New research identifies three hormone-based biotypes in mood disorders, while another new study shows how community engagement can drive better mental health outcomes.
New Data Shows a Surprising Connection
A new Journal of Clinical Psychiatry study has revealed that individuals with major depressive and bipolar disorders fall into one of three distinct biotypes – based on their appetite hormone levels. This revelation sheds new light on how these hormones might influence cognition and inflammation in mood disorders.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 500 patients who’d received a major affective disorder. The team analyzed the participants’ insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. Using k-means cluster analysis, the study’s authors classified the participants into one of three hormone biotypes:
- High insulin/leptin with low adiponectin.
- Low insulin/leptin with high adiponectin.
- And an intermediate group.
Patients in the high insulin/leptin and low adiponectin group showed notably impaired executive function along with higher levels of inflammatory markers. Members of this group also had the highest average BMI, suggesting a strong tie between obesity, cognitive inflexibility, and systemic inflammation in mood disorders.
Despite similar clinical symptom scores across groups, this biotype demonstrated clear cognitive and biological differences, supporting the idea of distinct metabolic-inflammation profiles within affective disorders. These results also line up with mounting evidence that metabolic and immune dysfunctions could play a pivotal role in mood-related cognitive impairments.
The study’s authors stress the need for additional research to look into targeted treatments — such as anti-inflammatory or insulin-sensitizing therapies — for patients with this hormone imbalance.
Finally, the paper also highlights the potential for hormone profiling to streamline the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders.
IN OTHER PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY NEWS
- David Mischoulon, MD, PhD comments on the biotypes research by addressing the potential of biomarkers in better understanding and treating mood disorders.
- A Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders review shows that engaging communities in mental health initiatives can boost understanding and support for those with mental health disorders.
- JCP also reports on promising results with transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.
- A new report confirms that the Zero Suicide prevention model works.
- And, finally, can our grocery shopping habits reveal our political preferences?
