly in for the money very scary!!
> By the way I am currently taking 120 mg of Strattera for my atypical depression and social phobia. Been on it 6 weeks and its not doing very much maybe a little. The main side effect problem is getting to sleep and early morning wakening and then sleep attacks later. Looking to add something like maybe Trazadone. Best of luck.
I am really thinking about giving Strattera a try Best of Luck to you!
poster:kka
thread:276941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277941.html