Is your major depressive disorder genetic?
Understanding the MTHFR Gene
The MTHFR gene, also known as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to process folate and homocysteine. Folate is a B vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of healthy nerve cells. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is necessary for converting folate into its active form.
Research has shown that variations in the MTHFR gene, particularly the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, can affect the enzyme’s activity and increase the risk of various health conditions, including depression. Individuals with these polymorphisms may have impaired folate metabolism, leading to elevated homocysteine levels and decreased methylation of DNA, RNA, and proteins. This disruption in the folate pathway can contribute to mental health issues, making the MTHFR gene a candidate genetic risk factor for depression.
What is MTHFR depression?
MTHFR depression refers to having one or more of the mthfr gene mutations. It is a form of clinical depression, a severe type of depression that significantly impacts a person’s emotional and physical well-being. That affects your ability to make and use your antidepressant neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) properly. Which leads to the symptoms associated with depression. Often it’s also caused by nutritional imbalances that are responsible for supporting good mental health. MTHFR depression is not unlike any other type of depression, symptoms of depression include as:
Low mood
Feeling Sad
Feeling overwhelmed
Emotional upset
Low stress tolerance
Unhappy
Irritable
Feelings of guilt
Frustration
Lack of confidence
Feeling miserable
Feeling worthless
Thoughts of suicide
Physical pain that gets you down mentally
Excessive worry
Fear
Many people who experience depression often have no idea that their genes are responsible. If you have not been tested for mthfr gene mutations and you have been diagnosed with depression. Or you have a family history of depression, its best to get tested for mthfr.
Does MTHFR cause depression?
The short answer is yes, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms (MTHFR) can cause depression but it may not. Each person who has MTHFR gene mutations responds differently, depending on their own personal symptoms of the condition.
Some people have physical symptoms, others have mental symptoms such as depression. Many have both physical and mental symptoms of MTHFR gene mutations. MTHFR gene mutations are more often than not associated with mental health problems. This is because the gene defects cause imbalances in methylation. This goes on to push your methylation cycle into over methylation or undermethylation. When this happens common symptoms of mental health problems can occur such as:
Depression
Panic attacks
ADD
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
Additive behavior
Memory problems
How does MTHFR cause depression?
MTHFR depression can be caused in several ways depending on the genes that you have been diagnosed with. Each of the gene mutations has its own effect in contributing to depression and each of these gene mutations works differently for each person. let’s take a closer look at each gene and how it causes depression.
MTHFR gene mutations are also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
There are two predominate genes that affect mthfr these include the C677T gene mutation and the other is the A1298C gene mutation. Some people are diagnosed with just one of the genes. Others are diagnosed with both, this can make a big difference when it comes to mthfr & depression.
C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and depression
Those that have the C677T gene mutation only can experience mental disorders, including depression, in several ways. This gene tends to have an indirect effect on the cause of depression through the inability to use important, essential nutrients. This is because folate metabolism is impaired and this sets up a chain reaction that leads to depression.
Reduced folate metabolism is associated with a deficiency in folate. Therefore you experience folate deficiency symptoms. Folate is needed for the brain and nerves to function properly. As well as being needed for the utilization of certain amino acids that are needed to make neurotransmitters. This means those with C677T gene mutations can get depression.
Further, the reduction in folate causing a folate deficiency affects the homocysteine cycle. So it is needed to support very important chemical reactions that protect and balance mental health. When this important cycle is disrupted depression can easily result.
When you have the C677T gene mutation. You also have a reduced ability to use other important nutrients that support mental health. Here are some examples of the symptoms as they relate to certain nutrients and mthfr depression:
Folate deficiency – anxiety, tension, depression
B group vitamin deficiency – anxiety, depression, tension, irritability, migraines, headaches, nervousness poor concentration, poor memory, constipation (serotonin deficiency), physical pain
Mineral deficiency – nervousness, constipation (serotonin deficiency), depression, confusion, irritability, addiction, neurological disorders
Essential fats deficiency – poor memory, learning difficulties, depression
Semi-essential nutrient deficiencies – nerve degeneration, senile dementia, irritability, insomnia, nervousness.
As you can see when you have the mthfr C677T gene mutation depression. It can result from an inability to properly metabolize essential nutrients that causes depression. It’s important to understand that just taking additional nutritional supplements for this condition. This is not going solve the depression and you should seek professional mthfr treatments for this problem.
A1298C gene mutations and depression
Those that have the A1298C gene mutation only. They can experience depression in a different way than those with the C677T gene mutation. This is because those with the mthfr A1298C gene mutation experience a direct effect on the neurotransmitter pathway. As a result of this means that those chemicals involved in “biopterin” or brain chemical reactions. They are at a disadvantage. Often have a reduced metabolism of important brain chemicals needed to prevent, reduce or eliminate depression.
