Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of energy, and feelings of sadness.

However, new research has shown that depression may also manifest itself in the body in a previously unknown way.

What is depression?

Depression is classified as a mood disorder that affects a person’s overall mood and emotional state. Symptoms vary between individuals, but common symptoms include:.

• Feeling sad or empty
• Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in weight (loss or gain)
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

The new research

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry has found evidence that depression may cause an increased production of a particular protein in the body.

This protein is called PGK1 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1) and is usually used by the body to produce energy. However, in people with depression, PGK1 appears to be overproduced and is causing physical changes in the body.

Researchers discovered that PGK1 can cause mitochondrial dysfunction in cells of the body, leading to poor energy production and other negative effects on overall physical functioning.

Also, PGK1 can cross the blood-brain barrier and impact brain function directly, leading to changes in mental functioning that are common in depression.

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What does this mean for people with depression?

While this is still a relatively new finding, the discovery of the potential link between depression and PGK1 has significant implications for how we approach diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Until now, depression has primarily been considered to be a mental illness, with treatment options focused on addressing the psychological and emotional factors contributing to symptoms.

However, with the discovery of the physical effects of depression, researchers may be able to develop more effective treatment options that address both the emotional and physical symptoms of the disorder.

Additionally, the discovery of the link between depression and PGK1 may lead to new diagnostic tools that can help clinicians identify people with depression at an earlier stage than current methods.

This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who are at risk of developing depression and need early intervention to prevent the onset of severe symptoms.

Conclusion

The discovery of the link between depression and PGK1 is exciting news for researchers and people with depression alike.

While this research is still in its early stages, the findings suggest that depression is more than just a mental illness – it also has physical effects on the body. We hope that this new development will lead to more effective treatments and earlier diagnoses of depression, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people around the world.