Study: Insulin may play role in mood disorders

Research from the University of Toronto reveals that depression may be treated in much the same way as diabetes, the National Post reports.

The study shows that insulin may play a role in triggering mood disorders. Furthermore, treating metabolic imbalances in the brain may lead to more discoveries concerning the treatment of these conditions. Researchers say that in addition to pharmacological methods, behavioral treatments are being explored.

The study found that nearly 50 to 75 percent of depression and bipolar patients are either diabetic, obese or overweight. Upon further examination insulin plays a significant role in the development of the brain and other neurological functions.

As a result, parents may wish to enroll their child in private boarding school if they are diagnosed with depression. These learning institutions offer cognitive therapy to help adolescents overcome their condition.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 11.2 percent of teens between ages 13 and 18 will have a diagnosable case of depression. Moreover, nearly 3.3 percent currently have a severe depressive disorder.