Serotonin is one of the major brain chemicals that keep us mentally healthy, happy and is a natural antidepressant. Those with A1298C often don’t make enough serotonin. Or the serotonin that they do make gets broken down to fast, either way, depression is the result.
Tryptophan, an amino acid is also an important protein. That is needed to make serotonin, this essential protein is also disrupted by the A1298C gene. Further limiting the production of serotonin. Other amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine & arginine are also affected by the A1298C gene.
People with A1298C gene mutation are often sensitive. Because of certain chemicals that block or slow down their neurotransmitter production. Which results in mthfr depression. Often those with the A1298C gene are found to have amino acid imbalances that cause their depression. This is because many amino acids play important roles in the production of neurotransmitters. Therefore testing for amino acid imbalances can be a great way to improve or even correct mthfr depression with this gene problem.
It’s important to understand that taking amino acid supplements such as tryptophan for this condition is not advised as this can make those with the gene defect worse. So you should seek professional mthfr treatments for this problem.
Talk therapy can also be an effective treatment for managing depression in individuals with the A1298C gene mutation.
Depression Symptoms and MTHFR
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest differently in individuals. While the exact relationship between MTHFR and depression is not fully understood, research suggests that individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms may be more susceptible to depressive symptoms.
Studies have shown that individuals with the C677T polymorphism are more likely to experience severe depression, particularly in response to stress or trauma. Additionally, individuals with the A1298C polymorphism may be more prone to depression, especially in the context of folate deficiency.
Depression symptoms in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms may include:
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Fatigue or loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Understanding these symptoms and their potential link to MTHFR polymorphisms can help in identifying and managing depression more effectively.
Is your depression coming from the MTHFR gene mutation?
If you suffer from depression, also called major depressive disorder. Have a family history of depression or you identify with any of the symptoms of depression. You should also get tested for mthfr. Often depression can result for many different reasons. You may also have some of the symptoms of MTHFR that lead to depression. MTHFR gene mutations are commonly un-diagnosed in people with depression, which means that the best treatments for these people who have depression are being missed.
Diagnosing MTHFR Depression
Diagnosing depression in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms can be challenging, as the symptoms may be similar to those experienced by individuals without the polymorphisms. However, a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes genetic testing, medical history, and psychological evaluation can help identify individuals who may be at risk.
A mental health professional may use the following criteria to diagnose depression in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms:
Presence of depressive symptoms for at least two weeks
Impaired social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
Presence of at least five of the following symptoms:- Depressed mood
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities
Significant weight loss or gain
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
This thorough approach ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and that the treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Are you feeling depressed from your MTHFR treatments?
People who have been diagnosed with a mthfr gene mutations are often told to take active forms of folate. For many of these people, it is the wrong thing to do, this is because activated folate supplements are not for everyone with the gene problem and in fact can lead a person with the condition into a deep depression. And even suicide through methyl trapping. There are many supplements prescribed for mthfr patients that can cause severe depression, these include:
L-methylfolate
5 MTHF
L-5-MTHF
If you take any of these supplements and notice any depression you should contact a mthfr professional immediately.
Folic acid & folate pathway genetic polymorphisms in MTHFR depression
Folic acid is a man made a synthetic substance that is added to the food supply. It is also found in vitamin and mineral supplements. This substance can also cause depression in those with mthfr gene mutations. Folic acid can build up in the body and act as an inhibitor to natural folate uptake. Which leads to imbalances in methylation that results in depression. People with mthfr can not tolerate folic acid as they already have a reduced ability to metabolize folate. Which increases the risk of depression.
MTHFR depression treatments
Getting the right treatment for depression also matters the cause is extremely important. When you have mthfr the last thing you want to be doing is getting the same treatment as everyone else for depression. This is because your genes are different and so. Hence common depression treatments are not as likely to be as effective. As a depression treatment that works with your individual gene mutation/s. Specific treatments designed to work with your gene mutation have better outcomes. Work to support multiple problem areas at the same time. Which improves mood, increases health and helps prevent many health problems. That is associated with mthfr gene problems.
Brain stimulation therapy is being researched as a potential treatment for depression, especially for those who do not respond to traditional treatments.
Did you have any questions about MTHFR depression? Contact us here.
Research and Statistics
Research on the relationship between MTHFR and depression is ongoing, and several studies have reported significant associations between the two. Here are some statistics and findings:
A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that individuals with the C677T polymorphism were at increased risk of developing depression (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.23-1.66).
A study of 100 individuals with major depressive disorder found that 40% had the C677T polymorphism, compared to 20% of healthy controls.
A review of 15 studies found that folate supplementation was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms.
A study of 50 individuals with bipolar disorder found that 60% had the A1298C polymorphism, compared to 30% of healthy controls.
Overall, while the relationship between MTHFR and depression is complex and not fully understood, research suggests that individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms may be at increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and to develop effective treatment strategies.
